Subclass 485 vs. 189 | Detailed Guide to Australian PR Options

Are you planning to stay in Australia a little longer? But you are confused between Subclass 485 vs. 189. Here is the complete guide to both temporary and permanent visa details.

This guide will answer all your questions, such as:

• What are the key differences between subclass 485 and 189?
• What is the purpose and duration of both visas?
• How do the eligibility criteria for both visas differ?
• How does subclass 486 lead to permanent residency?
• What are the other visa options?
• How do subclass 485 and 189 pave the path to permanent residency?

So, let’s get started with the detailed overview of the subclass 485 and 189.

Overview: Subclass 485 vs. 189

Australia makes the future of millions of people by giving them unlimited opportunities. The subclass 485 vs. 189 is counted among those chances. 

Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa is a kind of temporary visa. This visa is especially for students who have graduated from Australian institutions. Thus, this visa allows the students to stay and work in Australia even after graduation. Hence, they can easily use their skills to get their dream jobs.

The ratio of subclass 485 visa holders is very high in the world. Also, this visa can further open the doors to permanent residency. So, according to immigration experts,

“The visa is very popular among international students who get their education from Australia. So, almost 80% of visa applications are accepted.”

On the other hand, a Subclass 189 skilled independent visa is a permanent solution. Anyone who has specific qualifications and skills can apply for this visa. Thus, the visa holder will get the PR (permanent residency) in Australia. Moreover, it will give the freedom to work anywhere in Australia. 

Both visa types have many differences in the eligibility criteria and processes. So, let’s have a look at the differences.

Key Differences between the Subclass 485 vs 189

There are major differences between the two popular visas.

1. Purpose and duration of stay: Subclass 485 vs 189

Subclass 485 gives the chance to work in Australia after graduation. Recently, the new updates have categorized the stay duration for different students:

• Up to 2 years (Bachelor student)
• Up to 2 years (Masters student with coursework)
• Up to 3 years ( Masters student with research or PhD student)
• Up to 5 years (Hong Kong or British national student)

Subclass 189 has the purpose of selecting skilled people from the world. Then, the Australian government grants the visa and permanent residency to such people. Thus, they contribute to the economy in a positive way. The duration of stay is forever for a lifetime. 

2. Work rights and occupation: Subclass 485 vs 189

Everyone who is dreaming of doing hard work in Australia can choose subclass 485 or 189.

Because both visas give full work rights to the visa holders. 

So the person can work without any hours restrictions.  

Moreover, there is a difference in occupation criteria. In the case of subclass 485, the occupation must be on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). This list may include engineers, IT experts, or healthcare professionals.

On the other hand, in case subclass 189 SOL (Skilled Occupation list) is valid. Thus, this list has demanding professionals such as software experts, doctors, nurses etc.

3. Eligibility requirements

Subclass 485 has the following requirements.

• The applicant must be below 50 years old.
• The applicant must have a complete two-year degree in Australia. 
• The clearance of English skill tests such as IELTS.
• The visa application must be submitted within the first six months of the educational course.

Subclass 189 has the following requirements.

• The applicant must have the age below 45.
• The test score of Australian Immigration Points must be at least 65.
• A positive skill assessment for an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL).
• Clearance of health and charter tests.

Here is the table of comparison: Subclass 485 vs. 189.

Feature	Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate Visa)	Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa)
Visa Type	Temporary work visa	Permanent residency visa
Duration	18 months to 4 years	Indefinite (Permanent Residency)
Eligibility	For recent Australian graduates	Based on points system (65 points minimum)
Occupation List	No specific occupation list	Must be on MLTSSL (Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List)
Pathway to PR	No direct pathway	Direct permanent residency
Points Requirement	No points test required	Must pass points test
Application Fees	AUD 1,680	AUD 4,115
Health Insurance	Mandatory during stay	Not required, but recommended
Work Rights	Full work rights for visa duration	Full work rights as a permanent resident
Processing Time	4 to 6 months	7 to 9 months

Comparison with Other Visas: Subclass 600, 482, 491, 489, and 481

Here is a detailed comparison of the different types of visas.

Visa Subclass	Purpose	Duration	Pathway to PR (Permanent Residency)	Eligibility Requirements	Work Rights	Application Fees
Subclass 600	Visitor Visa (Tourism, business)	Up to 12 months	No pathway to PR	Meet health and character requirements	No work rights	AUD 150+
Subclass 482	Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa	2 to 4 years	Yes, under certain streams	Job sponsorship required	Yes, full work rights	AUD 1,290 – AUD 2,690
Subclass 491	Skilled Work Regional Visa (Provisional)	Up to 5 years	Yes, after 3 years of regional work	Points-based, regional sponsorship	Yes, full work rights	AUD 4,240
Subclass 489	Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa	Up to 4 years	Yes, after regional work	Points-based, regional sponsorship	Yes, full work rights	AUD 3,755
Subclass 485	Temporary Graduate Visa	18 months to 4 years	No direct pathway but provides work experience	Recent graduates of Australian institutions	Yes, full work rights	AUD 1,680
Subclass 481	No specific subclass 481	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Pathway to Permanent Residency: Subclass 485 vs. 189

Many people get a straight pathway from subclass 485 to permanent residency. 

The first option is subclass 189, which gives permanent residency to people who have experience in any skilled profession. Also, the people apply for 189 or 190 subclass visas. Both visas offer permanent residency. 

So, many people find good job opportunities in Australia while having subclass 485. Then, they apply for the subclass 189, or 190. 

The only difference is the visa type; otherwise, both give permanent residency. In the case of subclass 190, there is a need for nomination from the authorities in Australia.

Final Verdict

The subclass 485 vs. 189 is a debate till you don’t know about the details. So, first, check out the eligibility criteria. So, if you are studying in Australia, then subclass 485 is the best choice. However, if you are a skilled person with the quality of experience, then subclass 189 is the best choice.

So, hurry up and fill out the form from our website and start your dream journey in Australia.

FAQs

What is the primary purpose of the Subclass 485 visa?

The Subclass 485 visa allows international students who have recently graduated from an Australian educational institution to live and work in Australia temporarily. It is designed to help graduates gain relevant work experience in their field of study.

Can I transition from a Subclass 485 visa to a Subclass 189 visa?

Yes, many individuals on a Subclass 485 visa aim to apply for a Subclass 189 visa once they have gained sufficient work experience and meet the eligibility criteria, including the points test and occupation requirements.

What are the key differences between the Subclass 485 and Subclass 189 visas?

The Subclass 485 visa is temporary and focuses on allowing graduates to gain work experience, while the Subclass 189 visa is a permanent residency visa aimed at skilled workers who meet specific criteria. The Subclass 485 is time-limited, whereas the Subclass 189 grants indefinite residency in Australia.