International Graduates

After graduating, eligible international students in Australia can access the career and lifestyle opportunities in Victoria through a number of pathways to permanent residency. These pathways include independent visas, state or territory sponsored visas or employer and relative sponsored visas.

To find out more about your full range of visa options as an international graduate, visit the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) website.

Support for international graduates

International graduates can also attend free industry seminars for information about making a quick transition into the Victorian workforce. Information is also provided on this website about finding a job in Victoria including specific career information for recent graduates.

The Victorian Government also provides free visa sponsorship for eligible international graduates with specific skills, who have completed their studies in Australia and want to live and work in Victoria. State sponsorship can give you the points you need to obtain a provisional or permanent residence visa, and you can stay in Australia while your visa application is being processed.

Visa options for international students

There are a number of pathways to permanent residency for graduating international students who want to launch their career in Victoria.

Skilled – Independent (885) visa

The Skilled – Independent (885) visa provides permanent residence. To qualify, you must meet DIAC’s basic requirements and score at least 120 points on the DIAC points test. Find out more about the Skilled – Independent (885) visa.

Skilled – Sponsored (886) visa

The Skilled – Sponsored (886) visa provides permanent residence. To qualify, you must meet DIAC’s basic requirements and obtain sponsorship from a state or territory government or from an eligible relative living in Australia. For Victorian Government sponsorship you must have an occupation on the Skilled – Sponsored (886) Eligibility List for Graduates. Find out more about the Skilled – Sponsored (886) visa.

Skilled – Regional Sponsored (487) visa

The Skilled – Regional Sponsored (487) visa is a provisional temporary visa that provides a pathway to permanent residence. To qualify, you must meet DIAC’s basic requirements and obtain sponsorship from a state or territory government or from an eligible relative living in Victoria. For Victorian Government sponsorship, you must have either an occupation on the Skilled – Regional Sponsored (475 and 487) Eligibility List, or an offer of employment in regional Victoria. Find out more about the Skilled – Regional Sponsored (487) visa.

Skilled – Graduate (485) visa

The Skilled – Graduate (485) visa is a temporary visa that gives you up to 18 months to gain the skills and experience needed to apply for a permanent or provisional General Skilled Migration visa. Find out more about the Skilled – Graduate (485) visa.

International Graduates who have applied for a Skilled – Graduate (485) visa, and who are interested in applying for State sponsorship, must be granted their 485 visa prior to making an application for Victorian Government sponsorship.

Skilled – Graduate (485) visa holders can also access free support through the Victorian Government’s Global Skills for Provincial Victoria (GSPV) initiative.

Further information

To discuss your options for State sponsorship or any other queries, please Contact Us.

Also See

Related Sites

Last updated: September 2009

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State Government of Victoria