Check Your Eligibility
Australia Graduate Visa Subclass 476
What is Australia Graduate Visa Subclass 476?
The Australia Graduate Visa Subclass 476 allows engineering graduates to enter, reside, and work in the country for 18 months. Visa requirements stipulate that the applicant must have completed their university degree within the past two years. However, if the applicant does not hold a subclass 485 or subclass 476 visa, they may still be eligible for this visa. Additionally, the applicant must be no older than 31 years of age.
Once granted Visa Subclass 476, the individual can extend their stay in the country by renewing this visa, as they are not eligible to apply for another Skilled-Recognized Graduate visa. While the application can be submitted from anywhere in the world, upon visa approval, the individual must leave Australia. However, during their residency in the country, the visa holder is permitted to visit their family.
Documents required
To apply for a 476 visa, you need to gather several documents:
Valid Passport: Provide a copy of the information pages from your passport along with any relevant ID cards. If you’ve undergone a name change, include documentation demonstrating this.
Qualifying Credential Records: Submit copies of your transcripts, along with a letter of completion indicating the dates of course completion, to prove that you hold an engineering degree from a recognized university.
Language Proficiency: Present language test results demonstrating proficiency at an advanced level when applying for the visa.
Proof of Character.
Proof of Medical Fitness.
If applying with your partner, include:
- Valid identity proof
- Marriage papers
- Proof of relationship
For dependents under 18, include:
- Birth certificate
- Parental permission form 1229
- Statutory declaration
Who can apply for Subclass Visa 476?
You are eligible to apply for this visa if:
- You are under 31 years of age.
- You hold an engineering degree from a recognized institution.
- Your engineering degree falls under one of the following disciplines:
- Civil engineering
- Structural engineering
- Chemical engineering
- Environmental engineering
- Electrical and electronics engineering
- Mechanical, production, and plant engineering
- Mining and material engineering
- You have completed one of these degrees within the last two years:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Master’s degree
- Doctoral degree
- Postgraduate degree
If you previously held a temporary graduate visa 485 or a skilled graduate visa 476, you cannot apply for visa 476 unless you did so as a family member of the primary applicant.
Language proficiency requirements
You must show proof of passing one of the required international English language examinations, as specified by the Department of Home Affairs, in order to obtain a visa 476:
Test |
Points |
|---|---|
|
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) |
6 points at least with a minimum of 5 points for each test component. |
|
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language- internet-based Test) |
64 points in total with minimum points for each test component: Listening: 4 Reading: 4 Writing: 14 Speaking: 14 |
|
PTE (Pearson Test of English Academic) |
50 points in total with minimum points of 36 for each component. |
|
OET (Occupational English Test) |
B for each test component. |
|
Cambridge C1 Advanced test |
169 points in total with a minimum of 154 in each test component. |
To obtain a visa 476, you must provide proof of passing one of the required international English language examinations, as specified by the Department of Home Affairs. These examinations are recognized from the following countries:
- United Kingdom
- United States of America
- Canada
- New Zealand
- Republic of Ireland
Processing time for Australia Graduate Visa Subclass 476
While the Australian Embassy states that the processing time for the 476 visa typically ranges from 10 to 12 months, applicants who can demonstrate their eligibility through thorough documentation may receive their visa much sooner than a year. The validity of the 476 visa is 18 months from the date of issuance, and it does not permit extended stays.
Cost of the visa: The principal applicant must pay AUD $405 for the 476 visa. Additionally, an extra charge is required for each dependent.
Eligible Universities: All educational institutions offering engineering degrees with Washington Accord accreditation are recognized. However, if your institute is not recognized by the Washington Accord, you will need a degree from one of the following institutions.
Country |
Institution |
|---|---|
|
Argentina |
Catholic University of Argentina |
|
Brazil |
Federal University of Minas Gerais |
|
Chile |
University of Chile Universidad Catolica del Norte Catholic University of Chile -Antofagasta University of Concepcion |
|
Finland |
HUT, Helsinki |
|
Germany |
Technical University of Berlin Technical University of Clausthal University of Hannover RWTH, Aachen TU Bergakademie Freiberg |
|
Hungary |
University of Miskolc |
|
Iran |
Amir Kabir University of Technology University of Tehran |
|
ECI China |
Beijing Normal University Beijing Petroleum University Beijing University of Chemical Technology Beijing University of Technology (formerly Beijing Polytechnic University) China University of Mining & Technology—Beijing Guangzhou University Shanghai University of Engineering Science Shanghai Jiaotong University Tongji University Tsinghua University University of Science and Technology—Beijing |
|
Philippines |
Wroclaw University of Technology |
|
Slovakia |
TU Kosice |
|
Sweden |
Lulea University of Technology |
To obtain permanent residency in Australia after holding a Subclass 476 visa, follow these steps:
- Complete your engineering degree from a recognized university.
- Take an English language test to demonstrate proficiency.
- Verify your visa eligibility for permanent residency.
- Begin the online application process for permanent residency.
- Submit all necessary paperwork required for permanent residency.
- Pay the required fees for the permanent residency application.
- Await approval and verification of your permanent residency application.
It’s important to note that the Subclass 476 visa is valid for only 18 months and can be converted into permanent residency upon finding employment in Australia.
Here are several strategies to consider for applying for permanent residency after securing employment:
- Employer Nomination Scheme visa: If nominated by an Australian company for a skilled position within the organization, you can apply for this visa, particularly if you have relevant work experience in the country.
- Skilled Independent Visa: You may apply for this visa if you wish to permanently live and work in Australia. However, ensure you score a minimum of 60 points on the test as this visa is point-tested.
- Skilled Regional Visa: If you have previously held a Subclass 476 visa and resided in a regional area of Australia, you are eligible to apply for this visa, even if you are relocating for work purposes.
- Skilled Nominated Visa: If nominated by an Australian state or territory, you can apply for this visa, which allows for permanent residency.