Skilled-Recognised Graduate visa (subclass 476)

The Skilled-Recognised Graduate visa (subclass 476) is a visa that allows recent engineering graduates to live, work, or study in Australia for up to 18 months. To be eligible for this visa, you must have completed a degree or higher qualification in engineering from a specified institution within the past 2 years and be under 31 years of age.

Process

In order to apply for the Skilled-Recognised Graduate visa (subclass 476), you must meet the following criteria:

• Be under 31 years of age
• Have completed an engineering degree at a specified educational institution in the past 2 years
• Not have previously been the primary visa holder of a subclass 476 or 485 visa

If you meet these criteria, you can proceed with the visa application process. It is important to note that you should provide accurate information and include all the necessary documents to support your application. Failure to do so may result in delays or a refusal of your visa application.

With this visa, you can

With the Skilled-Recognised Graduate visa (subclass 476), you have the following privileges:

• Travel, work, and study in Australia

How long can you stay?

The Skilled-Recognised Graduate visa (subclass 476) is a temporary visa that allows you to stay in Australia for up to 18 months. It is important to note that you cannot extend this visa to stay longer. If you wish to stay in Australia beyond the validity period of this visa, you will need to apply for another visa.

Include family

If you are applying for the Skilled-Recognised Graduate visa (subclass 476), you can include members of your family unit in your application. However, they must meet the health and character requirements set by the Australian immigration authorities. You can add your children to the application until a decision is made, but you cannot add any other member of the family unit during that period.

Subsequent entrants

If your visa application is granted, your family members may be able to apply to join you in Australia later as subsequent entrants. They must apply online in ImmiAccount as subsequent entrants. It is important to note that they must meet the eligibility criteria and provide all the required documents for their application.

Cost

The cost of the Skilled-Recognised Graduate visa (subclass 476) varies depending on the main applicant and any family members included in the application. In addition to the visa application charge, there may be other costs for health checks, police certificates, and biometrics. To determine the exact cost of your visa, you can use the Visa Pricing Estimator. Please note that this estimator does not include additional costs.

Applying for the visa

You can apply for the Skilled-Recognised Graduate visa (subclass 476) online. The application can be submitted from inside or outside Australia. However, if you are in Australia, you will not be eligible for a Bridging visa to remain in the country while your application is being processed. It is important to provide accurate information and include all the required documents to avoid delays or a refusal of your application.

Processing times

The processing times for the Skilled-Recognised Graduate visa (subclass 476) can vary. It is recommended to use the visa processing time guide tool for an indication of the processing times for recently decided applications. However, please note that this tool provides general processing times and may not be specific to your application. Factors such as incorrect or incomplete information, additional document requests, or verification of information may prolong the processing time of your application.

Obligations

If you are granted the Skilled-Recognised Graduate visa (subclass 476), you and your family members must meet all visa conditions and obey Australian laws. Failure to comply with these obligations may result in the cancellation of your visa and other legal consequences.

Travel

With the Skilled-Recognised Graduate visa (subclass 476), you can travel outside Australia and return as many times as you want while the visa is valid. It is important to note that the time you spend outside Australia does not extend the validity of the visa.

Visa label

Your Skilled-Recognised Graduate visa (subclass 476) will be digitally linked to your passport. You will not receive a physical label in your passport.

COVID-19 Concessions

Skilled-Recognised Graduate (subclass 476) visa holders affected by COVID-19 international travel restrictions may be eligible for a visa extension. This extension allows eligible visa holders to enter or remain in Australia until 14 April 2024. To be eligible for a visa extension, you must meet certain criteria, such as holding a Skilled-Recognised Graduate visa granted before 14 December 2021 and not having had your visa cancelled. It is important to check the specific requirements and eligibility criteria for the visa extension.

Engineering qualifications from a specified educational institution

In order to be eligible for the Skilled-Recognised Graduate visa (subclass 476), you must have engineering qualifications from a specified educational institution. This includes completing an engineering course for which you were awarded a degree or higher qualification in the last 2 years. The qualification must be in an engineering discipline, such as civil engineering, structural engineering, chemical engineering, and more. The educational institution must be specified and accredited under the Washington Accord or meet other specified criteria. It is important to provide evidence of your qualifications and the specified educational institution where you completed your engineering degree.

Age requirement

To be eligible for the Skilled-Recognised Graduate visa (subclass 476), you must be under 31 years of age. This age requirement ensures that recent engineering graduates have the opportunity to live, work, or study in Australia for a certain period of time after completing their degree.

Previous visa holders

If you have previously been the primary holder of a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) or a Skilled-Recognised Graduate visa (subclass 476), you may not be eligible for the Skilled-Recognised Graduate visa (subclass 476) again. It is important to note your previous visa history and ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for the visa you are applying for.

Health and character requirements

In order to be granted the Skilled-Recognised Graduate visa (subclass 476), you and your family members must meet the health and character requirements set by the Australian immigration authorities. This includes providing police certificates from each country you have lived in for 12 months or more during the past 10 years after turning 16 years of age. It is important to arrange for health exams and police certificates when requested to avoid delays in the processing of your visa application.

English language requirement

To prove your English language proficiency, you must provide evidence of meeting the English language requirements. This includes having a valid passport from the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada, New Zealand, or the Republic of Ireland. Alternatively, you can provide test results from internationally recognized English language tests, such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based Test (TOEFL iBT), Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic), Occupational English Test (OET), or Cambridge C1 Advanced test. It is important to meet the English language requirement to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively in an English-speaking environment.

Australian values statement

If you are 18 years of age or older, you must read or have the Life in Australia booklet explained to you and sign an Australian Values Statement. This statement confirms that you will respect the Australian way of life and obey Australian laws. It is important to understand and abide by the values and laws of Australia as a visa holder.

Debt to the Australian government

If you or any family members owe the Australian Government money, you must have paid it back or arranged to pay it back before applying for the Skilled-Recognised Graduate visa (subclass 476). This ensures that you have fulfilled your financial obligations to the Australian government.

Visa outcome

After you have applied for the Skilled-Recognised Graduate visa (subclass 476), you will be notified in writing when your application and documents have been received. The outcome of your visa application will also be communicated to you in writing. If your visa is granted, you will be provided with your visa grant number, the date your visa starts, and your visa conditions. If your visa is refused, the reasons for the refusal will be provided, and you may have the right to a review of the decision. Please note that the application charge is non-refundable in case of visa refusal.

If your Skilled-Recognised Graduate visa (subclass 476) is granted, you may want to consider withdrawing any other undecided visa applications you have lodged. It is also important to be aware of your visa conditions, comply with Australian laws, and fulfill your obligations as a visa holder.

Before leaving for Australia, it is essential to check your travel documents, such as a valid visa and passport. Upon arrival in Australia, you will need to complete an Incoming Passenger Card and follow the necessary procedures at the airport. While in Australia, you must comply with the visa conditions, inform the authorities of any changes in your circumstances, and be aware of the duration of your stay.

When leaving Australia, ensure that you have a valid passport or other travel document. There may be an automated process using facial recognition technology and your ePassport to expedite your departure from the airport.

After leaving Australia, you may be eligible to access your superannuation if you have worked in Australia and meet certain criteria. Additionally, you can request your international movement records to obtain proof of your travel in and out of Australia.

The Skilled-Recognised Graduate visa (subclass 476) offers recent engineering graduates the opportunity to live, work, or study in Australia for up to 18 months. It is important to meet the eligibility criteria, provide accurate information, and submit all the required documents to ensure a smooth visa application process. Compliance with visa conditions, Australian laws, and obligations as a visa holder is essential throughout your stay in Australia.