Australia Graduate Visa Subclass 476: Eligibility and Application Guide

Key Takeaways:

• The 476 Visa allows recent engineering graduates to live, work, and study in Australia for 18 months.

• Required documents include passport, qualification documents, English proficiency proof, and character evidence; specific additional documents for dependents.

• Eligibility criteria include being under 31, holding a recent engineering degree in specific disciplines, and meeting English language requirements.

What Is a 476 Visa?

A 476 Visa, also known as the Skilled Recognised Graduate Visa, is a valuable opportunity for recent engineering graduates wanting to work, live, and study in Australia. This visa caters specifically to those who have obtained their degrees from accredited institutions.

What Are the Document Requirements for a 476 Visa?

Before applying for the 476 Visa, ensure you have the following documents ready:

• Passport: A copy of the information pages from your passport and other identification documents, including any ID cards or name change documents.
• Qualification Documents: Submit a copy of your transcripts and a completion letter, detailing the dates you finished your courses. This proves you have an engineering degree from a recognized institution.
• Proof of English Proficiency: Evidence showing you meet the English language requirements.
• Proof of Character
• Assisting Forms: Depending on assistance, you’ll need to submit either form 956 or form 956a.

If you are applying with your partner, include:
– Their identification documents
– Marriage certificate
– Proof of relationship

For dependents under 18, include:
– Birth certificate or family book
– Parental permission form 1229
– Statutory declaration

Who Is Eligible to Apply for a 476 Visa?

To be eligible for the 476 Visa, ensure you meet the following criteria:

• Age: You must be under 31 years of age.
• Educational Qualification: You must have an engineering degree in one of the following disciplines: Civil, Structural, Chemical, Environmental, Electrical and Electronics, Mechanical, Production and Plant, or Mining and Material Engineering.
• Recent Graduate: Your engineering degree must have been completed in the last two years.
• Degree Types: Accepted degrees include Bachelors, Masters, Doctoral, and Postgraduate degrees.

If you have held a temporary graduate visa (485) or a skilled graduate visa (476) previously, you are not eligible unless you were a family member of the main applicant.

Which Universities Are Recognized for a 476 Visa?

Your educational qualification must be from an institution accredited under the Washington Accord, or from one of the following universities:

• Argentina: Catholic University of Argentina
• Brazil: Federal University of Minas Gerais
• Chile: Universidad Catolica del Norte, Catholic University of Chile, University of Chile, University of Concepcion
• Finland: HUT, Helsinki
• Germany: RWTH Aachen, Technical University Berlin, Technical University Clausthal, TU Bergakademie Freiberg, University of Hannover
• Hungary: University of Miskolc
• India: Anna University Chennai, Banaras Hindu University Varanasi, Indian Institute of Science Bangalore, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Indian School of Mines Dhanbad
• Iran: Amir Kabir University of Technology, University of Tehran
• China: Beijing Normal University, Beijing Petroleum University, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing University of Technology, China University of Mining and Technology, Guangzhou University, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Tongji University, Tsinghua University, University of Science and Technology Beijing
• Philippines: University of the Philippines
• Poland: Wroclaw University of Technology
• Slovakia: TU Kosice
• Sweden: Lulea University of Technology
• Tanzania: University of Dar es Salaam

What Are the English Language Requirements?

To qualify, you must meet the required scores in one of the following English language tests:

• IELTS: At least 6 points overall with no less than 5 in each component.
• TOEFL (iBT): Total score of 64 with minimum scores of 4 in listening, 4 in reading, 14 in writing, and 14 in speaking.
• PTE Academic: Total score of 50 with at least 36 in each component.
• OET: Grade B in each test component.
• Cambridge C1 Advanced: Total score of 169 with no less than 154 in each component.

You are exempt from these tests if you have a passport from the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada, New Zealand, or the Republic of Ireland.

How to Apply for a Skilled Recognized Graduate Visa (476)?

To apply, follow these steps:

1. Prepare Your Documents: Ensure you have scanned copies of all required documents.
2. Submit Online Application: Use ImmiAccount for submitting your application and paying the visa fee.
3. Await Processing: Be patient as this process can take from 12 to 17 months. Ensure you respond promptly to any inquiries to avoid delays.

For detailed steps, you can visit the Department of Home Affairs.

What Is the Cost of a 476 Visa?

The application fee for the 476 Visa is AUD410. Additional charges apply if you are including family members.

How Long Does It Take to Process a 476 Visa?

Processing times for the 476 Visa can vary. Typically, it takes at least a year, but some applications may extend beyond 17 months. Any missing information or delays in correspondence can affect the processing time.

How Long Is the 476 Visa Valid?

The 476 Visa is valid for 18 months from the date it is issued. This visa cannot be extended beyond this period.

Can You Extend a 476 Visa?

No, you cannot extend a 476 Visa. If you wish to continue staying in Australia, you may need to apply for another type of visa, such as a sponsored or permanent visa.

Can Family Members Join on a 476 Visa?

Yes, you can include close family members such as your spouse/partner, children, or grandchildren in your application. They can also join you later as subsequent entrants after you have received your visa.

Can I Travel With a 476 Visa?

Yes, you are free to travel in and out of Australia as long as your 476 Visa remains valid.

How Can You Convert a 476 Visa to Permanent Residency in Australia?

To stay longer in Australia beyond the 18 months validity of your 476 Visa, you might consider applying for a permanent work visa. Each type of permanent visa, such as a state-nominated visa, will have specific conditions like receiving a nomination from an Australian state or territory.

If your 476 Visa expires while your new visa is being processed, ensure you apply for a bridging visa to stay in Australia legally.

• “Please remember, if your 476 Visa expires while your new visa is being processed, you’ll need a bridging visa to remain legally in Australia.”

Learn Today:

Glossary of Immigration Terms

1. 476 Visa (Skilled Recognised Graduate Visa): A temporary visa for recent engineering graduates from recognized institutions, allowing them to live, work, and study in Australia for up to 18 months.

2. Accredited Institution: An educational establishment that meets specific recognition criteria, such as those under the Washington Accord, ensuring that degrees from these institutions are accepted for visa purposes.

3. Proof of English Proficiency: Documentation or test scores (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic) demonstrating that an applicant meets the English language requirements necessary for the visa application.

4. Dependent: A family member, such as a spouse, partner, or child under 18, who can be included in the primary applicant’s visa application and is dependent on the applicant for support.

5. Bridging Visa: A temporary visa that allows individuals to legally stay in Australia while their new visa application is being processed, especially when their current visa is set to expire.

This Article In A Nutshell:

A 476 Visa, or Skilled Recognised Graduate Visa, lets recent engineering grads work, live, and study in Australia. Requirements include an engineering degree from recognized universities. Costing AUD410, it lasts 18 months with no extensions. Family members can join. Afterward, consider permanent residency options. Travel is allowed, but plan future visas wisely.
— By VisaVerge.com

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