Skilled Recognised Graduate Visa Subclass 476 Austraila

The Australia skilled recognised graduate visa subclass 476 is designed for engineering graduates to come and reside and work in the country for 18 months. 

It is an exciting opportunity for engineers since it provides them with the ability to reside and work in a nation that is highly acclaimed for its great culture, competitive salaries, and quality lifestyle.

For new engineering graduates who want to establish a career in Australia, this visa route is the main entry point to receiving either a provisional skilled visa or permanent residency.

This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the information about the Australian visa subclass 476, the benefits of Australia visa subclass 476, and every other information. But before moving ahead, let us explain the meaning of the 476 Skilled Recognized Graduate Visa. 

What is an Australia subclass 476 visa? 

Australia graduate visa subclass 476 enables engineering graduates to enter the nation, live there, and work there for 18 months. Visa requirements specify that you must have earned your university degree within the last two years. 

However, if the applicant does not possess a subclass 485 or subclass 476 visa, they may be granted this visa. They shouldn't be older than 31 years of age.  Once you acquire visa subclass 476, you can continue residing in the country by extending this visa, as you can't apply for another skilled-recognized graduate visa. 

While submitting your application, you can be anywhere worldwide, but after your visa has been approved, you must leave Australia. While resident in the nation, the visa holder can visit their family.

Benefits of Australia visa subclass 476 

The following are the benefits of getting the Australia visa subclass 476. 

1. This visa program allows you to stay in Australia for 18 months from the date the visa has been granted. 
2. This visa program also allows you to add family members to your visa application. 
3. It allows you to live, work, and study anywhere in the country. 
4. It doesn't require to get points or nominations to become eligible for the program. 
5. This visa program provides a pathway to temporary work visas and permanent residency.

You can apply for the Subclass 476 visa if you meet the following eligibility and requirements for the visa program.

• Engineering qualification. One of the main eligibility requirements for the visa program is having engineering qualification credentials (bachelor’s, master’s, PhD, doctoral, or postgraduate). Additionally, you should ensure that your qualification is in an engineering discipline like Civil, Chemical, environmental, or Structural engineering
• Age.  If you plan to apply for a 476 visa in Australia, you should be under 31.
• Not a primary holder.  Neither the 476 Visa Australia nor the 485 Visa Australia has ever been issued to you as the primary bearer.
• Meet the health requirements You should meet the predefined health requirements for Australian immigration. If you are migrating with your family, they must also meet the health requirements. It is done to demonstrate that you and your family member (if applicable) are medically fit to travel abroad.
• Meet the character requirements. You should also meet the character requirements set by the Australian government authorities to prove you are not a threat to Australian society. If your family members who are over 16 have also migrated to Australia with you, they should also meet the character requirements.
• Language proficiency requirements.  You should also meet the minimum language proficiency requirements to complete your Australia migration journey. Under this, you should take the IELTS/PTE/TOEFL and get the required score. However, it is not applicable for candidates with a valid passport from the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Ireland, Canada, or New Zealand.
• Australian value statement.  When you sign the Australian values statement, you pledge to uphold Australian law and the Australian way of life.
• Australian government money. You or your family members must have made arrangements to repay the Australian Government for any money you owe them.

Steps to apply for a 476 subclass visa in Australia 

The following are the steps to apply for a 476 subclass visa in Australia from India. 

• Before applying for the program

A valid passport is required to apply for this visa. Apply for this visa before obtaining a new passport if that is your intention. Additionally, scheduling your medical examinations will require you to register for an online account on the official website. 

Processes for Australia's 476 Visa are rather complicated. Make sure the person you designate to assist you with immigration is an exempt individual, a registered immigration counsellor, or a licensed lawyer.

• Gather required documents 

As a candidate, you are required to provide the following document checklist to the Australian High Commission. 

1. You must provide a copy of your valid passport along with the required documents. 
2. A copy of your transcripts and a completion letter that details the dates on which your courses were completed. 
3. You are also required to provide proof of language proficiency 
4. Provide proof of character by giving a Police Clearance Certificate 
5. If applying with a partner, provide their proof of relationship, marriage license, and identity.
6. A statutory declaration, a parental authorization form 1229, and the dependent's birth certificate if they are applying with one. 

• Apply for the 476 visa Australia

While applying for the 476 visa Australia, you can be in or outside Australia. You can apply for the visa online by creating an online account on the official website. Provide the required documents and pay the visa application fee. 

The Australian authority will only proceed with your application if you pay the mandated fee. If you are applying for the visa program with your family members, the application fee of each candidate should be paid along with the required documents.

Candidates are advised to schedule travel arrangements only if they receive approval for their 476 subclass visa because they might required to submit biometrics. 

• Confirmation upon visa 

When the decision about your visa application is made, you have to be outside of Australia. The Australian government will notify you of your visa status, start date, and visa grant number if you are approved for the visa.  

Processing time for the Australia graduate visa subclass 476

Although the Australian Embassy has said that processing time ranges from 10 to 12 months, you can likely obtain the visa sooner than a year if you can clearly show your eligibility through documentation. 

The validity of this visa is 18 months from the date of issuance. A 476 visa does not permit an extended stay.

Cost of Australia graduate visa

The principal applicant must pay AUD 465 for the 476 Visa cost. You must additionally pay an extra charge for the dependent.

How to change the Australian visa subclass 476 to an Australian PR? 

It’s vital to keep in mind that this visa only lasts for 18 months and can be changed into a permanent residency permit after finding employment in Australia.

• Here are a few strategies to assist you in applying for permanent residency after landing a job, as obtaining one entails various processes and eligibility requirements.
• If an Australian company has nominated you for any skilled post inside an organisation, you are eligible to apply for the employer nomination scheme visa. If you have legitimate employment experience with any business in the nation, this will be simpler for you.
• If you want to live and work permanently in the Australian continent, you can apply for a skilled independent visa. However, keep in mind that you must receive a minimum of 60 points on the test since this is a point-tested visa.
• You are eligible to apply for the skilled regional visa if you have previously had a subclass 476 visa and have lived in a regional area of Australia. Even if you want to move here for work, you can still apply for this visa.
• You may apply for the skilled nominated visa if an Australian state or territory has nominated you.