Subclass 485 – Graduate Visa
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) is designed for international students who have recently completed their studies at an Australian institution. It allows graduates to remain in Australia temporarily to live, study, and work, providing valuable post-study work experience and helping them transition from student life to the Australian workforce.
This visa offers two main streams:
Graduate Work Stream – for graduates with skills and qualifications that relate to an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List. This stream typically applies to vocational or trade-related qualifications.
Post-Study Work Stream – for graduates who have completed a higher education degree (such as a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD) from an Australian institution, regardless of their field of study.
Depending on the stream, visa holders may stay in Australia for up to 2 to 4 years, with extended stays possible for regional graduates. This visa is a key step for many on the pathway to skilled migration and permanent residency.
What You Can Do on a Subclass 485 Visa
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) gives international graduates the chance to live, work, and study in Australia after completing their studies. It offers flexibility to gain work experience, explore further education, travel, and even transition toward permanent residency — all while enjoying life in Australia.
Live in Australia Temporarily
After completing your studies, this visa allows you to remain in Australia for a set period (usually 18 months to 5 years depending on your qualification and stream), giving you time to gain local experience, explore future pathways, or plan your next steps.
Work Full-Time in Any Job
You are permitted to work unrestricted hours in any occupation or industry. There is no requirement for employer sponsorship, which gives you flexibility to take up multiple roles or freelance work.
Gain Valuable Work Experience
You can gain hands-on experience in your field of study, which can significantly enhance your career and improve your eligibility for permanent residency or employer-sponsored visas in the future.
Study Further if You Wish
If you choose to pursue further education — such as a master’s, diploma, or professional certification — the Subclass 485 visa allows you to enrol in additional courses without needing another student visa.
Travel Freely to and from Australia
You can enter and leave Australia multiple times while your visa is valid. This makes it easier to visit family, attend international job interviews, or travel during your time off.
Bring Eligible Family Members
You can include members of your immediate family, such as your spouse or de facto partner and dependent children, in your visa application. They’ll have the same rights to live, study, and work in Australia.
Apply for Permanent Residency Pathways
This visa acts as a stepping stone toward permanent residency. It gives you time to gain points or experience needed to qualify for skilled visas such as Subclass 189, 190, or 491.
Apply for a Second 485 Visa
If you studied at an eligible institution in a regional area, you may qualify for a second Temporary Graduate visa, extending your stay and opportunities in Australia.
Who Is Eligible for the Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)?
To be eligible for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), applicants must:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | Under 35 years at time of application. Exceptions: Under 50 for Masters (Research), PhD graduates, and Hong Kong or British National Overseas passport holders. |
| Visa History | Must hold an eligible visa and have held a Student visa (Subclass 500) in the past 6 months. |
| Qualification | Must have completed a recent qualification from a CRICOS-registered course. |
| Study Requirement | Course must be: At least 2 academic years (92 weeks)Completed over at least 16 calendar months |
| Health Insurance | Must provide proof of adequate health cover for the duration of stay. |
| English Language Proficiency | Must provide acceptable English test results (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, PTE). |
| Health & Character | Must meet Australian health and character standards, including medical checks and police certificates. |
You must also receive an invitation to apply from the Department of Home Affairs and must not have a previously cancelled visa or refused application that bars you from applying.
Streams and Duration of Stay
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) has two main streams:
Post-Vocational Education Work Stream
Eligibility: For international students who have recently graduated with qualifications that are relevant to specific occupations Australia needs.
Stay Duration: Up to 18 months. Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders may stay for up to 5 years.
Requirements:
- Must hold a qualification relevant to a nominated occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
- Must have applied for a skills assessment in the nominated occupation.
Post-Higher Education Work Stream
Eligibility: For international students who have recently graduated with a degree from an Australian institution.
Stay Duration:
- Bachelor degree (including honours): Up to 2 years.
- Masters (coursework and extended): Up to 2 years.
- Masters (research) and doctoral degree (PhD): Up to 3 years.
- Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders may stay for up to 5 years.
Application Process for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
Follow these steps to apply for your Subclass 485 visa and start your post-study journey in Australia. Early application is recommended due to varying processing times.
Gather Required Documents
Collect all necessary documents including your passport, academic transcripts, English language test results, health insurance, and Australian Federal Police (AFP) check.
Create an ImmiAccount
Register and log in to ImmiAccount – the official portal for Australian visa applications.
Await Invitation to Apply
Fill in the online application form specifically for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485).
Health and Character Checks
Complete required health examinations and upload police clearance certificates.
Wait for a Decision
Processing times vary—apply early and monitor your ImmiAccount for updates.
Need help with the process? Reach out to our Registered Migration Agents at info@openpathways.com or fill in the online enquiry form for a free eligibility check.
English Language Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through one of the following tests, with the specified minimum scores;
IELTS: Overall score of at least 6.5, with a minimum score of 5.5 in each component.
TOEFL iBT: Total score of at least 83, with minimum scores of 7 for listening, 8 for reading, 18 for writing, and 16 for speaking.
PTE Academic: Overall score of at least 57, with minimum scores of 43 for listening, 48 for reading, 42 for speaking, and 51 for writing.
OET: A score of at least B in each of the four components.
Cambridge C1 Advanced test: Overall score of at least 176, with a minimum score of 162 in each component.
Note: The English language test must have been taken within one year prior to the visa application.
Visa Application Fees
As of February 1, 2025, the application fees for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) are:
Primary applicant: AUD $2,235
Additional applicants:
18 years and over: AUD $1,115
Under 18 years: AUD $560
Please note that these fees are subject to change, and additional costs may apply for health checks, police certificates, and biometrics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I include my family members in the application?
Yes, you can include your partner and your or your partner’s dependent children in your application. They must meet health and character requirements.
Can I apply for this visa if I studied in a regional area?
Yes, and you may be eligible for an additional stay period under the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream if you meet certain criteria related to regional study and residence.
What happens if my visa application is refused?
If your visa application is refused, you will be notified of the reasons and whether you have the right to a review of the decision.
Is there a limit to how many times I can apply for this visa?
Generally, the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) can only be granted once as a primary applicant.
Can I apply for a different visa after my Temporary Graduate Visa expires?
Yes, depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible to apply for other visas, such as skilled migration visas, if you meet the relevant criteria.
Ready to apply or unsure where to begin?
Let our migration experts guide you through the Graduate Visa process and help you build your future in Australia — stress-free and compliant.
