The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) allows international students who have recently graduated from an Australian institution to live, study, and work in Australia temporarily. It’s a popular pathway to gain local experience and possibly transition to permanent residency.

Streams Under Subclass 485

There are two main streams under this visa:

1. Graduate Work Stream

For international students with qualifications that relate to an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List.

2. Post-Study Work Stream

For graduates of Australian higher education institutions (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate), regardless of their field of study.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the 485 visa, you must:

  • Be under 50 years of age
  • Hold an eligible visa (typically a Student Visa – Subclass 500)
  • Have held a student visa in the last 6 months
  • Provide evidence of completion of a CRICOS-registered course
  • Meet English language requirements (e.g., IELTS overall 6.0 or equivalent)
  • Have applied for Australian Federal Police (AFP) check
  • Provide health insurance for the visa duration
  • Apply for the visa within 6 months of course completion

Duration of Visa

  • Graduate Work Stream: Up to 18 months (recent changes may extend it for specific qualifications)
  • Post-Study Work Stream:
    • Bachelor’s Degree: 2–4 years
    • Master’s Degree: 3–5 years
    • Doctoral Degree (PhD): Up to 6 years

Note: Duration may vary based on qualifications and regional study incentives.

Visa Application Cost

  • Base Application Fee: AUD $1,895 (as of 2025)
  • Additional charges for dependents (partner/children)

Work Rights

  • Full-time work rights for the entire duration of the visa
  • No employer sponsorship required

Application Process

  1. Check eligibility and stream
    • Graduate Work or Post-Study Work
  2. Collect required documents
    • Completion letter, academic transcript, English test, AFP check
  3. Apply online
  4. Pay the visa application fee
  5. Attend health exams if requested
  6. Await visa outcome

Why Choose the 485 Visa?

  • Opportunity to gain valuable Australian work experience
  • Pathway to skilled migration (PR)
  • Flexibility to work in any occupation
  • Option to include family members