Around 90% of applications are processed within five months, but times vary based on demand and individual cases.
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) allows eligible international graduates to stay, study, and work in Australia after completing their Australian qualification.
This visa provides graduates an excellent opportunity to gain professional work experience and improve eligibility for skilled migration pathways, making it one of the most common stepping stones toward permanent residency.
The visa is available through three distinct streams based on qualification level and post-study goals.
Post-Study Work Rights
Gain Work Experience
Pathway to PR
Key Features of the Subclass 485 Visa
Work Full-Time
Gain unrestricted work rights after graduation.
Visa Up to 4 Years
Visa duration varies depending on qualification and stream.
Study & Travel
Live, work, study and travel freely during visa validity.
Multiple Streams
Choose from 3 visa streams based on your qualifications.
Streams Under the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
Post-Vocational Education Work Stream
For graduates holding Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualifications relevant to an eligible occupation on the Skilled Occupation List. Applicants must hold a provisional skills assessment to apply.
Post-Higher Education Work Stream
For students who have completed a Bachelor, Master's, or Doctoral degree from a CRICOS-approved provider. Higher qualifications may receive longer visa durations.
Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream
For graduates who previously held a Subclass 485 visa based on regional study and continue living in a designated regional area. Duration depends on the regional category.
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Eligibility Requirements for the Subclass 485 Visa
Post-Vocational Education Work Stream
- • Age Limit: Must be under 35 years of age.
- • Study Requirement: Must meet the Australian Study Requirement.
- • Skills Assessment: Must hold a provisional skills assessment for an eligible occupation.
- • English Test: Must meet English proficiency standards.
- • Health & Character: Must hold adequate insurance and police clearances.
Post-Higher Education Work Stream
- • Age Limit: Must be under 50 years of age.
- • Study Requirement: Must have completed a Bachelor, Master’s, or Doctoral degree.
- • CRICOS: Qualification must be from a CRICOS-registered institution.
- • English Test: Must meet English language criteria.
- • Health & Character: Must hold valid insurance and clearances.
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) – FAQs
- 1. How long does a 485 visa take to process?
- 2. Can I apply for the 485 visa twice?Generally no, unless applying for the Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream. Hong Kong passport holders may receive extensions.
- 3. Do overseas study exemptions count toward eligibility?No. Credits from overseas study do not count. You must complete 92 weeks (2 academic years) in Australia.
- 4. What are the English requirements?You must provide IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, OET, or Cambridge C1 test results unless exempt based on nationality or prior study.
- 5. Can I apply if I leave Australia after graduation?Yes, but you must be in Australia at the time of lodgement unless specific concessions apply.
- 6. Do I need to complete the English test before lodgement?Yes. Your English test results must be valid and available prior to submission.
- 7. Do I need a skills assessment?A skills assessment is required only for the Post-Vocational Education Work Stream.
- 8. Can I include family members?Yes. Your partner and dependent children can be included in your application.
- 9. Do I need health insurance?Yes. You must switch from OSHC to OVHC when applying and maintain it for the duration of your visa.
- 10. How many hours can I work?You are granted unrestricted work rights while holding this visa.