Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)

Overview

The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) allows international students who have completed at least two academic years of study in Australia to remain temporarily after graduation. This visa provides graduates with the opportunity to gain Australian work experience and improve their prospects for skilled migration or employer sponsorship.

Visa Aid assists graduates in selecting the correct 485 stream, preparing accurate applications, and planning long-term migration pathways.

Key Benefits

• Live, work, and study in Australia after graduation

• Gain full-time Australian work experience

• Improve eligibility for skilled visas and employer sponsorship

• No points test required

• Pathway towards Permanent Residency (PR)

Streams Under Subclass 485

1. Post-Study Work Stream

For international students who have completed a Bachelor’s degree or higher from an Australian institution.

Stay period depends on qualification:

• Bachelor degree: up to 2 years

• Master by coursework: up to 3 years

• Master by research: up to 3 years

• Doctoral degree (PhD): up to 4 years

2. Graduate Work Stream

For graduates with a qualification closely related to an occupation on Australia’s skilled occupation list.

Key points:

• Stay period: up to 18 months

• Skills assessment may be required

• Occupation must be on the relevant skilled list

Eligibility Requirements

You may be eligible if you:

• Are under 50 years of age

• Held an eligible Australian student visa

• Completed at least 2 academic years of study in Australia

• Apply within 6 months of course completion

• Meet English language requirements

• Hold adequate health insurance

Visa Aid reviews eligibility carefully to avoid refusals due to incorrect stream selection or timing errors.

English Language Requirements

Applicants must meet English requirements through one of the following:

• IELTS

• PTE Academic

• TOEFL iBT

• Cambridge (CAE)

Exemptions may apply depending on passport country and study background.

Including Family Members

You may include:

• Spouse or de facto partner

• Dependent children

Family members receive full work and study rights while on the 485 visa.

Working Rights

• Unlimited work rights

• No employer restrictions

• Suitable for gaining professional or skilled employment

This makes the 485 visa ideal for building Australian work experience before applying for PR pathways such as:

• Skilled Independent visas

• State nomination

• Employer Sponsored visas

Health Insurance

Applicants must maintain adequate Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) for the entire visa period.

Visa Fees (Government Charges)

• Main applicant: AUD $1,895

• Additional applicant (18+): AUD $950

• Additional applicant (under 18): AUD $475

(Fees subject to change by the Department of Home Affairs)

How Visa Aid Can Help

Visa Aid provides:

• Stream selection guidance

• Eligibility assessment

• Application preparation and lodgement

• PR pathway planning

• Employer sponsorship strategy

We ensure your application is compliant, accurate, and aligned with long-term migration goals.

Take the Next Step

Unsure which 485 stream applies to you?
Planning PR after graduation?

👉 Book a consultation with Visa Aid to receive clear, professional guidance tailored to your situation.