What Is the Subclass 485 Visa?
The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) allows international students who have completed a qualification from an Australian educational institution to live and work in Australia temporarily after graduation. It is one of the most significant post-study work rights available internationally.
The subclass 485 has two streams:
### 1. Graduate Work Stream
- For graduates whose qualification is in an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
- Visa duration: 18 months
- Available once only
### 2. Post-Study Work Stream
This is the more popular option for most graduates. Duration depends on the level and location of your Australian qualification:
| Qualification | Standard (Urban) | Regional Bonus |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree | 2 years | +2 years |
| Bachelor Honours / Graduate Certificate / Diploma | 2 years | +2 years |
| Master's by coursework | 3 years | +2 years |
| Master's by research | 3 years | +2 years |
| Doctoral degree (PhD) | 4 years | +2 years |
Regional study bonus: If you studied and lived in a designated regional area of Australia, you can add up to 2 extra years to the above durations.
Key Eligibility Requirements
To apply for the subclass 485 (Post-Study Work stream), you must:
1. Hold a valid Student visa (subclass 500) at the time of application — you cannot apply from offshore
2. Have completed a degree at an Australian institution while on a student visa
3. Be under 50 years of age at the time of application
4. Hold valid health insurance (OSHC or equivalent)
5. Meet the English language requirement: IELTS 6.0 or equivalent in each of the four components, tested within the last 3 years
6. Apply within 6 months of your course completion date
How to Apply
1. Log in to ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website
2. Apply for subclass 485 before your student visa expires
3. Submit evidence of your completed qualification (course completion letter or transcript)
4. Pay the visa application charge: AUD $1,895 (2024 rate)
5. Provide IELTS or equivalent English evidence
6. Bridging visa (Bridging Visa A) is automatically granted while your application is processed
Regional Areas: Where the Bonuses Apply
Regional areas for 485 bonus purposes include most of Australia except Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Perth CBDs and their immediate suburbs. Regional study locations include:
- Adelaide, Canberra, Darwin, Hobart (these are regional for 485 purposes)
- Townsville, Cairns, Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, and all rural areas
Studying in Adelaide or Canberra can give you an extra 2 years of post-study work rights — a significant strategic consideration when choosing where to study in Australia.
What Can You Do on a Subclass 485?
The 485 is an open work permit — there are no restrictions on:
- Employer or industry
- Number of hours worked
- Type of work
You can also study further, travel in and out of Australia, and, in some cases, have dependants.
Pathway to Permanent Residency
For most international graduates, the 485 is the first step in an Australian permanent residency pathway:
1. Graduate → Apply for subclass 485
2. Work in Australia in a skilled occupation → Gain points for Express Entry-style skills assessment
3. Apply for PR through:
- Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) via SkillSelect
- Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) via a state/territory nomination
- Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) if sponsored by an employer
- Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 494)
For advice on which PR stream is best for your occupation and circumstances, consult a MARA-registered migration agent in Sydney or Melbourne.
Common Questions About the 485 Visa
Can I apply for a second subclass 485?
Generally no — the Post-Study Work stream is available once only. However, if you studied in a regional area on one 485, you may be eligible for a second regional visa in some circumstances. Seek advice from a MARA agent.
What if I studied both in a city and a regional area?
If your regional study period meets the minimum threshold (generally 2 years of your principal course), you may still qualify for the regional bonus. The rules are complex — seek professional advice.
Related Guides
- Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500) Guide 2026 — the visa that leads to your 485
- Australia Subclass 189 Visa Guide — skilled independent PR pathway
- Australia Subclass 190 Visa Guide — state/territory nominated PR pathway
- Find MARA-registered agents in Sydney | Melbourne
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the subclass 485 visa for a master's graduate?
Master's graduates (by coursework or research) receive 3 years on the Post-Study Work stream. If you studied in a regional area, you can add up to 2 more years — totalling 5 years.
Can I get a subclass 485 if I studied in Adelaide or Canberra?
Yes — and studying in Adelaide or Canberra gives you the regional bonus of up to 2 extra years on the 485 visa, since these cities are classified as regional for 485 purposes.
What is the English requirement for the 485 visa?
You need IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) in each of the four components — listening, reading, writing, and speaking — taken within the 3 years before you apply. PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, and Cambridge Advanced are also accepted.
Can I get PR after a 485 visa?
Yes — the 485 is designed as a bridge to PR. After gaining work experience in Australia in a skilled occupation, many 485 holders apply for the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190), or Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186).
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