The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) is one of the most valuable pathways available to international students who have completed an Australian qualification. It gives you the legal right to work full-time in Australia after your studies — and for many students, it is the first step on the path to permanent residency.
What Is the Subclass 485 Visa?
The subclass 485 comes in two streams:
Graduate Work Stream: For graduates whose qualification is directly relevant to a skilled occupation on Australia's skilled occupation list. Requires a positive skills assessment. Duration: 18 months (or 2 years for regional qualifications).
Post-Study Work Stream: For graduates with an Australian bachelor's degree, honours degree, master's degree, or doctoral degree. No skills assessment required. Duration: bachelor's or honours = 2 years; master's = 3 years; doctoral = 4 years. Degrees from regional areas get an additional +1 year.
Key Eligibility Requirements
- Completed an eligible Australian qualification from a CRICOS-registered provider within the last 6 months of applying
- Hold a valid student visa or bridging visa
- Be under 50 years of age at time of application
- Meet English language requirements: minimum IELTS 6.0 in each band (or equivalent), or be from an exempt country
- Meet health and character requirements
- Have health insurance for the duration of the visa
The 6-Month Application Deadline
You must apply within 6 months of completing your course. The completion date is typically the date your results are released, not your graduation ceremony date. This deadline is strict — no extensions are granted.
Application Cost
The current visa application charge for a subclass 485 is AUD $1,895 (as of 2026). Check homeaffairs.gov.au for the current fee.
How to Apply
1. Confirm you have met all course requirements and obtain official transcripts or a completion letter
2. Ensure your health insurance (OSHC or RHCA equivalent) is current
3. Gather your documents: passport, transcripts, English test evidence, health insurance, enrolment history, and (if Graduate Work Stream) a positive skills assessment
4. Lodge online via ImmiAccount at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au — you can lodge from anywhere but must be in Australia when the visa is granted
5. Await outcome — most Post-Study Work Stream applications process within 4 to 12 weeks
What You Can Do on a Subclass 485
On the 485 you can work full-time with no hour restrictions, study in Australia, travel freely in and out of Australia, and sponsor eligible family members.
Subclass 485 and Permanent Residency
Work experience gained on a 485 can contribute toward points-tested skilled migration visas (subclass 189, 190, and 491). A registered migration agent in Australia can help you map out the pathway from 485 to PR based on your occupation, state of residence, and qualifications.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the graduate visa (subclass 485) in Australia?
It depends on the stream and your qualification. Under the Post-Study Work Stream: bachelor's or honours degree = 2 years; master's degree = 3 years; doctoral degree = 4 years. An additional year is added for qualifications completed in regional Australia. The Graduate Work Stream grants 18 months (or 2 years for regional).
Can I apply for a 485 visa after my student visa expires?
You must lodge your subclass 485 application within 6 months of completing your course. If you are in Australia when you apply, a bridging visa will keep you legal during processing. You should not let your student visa expire before lodging — apply while your student visa or bridging visa is still valid.
Can I include my family in a subclass 485 application?
Yes. Eligible family members (spouse/de facto partner and dependent children) can be included in your 485 application. They will be granted the same visa duration and have similar work and study rights.
Does the subclass 485 lead to permanent residency?
The 485 does not directly grant permanent residency, but the Australian work experience you gain on a 485 can help you accumulate the points and experience needed for skilled migration pathways such as subclass 189, 190, or 491. Many international students use the 485 strategically as the first step toward PR.
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