Temporary Graduate Visa(Subclass 485)

You stepped out from your home country to pursue education in Australia. After completing your studies, you might feel confused about what to do next, or you might think that it is time to pack your bags and return home. But wait, there is another opportunity waiting for you. 

Education and hands-on experience should go side by side for real success. Many students feel confused about what they should do after completing their studies. 

So, the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) is waiting for students like you. 

This visa allows international students who are graduating soon or have recently graduated to live, study, and work in Australia. It works like a bridge between study and long-term migration pathways in Australia and helps graduates gain local work experience while exploring possible pathways to permanent residency. 

Bear in mind that this subclass has three streams : 

1. Post-Vocational Education Work stream 

2. Post-Higher Education Work stream 

3. Second Post-Higher Education Work stream 

Each stream has different eligibility requirements, stay periods, application fees, and visa durations. 

Requirement for 485 Subclass Visa

To apply for the 485 Subclass Visa, you must: 

• Have held an eligible Student Visa (Subclass 500) within the last 6 months

• Meet English language proficiency requirements (such as IELTS or PTE)

• Meet health and character requirements 

As of 1 March 2026, the standard Subclass 485 visa application fee for the primary applicant is AUD $4,600, for additional adult applicants (18+) is AUD $2,300, and for children under 18 is AUD $1,160. Eligible citizens of certain Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste may pay a reduced visa fee when lodging a valid application. Fees for second or subsequent applications are lower and should be confirmed on the Department of Home Affairs website.  

In addition, most applicants are generally required to be under 35 during the application time.  Exceptions may apply for Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport holders and for applicants with certain research degrees (Master’s by research or PhD).  Processing times for each stream vary depending on individual circumstances. You can check the current estimates on the Department of Home Affairs website.  

Now, let’s learn more about the three streams of the 485 Subclass Visa. 

1. Post-Vocational Education Work Stream 

Eligibility: This stream is for graduates who completed a vocational qualification such as a diploma, trade certificate, or associate degree that matches an occupation on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List. 

Duration of Stay: You can stay up to 18 months (if you are a Hong Kong or British passport holder, you may stay up to 5 years). 

Work Rights: You are allowed to work full-time. 

Visa Fee: From AUD 4,600 

Requirements:  

• You must be 35 years or under at the time of application (exceptions apply) 

• You must hold a valid visa and have held a Student Visa in the last 6 months 

• You must complete a CRICOS-registered vocational course 

• You must choose an occupation from Australia’s Skilled Occupation List that matches your qualification and obtain a skills assessment from the relevant authority to prove you are qualified for that occupation. 

• You must meet health, character, and English language requirements (IELTS 6.5 overall, minimum 5.5 per band).

2. Post-Higher Education Work Stream

   
   

Eligibility: This stream is for graduates who have completed a higher education degree from an Australian institution, such as a Bachelor’s, Master’s (coursework or research), or Doctoral (PhD) degree. Graduate Certificates are generally not eligible, and Graduate Diplomas are only accepted in certain related circumstances. 

Duration of Stay: You can usually stay in Australia for 2 to 3 years, depending on your degree. For instance, Bachelor’s or Master’s (coursework) graduates usually stay up to 2 years, while Master’s by research or PhD graduates often stay up to 3 years. 

Work Rights: You are allowed to work full-time during your stay. 

Visa Fee: From AUD 4,600 

Requirements: 

• You must be 35 years or under at the time of application (exceptions apply). 

• You must be in Australia when you apply for this visa 

• You must hold a valid visa and have held a Student Visa in the last 6 months 

• You must complete a CRICOS-registered higher education qualification in Australia. 

• You must meet the Australian study requirement (standard duration of study rules). 

• You must meet health, character, and English language requirements (usually IELTS 6.5 overall with a minimum 5.5 in each band). 

• Skills assessment is not required for this stream. 

3. Second Post Higher Education Work Stream

   
   

Eligibility: This stream is for graduates who have already held a first Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) under the PostHigher Education Work or former PostStudy Work stream, and who studied in a designated regional area in Australia. 

Duration of Stay: You can stay in Australia for an additional 1 to 2 years, depending on the regional area where your eligible qualification was completed and where you have lived. 

Work Rights: You are allowed to work full-time during your stay. 

Visa Fee: Visa Fee starts from AUD 1,810. This is different from the main stream fee and should be confirmed using the Department of Home Affairs visa pricing tool. 

Requirements:

• You must hold a current Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) that was granted in the PostHigher Education Work or PostStudy Work stream.

• You must be in Australia when you lodge your application. 

• Your first eligible qualification must have been completed at a CRICOS registered Australian institution located in a designated regional area. 

• You must have lived in a designated regional area for at least 2 years immediately before applying (short holidays or brief work trips outside this area do not affect your residency requirement).

• You must meet health and character requirements.

• You do not need to meet the English language requirement again for this stream, because it was already assessed when you were granted your first Subclass 485 visa. 

Designated regional areas include regional cities, towns, and locations outside major metropolitan centres such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.  

FAQs

1. Does a 485 visa lead to PR?

The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) does not directly grant permanent residency (PR). However, it allows graduates to gain work experience in Australia, which can help them qualify for PR pathways. Many applicants transition to skilled visas like the Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186) or other skilled migration visas.

2. What is a temporary graduate visa?

The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) is a temporary visa for international students who have recently graduated from an Australian institution. It allows them to live, work, and study in Australia for a limited period. The visa has different streams, including Graduate Work and Post-Study Work streams.

3. What is the new rule about 485 visa Australia?

Recent updates to the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) include stricter age limits and revised eligibility requirements. Some extensions for certain qualifications have been reduced or removed. English language requirements and stay durations have also been adjusted depending on the qualification level.

4. Do 186 visas get rejected?

Yes, the Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186) can be refused if eligibility requirements are not met. Common reasons include incorrect documentation, lack of relevant work experience, or employer nomination issues. Ensuring a decision-ready application significantly reduces the risk of refusal.

5. Can I apply for PR after 2 years on a 482 visa?

Yes, many holders of the Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482) can apply for PR after working for their employer for at least 2 years. This is usually done through the Temporary Residence Transition stream of the Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186). Eligibility depends on meeting salary, occupation, and employer requirements.

How Emigrate Lawyers Can Help

At Emigrate Lawyers, we specialize in Subclass 485 visas. Our team:

1. Prepares decision-ready applications to avoid delays

2. Ensures your employer meets nomination requirements

3. Provides personalized legal advice for your situation

4. Supports you every step of the way, from nomination to visa grant

With our high success rate and client-focused approach, we make your path to permanent residency easy and smooth.

Final Thought 

The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) is a stepping stone to greater opportunities which gives international graduates a valuable chance to gain Australian work experience, explore career options, and open doors to permanent residency. Whether you’ve completed a vocational course or a higher education degree, this visa allows you to live, work, and study in Australia and even includes your family members in your application.