Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) Australia
Streams Under the Subclass 485 Visa
Post-Vocational Education Work Stream
Eligibility under this stream:
Applicants must:
- Have completed at least 2 years of study in Australia
- Hold a qualification related to an occupation listed on the Skilled Occupation List
- Obtain a positive skills assessment for the nominated occupation
This stream is ideal for students who have completed diplomas or trade-related qualifications and want to gain skilled work experience in Australia.
Post-Higher Education Work Stream
This stream is for international graduates with higher education qualifications from Australian institutions.
Visa duration varies based on qualification level:
- Bachelor’s degree: generally up to 2 years
- Master’s degree: up to 2–3 years
- Doctoral degree: up to 3 years
Additional regional study benefits may allow extended stay periods.
Eligibility under this stream:
Applicants must:
- Hold a valid Australian student visa during study
- Complete a CRICOS-registered course in Australia
- Hold a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degree
- Apply within the required timeframe after course completion
- Meet English and health requirements
Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream
- Previously held a Subclass 485 visa under the Post-Higher Education or Post-Study Work stream
- Completed their qualification in a designated regional area of Australia
- Lived or studied in a regional location during their stay
The visa duration typically ranges from 1 to 2 years depending on regional classification.
Note: The replacement stream for earlier visa holders has been closed to new primary applications from 1 July 2024.
Benefits of the Subclass 485 Visa
The Temporary Graduate Visa offers several key advantages:
- You can include eligible family members in your application
- Full rights to live, work, and study in Australia
- Freedom to travel in and out of Australia during the visa period
- Opportunity to gain Australian work experience
- Potential pathway toward future skilled migration options
Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 485 Visa
- Be under 35 years of age (some exemptions apply for specific passports)
- Apply while in Australia
- Hold a recent eligible qualification from Australia
- Apply within 6 months of course completion results
- Meet stream-specific requirements (Post-Vocational Education Work or Post-Higher Education Work)
- Maintain valid health insurance
- Meet English language requirements
- Not have held this visa as a primary applicant before
English Language Requirements
Common requirement includes:
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 5.5
- Or equivalent approved English test
Key points:
- Test results are generally valid for 12 months
- One Skill Retake option may be accepted
- Updated English test rules apply from March 2024
- Further approved test updates apply from August 2025
Australian Study Requirement
- Be registered on CRICOS
- Be taught in English
- Last at least 92 weeks (minimum 16 months duration)
- Be completed on a valid student visa in Australia
- Exclude English language or foundation courses
Health and Character Requirements
- Medical examinations may be required for applicants and dependents
- Police clearance certificate (Australian Federal Police check)
- Must meet all background verification requirements
Health Insurance Requirement
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) may be accepted if still on a student visa
- Private health insurance is required if OSHC is no longer valid
- Insurance must cover the full duration of stay
- Applies to both primary applicant and family members
Financial and Government Conditions
Applicants must:
- Have no outstanding debts to the Australian Government at the time of visa approval
Family Members You Can Include
- Spouse or de facto partner
- Dependent children under 18 years
- Children aged 18–23 who are financially dependent and studying full-time
All included family members will receive the same visa conditions as the primary applicant.
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Frequently Asked Questions
It is a temporary visa that allows international graduates to live, work, and gain experience in Australia after completing their studies.
Yes, but only under the Post-Higher Education Work stream. The Post-Vocational stream usually requires a skills assessment.
Validity depends on your qualification:
- Up to 18 months for vocational stream
- Up to 3 years for higher education stream
- Additional time possible for regional study
Yes. You can work full-time with no restriction under the Post-Higher Education Work stream.
Yes, study is allowed, but the main purpose of the visa is work experience.
Yes, eligible partners and dependent children can be included in your application.
It does not directly grant permanent residency, but work experience gained may help in applying for skilled migration or employer-sponsored visas.
You should apply within 6 months of completing your studies in Australia.
Applications are submitted online through the Australian Department of Home Affairs portal with supporting documents and eligibility proof.
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