485 Graduate Temporary Visa (Temporary Graduate Visa Australia)
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The 485 Graduate Temporary visa, officially known as the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) is designed for international students who have recently completed their studies in Australia and want to gain valuable post-study work experience. This visa allows graduates to live, work, and gain skilled employment in Australia. This makes it a crucial stepping stone toward long-term career growth and a potential PR pathway after a 485 visa.
Whether you are aiming to build Australian work experience, improve employability, or explore permanent residency options, the subclass 485 visa plays a vital role in your migration journey.
What is the Temporary Graduate Visa Australia (Subclass 485)?
The Temporary Graduate visa in Australia is a temporary visa that allows eligible international graduates to remain in Australia after completing an eligible course. It is specifically tailored for students who have studied in Australia for at least two academic years and meet the post-study criteria set by the Department of Home Affairs.
The 485 visa in Australia provides full work rights and helps graduates transition from student life to professional employment while exploring skilled migration pathways.
Streams Under the 485 Graduate Temporary Visa
The subclass 485 visa is divided into two main streams:-
- Post-Study Work Stream (485)
The post-study work visa in Australia is for international students who have completed a higher education degree from an Australian institution.
Key features:
- Available for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral graduates
- No occupation list requirement
- Duration depends on qualification level
- Ideal for graduates seeking broader employment opportunities
This stream is particularly popular among students aiming to gain Australian experience before applying for skilled or employer-sponsored visas.
- Graduate Work Stream (485)
The graduate work stream 485 is for students whose qualifications relate to occupations on the skilled occupation list in Australia.
Key features:
- Requires a positive skills assessment
- Occupation must be on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
- Suitable for trade-qualified and vocational graduates
- Focuses on skill-based employment outcomes
485 Visa Eligibility Criteria
To meet 485 visa eligibility, applicants must generally:-
- Be aged 35 years or under when applying
- Hold an eligible Australian student visa in the last 6 months
- Have completed at least 2 academic years of study in Australia
- Hold a recent qualification from a CRICOS-registered course
- Meet English language requirements
- Hold adequate health insurance
- Meet Australian character requirements
Meeting 485 visa requirements accurately is essential to avoid delays or refusals.
485 Visa Application Process
The 485 visa application process involves several important steps that are as follows:-
- Gather academic completion documents
- Obtain English language test results (if required)
- Secure Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) or equivalent
- Lodge the application online via ImmiAccount
- Provide biometrics and health checks if requested
Applying on time is critical, as you must lodge your subclass 485 visa application within six months of course completion.
485 Visa Duration
The 485 Graduate Temporary visa is typically granted for 2 to 3 years, depending on the level and type of qualification completed in Australia.
- Bachelor’s degree: up to 2 years
- Master’s by coursework: up to 2–3 years
- Master’s by research: up to 3 years
- Doctoral degree (PhD): up to 4 years
- Graduate Work Stream: up to 18 months
Graduates holding Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passports may be eligible for an extended stay of up to 5 years, providing additional time to gain valuable Australian work experience.
485 Visa Cost
The 485 visa cost starts around AUD 2235 for the primary applicant for most streams as of February 2025. Additional fees apply for family members. There can also be extra costs like police checks, health checks, English tests as well as potential fees of migration agents.
Visa fees are subject to change, so checking the Department of Home Affairs website or consulting a registered migration agent is recommended.
Work Rights on the 485 Graduate Temporary Visa
Holders of the Australian graduate visa enjoy full work rights with no hourly restrictions. This allows graduates to:
- Work full-time in any occupation
- Gain skilled or professional experience
- Improve eligibility for employer-sponsored or skilled migration visas
These Australian work rights for graduates make the visa highly valuable for career development.
Can You Extend a 485 Visa?
A 485 visa extension may be available in limited circumstances, such as post-study extensions for graduates in select degrees or regional study areas. Extensions are subject to current government policy and eligibility conditions.
Not all applicants qualify, making professional advice essential.
PR Pathway After 485 Visa
One of the biggest advantages of the 485 Graduate Temporary visa is its role as a stepping stone toward permanent residency.
Possible pathways include:-
- Skilled Independent visas (subclass 189 or 190)
- Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491)
- Employer-Sponsored visas (482 or 186)
- State or regional nomination pathways
Strategic planning during your temporary graduate visa in Australia period significantly increases PR prospects.
International Students Australia Visa: Why Subclass 485 Matters
For international students who are Australian visa holders, the 485 visa provides real-world exposure to the Australian labour market. Employers value local experience, and this visa helps bridge the gap between education and long-term settlement.
Why Choose Visa Empire for Your 485 Visa Application?
Applying for the 485 Graduate Temporary visa may appear straightforward, but even minor errors can lead to delays or refusals. At Visa Empire Perth, our registered migration professionals ensure:
- Accurate eligibility assessment
- Error-free application preparation
- Strategic planning for PR pathways
- End-to-end visa support
Looking to secure your future in Australia after graduation?
Contact Visa Empire, one of the most trusted migration agents in Perth, and let us help you turn your Australian education into a successful migration journey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) allows international students who have recently completed an eligible course in Australia to live, work, and gain professional experience in the country temporarily. It is designed to help graduates strengthen their skills and improve their prospects for future skilled migration or employer sponsorship.
The stay period on a subclass 485 visa generally ranges from 2 to 3 years, depending on your qualification level and stream. Certain passport holders, such as Hong Kong and British National (Overseas) citizens, may be eligible for a stay of up to 5 years.
485 visa processing times vary depending on the stream and the quality of your application. On average, applications may take a few months, but delays can occur if documents are incomplete or additional checks are required. Lodging a well-prepared application with correct supporting documents can help avoid delays.
While the 485 Graduate Temporary visa is not a permanent visa, it can act as a pathway to permanent residency (PR). Many graduates use the 485 visa to gain skilled work experience, improve English scores, or secure employer sponsorship, which can later support PR options such as skilled migration or employer-sponsored visas.
To be eligible for a subclass 485 visa, applicants must:
- Be under 50 years of age
- Hold an eligible Australian qualification
- Have applied within 6 months of course completion
- Meet English language requirements
- Hold or have recently held a valid student visa
- Meet health and character requirements
- Eligibility criteria may vary slightly depending on the stream applied for.
The base application charge for the 485 Graduate Temporary visa is AUD 2,235 for the main applicant. Additional fees apply for family members included in the application. Visa charges are subject to change, so it’s recommended to check the latest fees on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Common reasons for 485 visa refusal include:
- Applying after the 6-month deadline
- Not meeting English language requirements
- Incomplete or incorrect documentation
- Ineligible qualification or course
- Failure to meet health or character criteria
Careful preparation and professional guidance can significantly reduce the risk of refusal.
Yes, in most cases, applicants can work while their 485 visa is being processed, provided they hold a valid Bridging Visa with work rights. Work conditions depend on the type of bridging visa granted, so it’s important to check your specific visa conditions.