Are you an international student who has recently graduated from an Australian institution? Do you want to stay in Australia to work, gain experience, or transition into permanent residency? The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) could be the perfect opportunity to extend your stay and shape your future in Australia.
This visa is designed to help recent graduates like you bridge the gap between study and skilled employment. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the 485 Visa — eligibility, benefits, application steps, work rights, PR pathways, and more.
What is the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)?
The Subclass 485 Visa is a temporary visa that allows international students to live, work, and study in Australia after they have finished their studies. It’s a valuable opportunity for graduates to gain practical work experience, earn income, and explore the path toward permanent residency.
The visa has two main streams:
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Graduate Work Stream – For international students with qualifications and skills relevant to specific occupations listed on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL). Valid for up to 18 months.
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Post-Study Work Stream – For graduates who have completed a bachelor’s degree or higher from an Australian university. The length of stay can range from 2 to 4 years, depending on the qualification.
Benefits of Subclass 485 Visa
The 485 Visa comes with numerous advantages for international graduates:
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Stay in Australia temporarily (18 months to 4 years)
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Full work rights with no restrictions
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Opportunity to gain Australian work experience
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Improve your eligibility for permanent visas
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Include your partner and dependent children
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Flexibility to live and work in any part of Australia
Pro Tip: Use your time on the 485 Visa to gain skilled employment, enhance your English, and improve your PR points score.
Who is Eligible for the 485 Visa?
To apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
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Be under 50 years old
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Hold an eligible student visa (or held one within the past 6 months)
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Have completed a CRICOS-registered course of at least 2 academic years
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Meet the English language requirement (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL accepted)
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Provide a valid AFP check (Australian Federal Police)
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Have adequate health insurance (OVHC)
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Apply within 6 months of course completion
You must apply while you are still in Australia and hold a valid visa or Bridging Visa A or B.
Documents Required for Subclass 485 Visa
You’ll need to prepare and submit the following documents with your application:
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Copy of passport and identity documents
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Course completion letter from your Australian institution
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Official academic transcripts
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English test results (IELTS 6.0 overall or equivalent)
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Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) insurance policy
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Australian Federal Police check
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Skills assessment for Graduate Work stream applicants
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Partner or dependent documents (if applying with family)
It’s important to double-check all your documents before submission, as incorrect or missing documents can delay the processing.
Application Process: How to Apply for 485 Visa
Follow these steps to apply for the Subclass 485 Visa:
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Check your eligibility and choose the correct stream.
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Gather your documents (as listed above).
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Complete your English test and police check early.
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Apply online via the Department of Home Affairs website.
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Pay the application fee – approx. AUD 1,895 for primary applicants.
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Receive your Bridging Visa, which allows you to stay in Australia while your 485 visa is being processed.
Processing times vary by stream. The Post-Study Work stream typically takes 7–11 months, while the Graduate Work stream may take 6–9 months.
Working on the 485 Visa
One of the biggest advantages of the Subclass 485 Visa is the unrestricted work rights. You can:
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Work full-time in any industry
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Take up internships or graduate positions
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Start your own business
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Gain Australian work experience that supports PR applications
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Apply for other visas like the 482 TSS Visa or Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS 186)
Many employers prefer hiring candidates with valid full-time work rights. Use this time to build your resume, network, and earn locally.
Pathway to Permanent Residency
The 485 Visa is a launchpad to permanent residency in Australia. Here’s how you can use it:
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Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) – based on points
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Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) – requires state nomination
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Employer Sponsored Visas – if you find a job in your skilled occupation
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Regional Visas (Subclass 491 or 494) – for those living and working in designated regional areas
To increase your PR chances:
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Work in your nominated occupation
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Apply for a skills assessment
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Improve your English score
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Accumulate work experience points
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Explore state nomination programs
The more experience you gain during your 485 visa period, the stronger your PR profile becomes.
Can You Include Family Members?
Yes! The Subclass 485 Visa allows you to bring your partner or spouse, as well as dependent children. They will receive the same rights to live, work, and study in Australia during the visa validity period.
You’ll need to provide evidence of your relationship, such as:
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Marriage certificate or relationship evidence
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Joint bank accounts or rental agreements
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Birth certificates for dependent children
Conclusion: Your Next Step Starts Here
The Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485 offers international graduates the chance to live, work, and grow in Australia beyond their student life. It gives you valuable time to establish your career, meet permanent visa requirements, and explore life in Australia with freedom.
Whether your goal is to work full-time, travel across regions, or eventually apply for PR, the 485 Visa is a smart and flexible option.
Thousands of students successfully use this visa each year to transition from study to skilled migration. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by — prepare early, gather your documents, and apply with confidence.
