Australia’s high-quality education system attracts thousands of international students every year. After completing their studies, many graduates wish to gain work experience in Australia. The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) is designed specifically for this purpose, allowing eligible graduates to live, study, and work in Australia for a limited period.

In this detailed guide, we’ll explore the eligibility, streams, required documents, application process, benefits, and expert tips for the Subclass 485 Visa.

What is the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa?

The Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa is available to international students who have recently completed a course in Australia.

With this visa, you can:

• Work full-time in Australia.

• Gain valuable professional experience in your field.

• Explore potential pathways to permanent residency.

This visa acts as a bridge between your studies and your long-term career goals in Australia.

Streams of the Subclass 485 Visa

The visa has three streams, each suited to different qualifications and circumstances:

1. Graduate Work Stream

• Designed for students who have completed a course that is closely related to an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL).

• Typically granted for up to 18 months (extended to 24 months for certain passport holders).

• Common for vocational and trade qualifications such as automotive, engineering, IT, or healthcare.

2. Post-Study Work Stream

• For students who have completed a Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, or Doctoral degree from a CRICOS-registered Australian institution.

• Validity ranges from 2 to 4 years depending on the level of qualification.

• Popular among graduates of business, engineering, science, law, and IT programs.

3. Second Post-Study Work Stream

• Available for graduates who studied and lived in a regional area while holding their first Subclass 485 Visa.

• Offers an additional 1 to 2 years stay in Australia.

• Encourages graduates to contribute to regional communities.

Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 485 Visa

To apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa, you must:

• Be under 50 years of age.

• Hold an eligible student visa at the time of application.

• Have completed a CRICOS-registered course in Australia.

• Meet the English language requirement (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, or equivalent).

• Meet the Australian Study Requirement – at least 2 years of study in Australia.

• Provide proof of health insurance for the duration of your stay.

• Meet health and character requirements.

Documents Required for Subclass 485 Visa

A strong application requires complete documentation:

• Valid passport.

• Completion letter and academic transcript from your institution.

• Proof of English proficiency (test results).

• Australian Federal Police (AFP) clearance.

• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) or equivalent health insurance.

• Skills assessment (only for Graduate Work Stream applicants).

• Identity documents such as birth certificate or national ID (if applicable).

Also Read- Work Visa Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186)

Pro tip: All documents must be in English or have certified translations.

Application Process for Subclass 485 Visa

Applying for the Subclass 485 Visa involves the following steps:

1. Check Your Eligibility

Confirm which stream applies to your qualification and ensure you meet all criteria.

2. Gather Your Documents

Organise identity, educational, and health documents before applying.

3. Lodge the Application Online

Submit the application via the ImmiAccount portal on the Department of Home Affairs website.

4. Pay the Visa Fee

The application fee starts at AUD 1,895 (fees may vary for dependents).

5. Complete Health and Character Checks

Undergo a medical examination and submit your AFP clearance.

6. Await the Decision

Processing times vary depending on your stream and application completeness.

Processing Time for Subclass 485 Visa

Typical processing times:

• Graduate Work Stream: 7–12 months.

• Post-Study Work Stream: 5–8 months.

• Second Post-Study Work Stream: 5–7 months.

Applications with complete and accurate documents are processed faster.

Benefits of the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa

The Subclass 485 Visa offers numerous advantages:

• Full-time work rights in Australia.

• Professional industry experience to strengthen your resume.

• A potential pathway to permanent residency through skilled migration.

• Dependents can live, work, and study in Australia.

• Freedom to travel in and out of Australia while the visa is valid.

• Opportunity to extend your stay through the Second Post-Study Work Stream if you study in a regional area.

Tips for a Successful Subclass 485 Visa Application

• Apply early – You must apply within 6 months of course completion.

• Check your stream carefully to avoid lodging under the wrong category.

• Prepare your skills assessment early if applying for the Graduate Work Stream.

• Maintain valid health insurance for the entire visa duration.

• Keep copies of all your documents for future visa or PR applications.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying after the 6-month deadline from course completion.

• Not meeting the Australian Study Requirement.

• Providing incomplete or incorrect documents.

• Failing to maintain health insurance.

Final Thoughts

The Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa is more than just a post-study work permit—it’s a golden opportunity for international graduates to build their careers, gain Australian work experience, and prepare for long-term settlement options.

By holding this visa, you can explore industry opportunities, professional networks, and career pathways that can significantly enhance your employability both in Australia and globally. Whether your goal is to gain skilled work experience, secure sponsorship, or transition to permanent residency, the 485 Visa can be a crucial stepping stone.

Many graduates use this time to:

• Strengthen their professional profile by working in their skilled occupation.

• Complete regional work to become eligible for the Second Post-Study Work Stream.

• Work towards the eligibility criteria for permanent visas like the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa or Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa.

However, it’s important to plan your time wisely. The visa is temporary, so you should strategically use every month to build experience, meet migration requirements, and prepare for the next step in your journey.

In short, the Subclass 485 Visa is not just a post-study benefit—it’s an investment in your future. With proper planning, complete documentation, and timely action, you can make the most of your time in Australia and open the door to permanent opportunities.