Last Updated: 16 October 2026

Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485): Requirements, Fees and Application Process

The Australia Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) allows eligible international students to stay in Australia temporarily after completing an eligible qualification. It gives graduates an opportunity to gain Australian work experience, develop their careers and explore future visa options. The visa has two main streams: the Post-Higher Education Work stream and the Post-Vocational Education Work stream. Eligible graduates who have studied and lived in regional Australia may also qualify for the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream. Applicants must meet the relevant age, study, English language and other visa requirements. The visa is temporary and does not automatically lead to permanent residency.

Australia Subclass 485 Visa: Key Facts

 

Benefits of the Australia Subclass 485 Visa

• Work in Australia: Gain valuable work experience after completing an eligible Australian qualification.
• Stay after graduation: Remain in Australia temporarily for the period allowed by your visa.
• Build your career: Develop professional skills and gain experience in the Australian job market.
• Include eligible family members: Your partner and dependent children may be eligible to accompany you.
• Travel internationally: Travel to and from Australia while your visa remains valid, subject to its conditions.
• Explore future visa options: You may qualify for another Australian visa if you meet its requirements.
• Consider regional opportunities: Eligible graduates may qualify for additional stay through the regional second stream.

The Subclass 485 Visa is temporary. It does not guarantee permanent residency or sponsorship by an employer.

Types of Australia Subclass 485 Visa

There are two main streams under the Temporary Graduate Visa, along with a second regional stream for eligible graduates.

Post-Higher Education Work stream

This stream is for international students who have completed an eligible Australian university degree.

It may suit graduates with qualifications such as:

• Bachelor's degree
• Bachelor's honours degree
• Master's degree by coursework
• Master's degree by research
• Doctoral degree

The permitted stay period depends on the qualification and applicable rules.

Post-Vocational Education Work stream

This stream is for eligible graduates with certain vocational qualifications, such as diplomas, associate degrees or trade qualifications. Applicants generally need a qualification related to an occupation on the applicable skilled occupation list. A suitable skills assessment is generally required unless an exemption applies.

Second Post-Higher Education Work stream

This stream may allow eligible graduates to stay in Australia for an additional one to two years. Applicants generally need to have completed eligible studies in a designated regional area and meet the relevant regional residence and visa requirements. The extra stay is not available to every Subclass 485 holder.

Australia Subclass 485 Visa Stay Duration

The stay period depends on your qualification, stream and circumstances.

 

The previous temporary extension arrangements introduced in 2023 ended on 1 July 2024. Do not assume that an old occupation list or extension arrangement still applies. Some applicants may qualify for different stay periods under specific arrangements, including certain provisions for Indian nationals and eligible Hong Kong or British National Overseas passport holders. Check the rules that apply to your circumstances.

Australia Subclass 485 Visa Requirements

To apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa, you must meet the requirements for your chosen stream.

General eligibility requirements

• Age: You generally must be 35 years old or younger when applying. Exceptions may apply to eligible master's research and doctoral graduates, and certain passport holders.
• Australian qualification: You must have completed an eligible qualification through an Australian education provider.
• Student visa history: You generally need to have held an Australian Student visa within the six months before applying and meet the applicable visa history rules.
• Australian study requirement: Your course must meet the relevant Australian study requirements.
• Health and character: You must meet applicable health and character requirements.
• Health insurance: You must have suitable health insurance arrangements as required.
• Application deadline: You generally must apply within six months of completing your eligible qualification.

Additional requirements apply to each stream. Meeting the general requirements does not guarantee that your visa will be granted.

English language requirements

Applicants generally need to provide evidence of their English language ability unless they qualify for an exemption. For IELTS tests taken on or after 7 August 2025, the general requirement is:

• Overall IELTS score of at least 6.5.
• At least 5.5 in each of the four test components.

Other accepted English tests have different score requirements. Test results generally need to be from the 12 months immediately before the visa application. Check the current Department of Home Affairs rules for accepted tests, scores and exemptions before booking a test.

Skills assessment requirements

A skills assessment is generally required for applicants applying under the Post-Vocational Education Work stream, unless an exemption applies. Your qualification and nominated occupation must meet the relevant requirements. The Post-Higher Education Work stream does not generally require a skills assessment solely because you completed a university degree.

Documents Required for the Subclass 485 Visa

Prepare the documents relevant to your visa stream before applying.

• Valid passport and identity documents.
• Australian qualification certificate or evidence of course completion.
• Academic transcripts and other study records.
• English language test results, if required.
• Skills assessment documents, if required for your stream.
• Evidence of health insurance arrangements.
• Police certificates and medical examination results, where required.
• Documents for your partner or dependent children, if included.
• Any additional evidence requested by the Department of Home Affairs.

How to Apply for the Australia Subclass 485 Visa?

Step 1: Review your age, qualification, Student visa history, English language ability and other requirements.

Step 2: Select the Post-Higher Education Work stream or Post-Vocational Education Work stream based on your qualification. If you later meet the regional requirements, you may be able to apply for the second regional stream.

Step 3: Take an accepted test if required. Make sure your score meets the current requirements and your results are still valid for the application.

Step 4: Arrange a skills assessment if required. Applicants using the Post-Vocational Education Work stream generally need a suitable skills assessment unless exempt.

Step 5: Prepare your documents. Collect your passport, qualification documents, course completion evidence, English test results, health insurance details and other required documents. Prepare skills assessment evidence if applicable.

Step 6: Apply through ImmiAccount. Complete the online application, upload the required documents and pay the applicable visa fee. You generally need to apply within six months of completing your eligible qualification.

Step 7: Arrange medical examinations or provide police certificates if required. Respond to any requests from the Department of Home Affairs.

Step 8: Wait for the visa decision

Important: The Subclass 485 Visa does not normally require an Expression of Interest or an invitation to apply. Do not delay your application while waiting for either of these.

Australia Subclass 485 Visa Fees

The total cost depends on your visa stream, the number of applicants and any additional services or checks required.

 

Australia Subclass 485 Visa Processing Time

The Australia Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) processing time depends on the visa stream. Based on the latest published figures, the Post-Higher Education Work stream takes up to 55 days for 90% of applications, while the Post-Vocational Education Work stream takes up to 5 months for 90% of applications.

To help avoid unnecessary delays:

• Provide complete and accurate information.
• Upload all required documents.
• Respond promptly to requests for further information.
• Complete health and character checks when requested.
• Make sure your English test results and other documents meet the current requirements.

Can You Apply for Another Subclass 485 Visa?

The rules for applying for another Temporary Graduate Visa depend on your previous visa history and the stream you want to use.

• Post-Higher Education Work stream: This is generally a one-time primary applicant visa, subject to applicable exceptions.
• Post-Vocational Education Work stream: You must meet the relevant stream requirements; a previous visa grant may affect your eligibility.
• Second Post-Higher Education Work stream: Eligible graduates who meet the regional study, residence and other requirements may qualify for additional stay.

A previous Subclass 485 visa does not automatically make you eligible for another one. Check the rules that apply to your circumstances before applying.

What Happens After Your Subclass 485 Visa Expires?

Your right to remain in Australia depends on your visa status and any other visa you hold. Before your Subclass 485 Visa expires, review your options. Depending on your circumstances, these may include an employer-sponsored visa, a skilled migration visa or another eligible visa pathway. You must meet the requirements for any new visa. Do not assume that completing an Australian qualification or holding a Subclass 485 Visa automatically qualifies you for permanent residency.

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