Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa
The Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa allows eligible international graduates to live, study, and work in Australia temporarily after completing their studies. It provides a crucial post-study bridge to employment and skilled migration pathways, with different streams available depending on qualification and location.
Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa – Work After Studying in Australia
Overview
The Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa is a post-study visa for international students who have completed an eligible Australian qualification. It provides temporary residence, allowing graduates to gain work experience, explore skilled migration pathways, or prepare for permanent residency.
There are four distinct streams:
- Post-Study Work stream (for higher education graduates)
- Graduate Work stream (for vocational graduates with a relevant occupation)
- Second Post-Study Work stream (for those who studied and lived in regional Australia)
- Replacement stream (for those impacted by COVID-19 travel restrictions)
Who Can Apply?
To qualify, you must:
- Be under 50 years of age
- Hold an eligible student visa within the last 6 months
- Have recently completed an eligible qualification in Australia
- Meet English, health, and character requirements
- Provide adequate health insurance (OVHC)
- Have not previously held a 485 visa (except for replacement/second PSW stream)
Streams in Detail
1. Post-Study Work Stream
- For students who completed a bachelor's, master’s, or doctoral degree
- No requirement for occupation relevance
- Only available if the first student visa was lodged on or after 5 November 2011
Duration:
| Qualification Level | Visa Duration |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's / Honours | 2 years |
| Master's by Coursework | 3 years |
| Master's by Research | 3 years |
| Doctoral degree (PhD) | 4 years |
Bonus Extensions (as of 2024 policy):
Graduates from selected programs in health, engineering, IT and those studying in regional areas may get extended stays:
- Additional 2 years for eligible degrees
- Additional 1-2 years if regional study conditions met
Check extension-eligible degrees:
Eligible Qualifications for Extension (DHA)
2. Graduate Work Stream
- For students who completed trade or vocational qualifications
- The qualification must be closely related to an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
MLTSSL list
Requirements:
- Must nominate an occupation on the MLTSSL
- Must provide a positive skills assessment for that occupation (from an approved authority)
- Must have studied at least 2 academic years (92 weeks) in Australia
Duration: 24 months
(Previously 18 months, extended as of 2022)
3. Second Post-Study Work Stream
- For graduates who studied and lived in a designated regional area while holding their first 485 PSW visa
- Must apply from within Australia
- Can only be used once
Duration:
| Regional Area Classification | Additional Time |
|---|---|
| Category 2 (cities and major regions) | 1 year |
| Category 3 (regional centres & remote) | 2 years |
4. Replacement Stream
- For previous 485 holders who lost time on their visa due to COVID-19 travel restrictions
- Must have held a 485 visa between 1 Feb 2020 and 14 Dec 2021 and lost time outside Australia
Duration: Same as original grant
Applications closed in mid-2023, check official site for extensions.
Application Process
Step 1: Check Eligibility
- Qualification completed and awarded
- Visa history (must have held eligible student visa in last 6 months)
- English language met
Step 2: Gather Documents
- Passport
- Academic transcripts and award letter
- Completion letter from institution
- English test results (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, etc.)
- Health insurance (OVHC)
- AFP police check
- For Graduate Work Stream: skills assessment + occupation nomination
Step 3: Apply Online via ImmiAccount
- Submit online application
- Pay application fee
- Upload supporting documentation
- Book health exam if requested
English Language Requirements
You must provide evidence of English proficiency:
| Test | Minimum Requirement |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6 overall, no band < 5 |
| TOEFL iBT | 64 |
| PTE Academic | 50 |
| Cambridge | 169 |
Test must be less than 3 years old at time of application.
Visa Fees (as of 2025)
| Applicant Type | Fee (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Main applicant | 1,895 |
| Adult dependant | 950 |
| Child dependant | 475 |
Processing Times
| Stream | 25% | 50% | 75% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Post-Study Work | 3 months | 4 months | 6 months | 8 months |
| Graduate Work | 4 months | 5 months | 7 months | 9 months |
Delays often caused by incomplete documents or delays in skills assessments.
Conditions Attached
- Work rights: Full-time work and study rights during visa validity
- No further stay: May have condition 8503 waived or reapplied
- Must maintain health insurance (OVHC) throughout stay
- Must not overstay or breach visa conditions
What the Government Looks For
- That you genuinely completed your Australian study in a valid CRICOS institution
- That the study matches the visa stream (e.g. not using PSW for a trade qualification)
- That your documents (completion letter, transcripts) clearly confirm eligibility
- That any skills assessment is correct and approved
Common Reasons for Rejection
- Incorrect Stream Chosen (e.g., applying for PSW after VET course)
- Missing or Incorrect Skills Assessment
- Ineligible Visa History (e.g., no valid student visa in past 6 months)
- Overseas Application when stream requires onshore lodgement
- Expired English Test
- Incomplete Academic Documents
- No Valid Health Cover
Benefits of 485 Visa
- Temporary work rights to gain Australian experience
- Enables you to build PR points (via 189/190/491)
- Employer sponsorship opportunities via 482 or 186
- Additional regional incentives
- Time to improve English, skillset, or complete NAATI/PTE for migration points
Graduate Work vs Post-Study Work – Key Differences
| Feature | Graduate Work | Post-Study Work |
|---|---|---|
| Degree Type | VET/Trade | Bachelor or higher |
| Occupation Requirement | Yes (on MLTSSL) | No |
| Skills Assessment | Required | Not required |
| English Test | Required | Required |
| Duration | 2 years | 2–4 years |
Official Resources
- Home Affairs 485 Visa Overview
- MLTSSL Occupation List
- Regional Postcode Tool
- Skill Assessing Authorities
Summary
The Subclass 485 Visa offers international graduates a key opportunity to remain in Australia and build a future. Whether you're exploring PR, looking to work, or considering employer sponsorship, this visa is a critical transitional step. Get your stream right, prepare your documents, and apply early to maximise your post-study options.
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