Temporary Graduate Visa – Subclass 485

Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485

The Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) allows international students who have recently graduated from an Australian educational institution to live, study, and work in Australia temporarily.

For many graduates, this visa represents a critical window of opportunity to gain valuable Australian work experience, build professional networks, and satisfy the requirements for permanent skilled migration or employer sponsorship.

Key Eligibility Requirements

The Department of Home Affairs frequently updates the criteria for this visa. It is essential to ensure you meet the most current requirements at the time of application:

✓ Age Limits: Strict age limits apply depending on your stream and qualification. Recent legislative changes have lowered the age limit for many applicants, so timely application is critical.
✓ Australian Study Requirement: You must have completed a CRICOS-registered course (or courses) that took at least two academic years (92 weeks) of study.
✓ English Language: You must meet the required English language proficiency score. The test must have been taken within the specified validity period before applying.
✓ Time Limits: You generally must apply within 6 months of holding a student visa and completing your course.

Available Streams

Higher Education

Post-Higher Education Work Stream

This stream is for international students who have recently graduated with an eligible higher education qualification (such as a Bachelor, Master, or PhD) from an Australian institution. The length of your visa depends on the level of your qualification.

Vocational

Post-Vocational Education Work Stream

This stream is for international students who have recently graduated with skills and qualifications that are relevant to specific occupations in demand in Australia. You must have a qualification highly relevant to an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and hold a suitable skills assessment.

Strategic Advice: Don’t Waste Your 485 Visa

The Subclass 485 visa is temporary. Simply holding this visa does not guarantee permanent residency. We strongly advise graduates to use this time strategically—to secure skilled employment, complete professional years if applicable, and prepare for points-tested visas (Subclass 189/190/491) or employer-sponsored pathways (Subclass 482/186) well before the 485 visa expires.

GRADUATE VISA & PR PATHWAY ASSESSMENT

Let us help you transition from a student to a temporary graduate, and plan your ultimate pathway to permanent residency.

Soodeh Jafari

Registered Migration Agent & Managing Director

Her work focuses on practical, strategic migration advice across skilled, employer sponsored, partner, student and complex migration matters. Our role is to help clients understand their options, identify risks early, prepare strong evidence and move through the process with greater clarity.

Our Approach: Personalised assessment | Clear communication | Practical strategy

Last reviewed: September 2026 | Reviewed by: Soodeh Jafari, Registered Migration Agent

Disclaimer: The information on this page is general information only and does not constitute immigration or legal advice. Australian migration law and policy can change. Your eligibility depends on your individual circumstances.