Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485

For many international students, studying in Australia is only the first step toward building a global career. After graduation, the next logical move is gaining local work experience, and this is where the temporary graduate visa subclass 485 becomes highly valuable. This visa allows recent graduates to stay back, work full-time, improve professional skills, and explore long-term migration pathways. Designed specifically for students who have completed eligible Australian qualifications, it bridges the gap between education and employment in a practical, career-focused way.

Australia continues to attract global talent due to its quality education system, multicultural work environment, and clear post-study options. Understanding how this visa works, who can apply, and what to expect can help graduates make informed decisions without unnecessary delays or refusals.

What Is A Temporary Graduate Visa 485?

The temporary graduate visa is a post-study visa that allows international students to work and reside in Australia upon successful completion of their studies. The subclass 485 visa Australia is designed to suit graduates who desire to apply their academic knowledge in the workplace.

This visa has limitless work rights, and this implies that the visa holders can work full-time, part-time, or casually in most sectors. It does not entail employer sponsorship, which provides graduates the freedom to venture into other job roles. Though this visa is a temporary one, it is extensively used as a platform for skilled migration in the future or employer-sponsored avenues.

The graduates typically use this pre-visa period to:

• Experience in the Australian workplace
• Develop business connections
• Enhance job-related abilities
• Get ready to have long-term visa alternatives

Streams Under Visa Subclass 485 Australia

The visa subclass 485 has various streams to accommodate different education levels and career goals. It is crucial to select the appropriate stream because the conditions of the eligibility and the visa term differ.

1] Post-Vocational Education Work Stream

This stream will cater to graduates with vocational education or trade qualifications in Australia. This 485 subclass visa of this stream concentrates on the occupations that are associated with the job requirements of the Australian skilled workforce.

Key details include:

• Suitable for diploma and trade qualification holders
• Requires a positive skills assessment
• Occupation must be relevant to the qualification
• Generally granted for up to 18 months

Graduates in trades, hospitality, community services, and technical roles often choose this stream.

2] Post-Higher Education Work Stream

Unemployed graduates with higher education qualifications like bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees and doctorate degrees tend to use this stream. The 485 graduate visa under this option offers more time to stay, depending on the level of qualification.

Important features include:

• No skills assessment required at the time of application
• Full-time work rights across most industries
• Duration linked to the highest qualification completed
• Suitable for professional and research-based careers

This stream assists graduates who would like to acquire professional experience in Australia and subsequently proceed with the permanent pathways.

3] Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream

This stream covers graduates living and studying in specified regions. A 485 visa application under this option lets qualified graduates continue to stay in Australia after they have been on a post-higher education work visa.

Key benefits include:

• Additional stay of one to two years
• Available only to regional graduates
• Encourages skilled workforce growth outside major cities
• Supports regional migration strategies

This alternative works best for graduates who intend to apply to regional skilled visas.

Temporary Graduate Visa 485 – Eligibility & Required Documents

Meeting the 485 visa requirements is essential before lodging an application. The eligibility criteria are to ensure that an applicant has genuine studies in Australia and satisfies the immigration requirements.

General eligibility criteria

Applicants must:

• Under the age of 35 years at the time of application.
• Should also have been recently graduated under a course that is registered under the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students, or CRICOS.
• Make applications within the stipulated period upon completion of the course.
• Meet health and character requirements.
• Have sufficient health insurance.

English language requirement

English Language Tests	Overall Score	Minimum Score
(IELTS) International English Language Testing System	6	5 in each of the 4 parts
(TOEFL iBT) Test of English as a Foreign Language – Internet-Based Test	At least 64	Listening: 4, Reading: 4, Writing: 14, Speaking: 14
Cambridge C1 Advanced Test	At least 169	At least 154 in each of the 4 parts
(PTE Academic) Pearson Test of English Academic	At least 50	36 in each of the 4 parts
(Cambridge English) C2 Proficiency / C1 (Grade B)	For each of the 4 parts, at least Grade B	—

To meet the 485 visa English requirements, the applicants are required to provide the result of a recognised English language test. The minimum score depends on the test used and must be valid at the time of application.

Required documents

Applicants are usually required to submit:

• A valid passport
• Academic transcripts and completion letter
• Health insurance evidence
• English language test results
• Australian Federal Police clearance certificate
• Skills assessment (if required)
• Updated personal details

Incomplete or incorrect documents can lead to delays or refusal.

Visa Conditions and Duration For The Temporary Graduate Visa 485

The 485 visa is associated with terms within which graduates can live and work legally, while meeting the compliance requirements.

Common conditions include:

• Unrestricted work rights
• Limits on study in some cases
• Mandatory health insurance throughout the stay
• Compliance with Australian laws

Visa duration depends on the qualification level:

• Post-Vocational Education Work stream: up to 18 months
• Post-Higher Education Work stream: up to 2-3 years
• Second Post-Higher Education Work stream: up to 1-2 years

The period enables the graduates to have valuable professional experience.

What Is The Processing Time Of The Australia Temporary Graduate 485 Visa?

The 485 visa processing time also depends on the circumstances and the quality of the applications. The processing time for the 485 visa depends on certain clauses, which are listed below:

• The candidate must provide all the required information in the right way.
• If the authority that is reviewing the application form in subclass 485 requires some additional information, you should provide it as soon as possible.
• Verification of all the information you have provided for the 485 visa will take time.

An estimated time span required for the visa application is stated below.

485 Visa Processing Time	50% Applications	90% Applications
Post-Vocational Education Work	54 Days	03 Months
Post-Higher Education Work	38 Days	62 Days

How Much Does It Cost To Apply For A 485 Visa?

Many applicants ask, “What Is the Cost of a Graduate Visa 485?” The application fee is subject to change and is determined by the Australian Government.

Applicant Type	Post-Higher Education Work Stream	Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream	Post-Vocational Education Work Stream
Primary Applicant	AUD 2,300	AUD 905	AUD 2,300

How To Apply For A Graduate Visa 485?

The application process must be followed carefully to avoid errors.

1) Check your eligibility: Ensure you meet age limits, have recently completed an eligible Australian qualification, and have held a valid student visa while studying.

2) Select the correct visa stream: Choose the stream that matches your qualification and career goals, as each stream has different validity periods and conditions.

3) Prepare required documents: Collect your passport, academic transcripts, course completion letter, English test results, and identity documents.

4) Arrange health insurance: Purchase suitable health cover for the entire visa period, as this is mandatory for visa approval.

5) Create or access ImmiAccount: Log in to the official immigration portal to start, manage, and track your visa application online.

6) Complete the online application: Fill in accurate personal, study, and travel details, and upload all supporting documents.

7) Pay the visa fee: Submit the required application fee to formally lodge your visa request.

8) Meet health and biometrics requirements: Attend medical examinations or biometric appointments if requested by immigration authorities.

9) Track and await the decision: Regularly check your ImmiAccount for updates, requests, or the final visa outcome.

Accuracy and timing are critical for success. Seeking immigration services Perth can be helpful, and it will make the application process smoother.

Get Professional Help For Your 485 Subclass Visa

Applying for a graduate visa can feel overwhelming, especially when future migration plans depend on it. Professional support from immigration agents Perth ensures that your application is accurate, compliant, and strategically aligned with your long-term goals.

Our experienced immigration consultant Perth understands policy updates, documentation standards, and case-specific risks.