The Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485 allows international students who have completed eligible studies in Australia to remain in the country temporarily to gain practical work experience. It is a popular post-study pathway that enables graduates to work, build professional skills, and potentially transition into permanent residency.
This visa is administered by the Australian Department of Home Affairs and is designed to enhance the employment prospects of international graduates while contributing to Australia’s skilled workforce.
Official details are available at
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/temporary-graduate-485
Two Main Streams of Subclass 485
Graduate Work Stream
This stream is for international students who have completed qualifications linked to occupations on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List. It allows graduates to stay and work in Australia for up to 18 months.
Key features include
- Focus on vocational and trade qualifications
- Requires a skills assessment
- Stay period: Up to 18 months (with some extensions for specific passport holders)
Post-Study Work Stream
This stream is for students who have completed higher education degrees such as bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral programs from Australian institutions. It provides longer stay periods based on qualification level.
Duration generally includes
- Bachelor’s degree: 2–4 years
- Master’s degree: Up to 5 years
- Doctoral degree: Up to 6 years
More information on stream differences can be found at
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/temporary-graduate-485/overview
Who Is Eligible for Subclass 485
To qualify for this visa, applicants must meet the following general requirements:
- Be under 50 years of age
- Hold an eligible Australian qualification
- Have a valid student visa in the last 6 months
- Have completed studies in Australia
- Meet Australian Study Requirement
- Hold or apply for Overseas Student Health Cover
- Meet health and character requirements
Australian Study Requirement Explained
To meet this requirement, your course must:
- Be completed at an Australian institution
- Involve at least two academic years of study
- Be taught in English
- Be completed while holding a student visa
- Result in a recognized qualification
Full criteria are outlined at
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/english-language-requirements/temporary-graduate-visa
Work Rights Under Subclass 485
The Subclass 485 visa grants full and unrestricted work rights. This means:
- You can work full-time
- You can change employers freely
- You can work in any occupation
- You can pursue professional training
- You can undertake self-employment
There are no restrictions on the number of hours you can work, allowing graduates maximum flexibility to build career experience.
Benefits of the Subclass 485 Visa
- Opportunity to gain Australian work experience
- Increased chance of employer sponsorship
- Pathway to skilled migration visas
- Improved professional development
- Time to explore permanent residency options
- Ability to bring family members
- Multiple entry travel privileges
How to Apply for the Subclass 485 Visa
Step 1: Create an ImmiAccount
All applications are submitted online via ImmiAccount
https://online.immi.gov.au
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Typical documents include:
- Passport
- Completion letter from institution
- Academic transcripts
- Skills assessment (Graduate Work Stream only)
- English language test results
- Australian Federal Police clearance
- Health insurance proof
- Identity documents
Step 3: Lodge the Application
Complete the online form and upload all documents through ImmiAccount. Ensure all information is accurate and complete.
Step 4: Pay Application Fee
Visa fees vary and should be confirmed using the official estimator
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/visa-pricing-estimator
Processing Time Overview
Processing times depend on the stream and applicant profile. Average estimates are:
- Graduate Work Stream: 4 to 6 months
- Post-Study Work Stream: 3 to 5 months
Updated processing time details are available at
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-processing-times
Including Family Members
You may include dependents such as a spouse or children in your application. They are granted the same visa duration and may also have work or study rights depending on visa conditions.
Common Reasons for Refusal
- Not meeting Australian Study Requirement
- Incomplete documentation
- Expired student visa
- Weak English proficiency
- Lack of skills assessment (Graduate Work Stream)
- Failure to meet health or character criteria
Tips for a Successful Application
- Apply within 6 months of course completion
- Ensure your course is CRICOS-registered
- Maintain valid health insurance
- Provide accurate academic records
- Submit police clearance on time
- Double-check all uploaded documents
- Monitor application status regularly
Extending Stay Under Subclass 485
Some graduates can now access extended work rights depending on their field of study and regional location. Regional study may also qualify for additional visa duration.
Details on extensions are available at
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/what-we-do/graduate-temporary-visa-extension
Pathways After Subclass 485
Many graduates use this visa as a foundation for transitioning into:
- Temporary Skill Shortage Visa Subclass 482
- Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189
- Skilled Nominated Visa Subclass 190
- Employer Nomination Scheme Subclass 186
These pathways lead toward permanent residency.
Permanent Residency Opportunities
Holding Subclass 485 increases your chances of qualifying for skilled migration programs by allowing you to gain Australian work experience, improve CRS-style points, and demonstrate integration into the labour market.
Skilled migration details can be accessed at
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skillselect
Final Thoughts
Australia’s Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485 provides international students with a valuable opportunity to gain real-world experience, build professional networks, and explore long-term residency options. With unrestricted work rights and flexible pathways, this visa acts as a crucial bridge between education and permanent settlement.
By understanding eligibility criteria, selecting the correct stream, and following official procedures through the Department of Home Affairs, graduates can confidently navigate their post-study journey and secure a strong professional future in Australia.
Anjola Adebanjo