Question 1

Who is eligible for the 485 visa?

Accepted Answer

International students who have recently graduated from an Australian education institution with skills and qualifications that relate to specific occupations Australia needs.

Question 2

How long does the 485 visa last?

Accepted Answer

The duration depends on your qualification level and stream: 18 months for Graduate Work stream, 2-4 years for Post-Study Work stream, and 1-2 years for the Second Post-Study Work stream.

Question 3

Can I include my family in my application?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can include your partner and dependent children in your 485 visa application. Additional fees apply for each family member included.

Question 4

What is the cost of a 485 visa?

Accepted Answer

The base application fee is AUD 1,895 (2026 rates). Additional costs include health insurance (OVHC), health examinations, police checks, and potentially English language tests.

Question 5

How long does processing take?

Accepted Answer

Processing times vary, but most 485 visa applications are processed within 4-8 weeks. Ensure all documents are submitted correctly to avoid delays.

Question 6

What is the 485 visa and who is it for?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 7

What are the main streams for the 485 visa?

Accepted Answer

There are three main streams: Post-Vocational Education Stream (18 months for diploma/trade graduates), Post-Higher Education Stream (2-4 years for bachelor/masters/PhD), and Second Post-Higher Education Stream (additional 1-2 years for regional graduates).

Question 8

What are the age requirements for the 485 visa in 2026?

Accepted Answer

As of March 1, 2026, most applicants must be under 35 years old. However, PhD and Masters (Research) graduates can apply up to 50 years old, and Hong Kong/BNO passport holders can apply up to 49 years old.

Question 9

Do I need English proficiency for the 485 visa?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you must demonstrate competent English proficiency unless you hold a passport from UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, or Ireland. Acceptable tests include IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, and others with specific minimum scores.

Question 10

When should I apply for the 485 visa?

Accepted Answer

You must apply within 6 months of receiving your completion letter from your educational institution. Your visa must still be valid when you apply, or you must have held a substantive visa in the last 28 days.

Question 11

What is OVHC and who needs it?

Accepted Answer

Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) is mandatory health insurance for all 485 visa applicants. It must cover your entire visa period and all family members included in your application. Without valid OVHC proof, your visa application will be rejected.

Question 12

How long should I get OVHC cover for?

Accepted Answer

Your OVHC must cover the entire duration of your intended visa stay. For a 485 visa, this is typically 18 months to 4 years depending on your stream. It's recommended to purchase slightly more coverage than your visa period to account for processing delays.

Question 13

Can I switch OVHC providers mid-policy?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can switch OVHC providers, but you must ensure there is no gap in coverage. Many providers offer pro-rata refunds for unused portions of your policy. Always confirm your new policy is active before canceling your existing one.

Question 14

Does OVHC cover pre-existing conditions?

Accepted Answer

Most OVHC policies have waiting periods for pre-existing conditions, typically 12 months. However, coverage varies between providers. Some offer shorter waiting periods or immediate cover for certain conditions at a higher premium. Always read the policy details carefully.

Question 15

What's the difference between OVHC providers?

Accepted Answer

OVHC providers differ in premium costs, coverage levels, claim processing times, hospital networks, additional benefits (like dental/optical), and customer service quality. Compare providers based on your specific health needs and budget to find the best fit.

Question 16

Why would I need a visa loan?

Accepted Answer

The 485 visa application fee increased to $4,600 AUD in 2026, plus additional costs for OVHC insurance, health checks, and police certificates. A visa loan helps you manage these upfront costs with flexible repayment options.

Question 17

How much can I borrow with a visa loan?

Accepted Answer

Visa loans typically cover the full application cost including visa fees ($4,600), OVHC insurance ($600-1,200), health examinations ($300-500), and police checks ($100-200). Total loan amounts range from $5,000 to $7,000.

Question 18

What are the eligibility requirements for a visa loan?

Accepted Answer

Most lenders require you to be 18+ years old, have a valid student visa or bridging visa, demonstrate income or employment prospects, and have a clean credit history. Some lenders offer loans specifically for international students.

Question 19

How long do I have to repay the loan?

Accepted Answer

Repayment terms vary by lender but typically range from 6 to 24 months. Many lenders offer flexible payment plans that align with your work schedule and income after graduation.

Question 20

What documents do I need for a visa loan application?

Accepted Answer

Common requirements include proof of identity (passport), student ID or completion letter, proof of income or job offer, Australian bank account details, and visa application evidence. Requirements vary by lender.

Question 21

What should I do if I'm eligible?

Accepted Answer

Start gathering your documents immediately: completion letter, passport copies, police checks, health examination, English test results, and OVHC policy. Apply within 6 months of course completion to avoid delays.

Question 22

What if I don't meet all requirements?

Accepted Answer

Contact a registered migration agent to discuss your options. Some requirements may have exemptions or alternative pathways. Don't apply if you're not eligible as it may affect future visa applications.

Question 23

How accurate is this eligibility check?

Accepted Answer

This tool provides a preliminary assessment based on common requirements. For a definitive answer, consult with a registered MARA agent who can review your specific circumstances and documentation.

Question 24

Can I save my eligibility results?

Accepted Answer

Yes, enter your email to receive a detailed PDF report with your results, recommended next steps, document checklist, and timeline. You can also book a consultation with our partner migration agents.

Question 25

What are the next steps after checking eligibility?

Accepted Answer

If eligible, prioritize getting OVHC insurance, booking health examinations, obtaining police checks, and preparing your English test (if required). Consider booking a consultation with a migration agent to review your application before submission.

Question 26

What tools are available for visa applicants?

Accepted Answer

Our platform offers a Visa Fee Calculator, Eligibility Checker, Document Vault, Regional Location Checker, and OVHC Comparison Tool. All tools are free to use and designed specifically for 485 visa applicants.

Question 27

How accurate is the Visa Fee Calculator?

Accepted Answer

The calculator uses official 2026 fee schedules from the Department of Home Affairs. It includes primary applicant fees, partner fees, dependent child fees, and estimates for additional costs like OVHC and health checks.

Question 28

Is my information stored when I use these tools?

Accepted Answer

We do not store personal information unless you choose to create an account or save results. All calculations and checks are performed securely, and we comply with Australian privacy regulations.

Question 29

Can I use these tools on my phone?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all our tools are mobile-responsive and work seamlessly on smartphones, tablets, and desktop computers. Your progress is saved locally in your browser.

Question 30

Do I need to create an account to use the tools?

Accepted Answer

No, all tools can be used without creating an account. However, creating a free account allows you to save your progress, store documents securely, and receive personalized updates.

Question 31

Why should I use a migration agent?

Accepted Answer

Registered MARA agents have specialized knowledge of immigration law, can identify issues before submission, handle complex cases, and significantly reduce the risk of visa rejection. They stay updated on the latest policy changes.

Question 32

How much do migration agents charge?

Accepted Answer

Fees vary widely based on experience of an agent and case complexity. Expect to pay $500-1,000 for 485 visa assistance. Many agents offer payment plans and free initial consultations. Always get a written fee agreement.

Question 33

How do I verify an agent is registered?

Accepted Answer

All agents in our directory are verified MARA (Migration Agents Registration Authority) registered. You can also check the MARA public register directly at mara.gov.au to confirm registration status.

Question 34

What should I ask during the initial consultation?

Accepted Answer

Ask about their experience with 485 visas, success rate, fees and payment plans, timeline expectations, what services are included, and how they communicate with clients. Take notes and compare multiple agents.

Question 35

Can I switch agents if I'm not satisfied?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can change migration agents at any time. You'll need to complete a Form 956 (Advice by a migration agent/exempt person of providing immigration assistance) to authorize the new agent to act on your behalf.

Question 36

How quickly will I receive a response?

Accepted Answer

We aim to respond to all inquiries within 24-48 hours during business days. Urgent visa-related questions are prioritized. For immediate assistance, consider booking a consultation with one of our partner agents.

Question 37

What information should I include in my message?

Accepted Answer

Include your current visa status, qualification details, specific questions or concerns, and your preferred contact method. The more details you provide, the more accurate and helpful our response will be.

Question 38

Do you provide migration advice directly?

Accepted Answer

We provide general information about the 485 visa process. For personalized migration advice, we recommend consulting with a registered MARA agent through our directory who can assess your specific circumstances.

Question 39

Can I schedule a phone or video call?

Accepted Answer

Yes, after submitting your inquiry, we can arrange a phone or video consultation. You can also book directly with registered migration agents through our Agent Directory for comprehensive visa advice.

Question 40

Is my inquiry confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all communications are treated as confidential and handled in accordance with Australian privacy laws. We do not share your information with third parties without your explicit consent.

Question 41

How often is the blog updated?

Accepted Answer

We publish new articles weekly covering visa updates, student experiences, cost of living tips, career advice, and immigration policy changes. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive updates directly in your inbox.

Question 42

Can I submit a guest post or share my story?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We welcome contributions from international students and graduates. Contact us with your story idea or article proposal. We particularly love hearing about personal visa journeys and career success stories.

Question 43

Are the visa updates in the blog official?

Accepted Answer

Our blog articles are based on official Department of Home Affairs announcements and policy changes. However, always verify critical information with official government sources or a registered migration agent before making decisions.

Question 44

Can I download blog articles as PDFs?

Accepted Answer

Yes, most comprehensive guides and resources can be downloaded as PDFs for offline reading. Look for the download button at the top or bottom of each article.

Question 45

How can I suggest a blog topic?

Accepted Answer

We love hearing from our community! Submit topic suggestions through our contact form or email us directly. We prioritize topics that address common questions and challenges faced by 485 visa applicants.

485 Visa FAQs

What are the basic eligibility requirements for a 485 Graduate visa?

Can I apply for a 485 visa if I'm outside Australia?

What qualifies as "2 academic years" of study?

How much does the 485 visa application cost?

What is the 6-month deadline and how is it calculated?

How long does it take to process a 485 visa?

How long will my 485 visa last?

Can I extend my 485 visa?

Can I work full-time on a 485 visa?

Do I need a job offer to apply for a 485 visa?

What English language requirements do I need to meet?

What is OVHC and do I really need it?

What police checks do I need?

Can I get a loan to pay for the visa application fee?

Are there any hidden costs I should know about?

Can I include my partner and children in my application?

Can my partner work on my 485 visa?

What can I do after my 485 visa expires?

Can I travel in and out of Australia on a 485 visa?

Still Have Questions?

Message Us

Call Us

Email Support

Helpful Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for the 485 visa?

How long does the 485 visa last?

Can I include my family in my application?

What is the cost of a 485 visa?

How long does processing take?

Registered Migration Agent or Legal Practitioner?