Temporary Graduate 485 Visa Guide

Subclass 485: Temporary Graduate Visa

Understand your eligibility, choose the right stream, know the costs and gather the required documents to prepare your 485 visa application with confidence.

Cost
$5,750 AUD
Primary Applicant
Age Limit
Under 35
Work Rights
Unlimited
Full-Time Work
Stay Period
18M - 5Y
Depends on qualification

What is a temporary graduate 485 Visa?

The Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa allows recent international graduates to live, work, and study in Australia temporarily after completing their course.

It helps graduates gain Australian work experience and explore future visa options, including skilled migration and employer sponsorship.

Work Anywhere

Unlimited work rights across Australia

Continue Studying

Enroll in further courses if desired

Travel Freely

Multiple entry visa for duration

Choose Your Stream

Post-Vocational Education Work Stream

For Diploma/Trade Graduates

Stay Period

18 Months

Skills Assessment

Required

For graduates who have completed a vocational or trade qualification.

Must complete a CRICOS-registered Vocational course.
Your occupation must be on the eligible Skilled Occupation List.

Post-Higher Education Work Stream

For Bachelor/Masters/PhD

Stay Period

2-4 Years

Skills Assessment

Not Required

For graduates with higher education qualifications from Australian institutions.

Must have a recent degree in a CRICOS-registered course.
The visa length depends on your qualification level.

Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream

Regional Extension

Stay Period

+1-2 Years

Skills Assessment

Not Required

Additional stay period for graduates who studied or lived in regional Australia.

Studied in a regional location.
Must have held and lived in a regional area during the first 485 Visa.

Who is Eligible?

You may be eligible for a Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa if you meet all of the following requirements:

Are 35 years old or under when you apply.
Be in Australia when you apply.
Currently hold an eligible visa.
Have held a Student visa within the last 6 months.
Have recently completed a CRICOS-registered course.
Meet the Temporary Graduate visa study requirement.
Meet the English, health and character requirements.
Have adequate health insurance (OVHC).
Apply under the correct 485 visa stream.

How Long Can I Stay?

Are you an Indian National?

Indian graduates get longer stay periods under AI-ECTA agreement

QualificationStandard DurationNote
Bachelor Degree2 Years
Masters (Coursework)2 YearsAI-ECTA Benefit
Masters (Research)3 Years
Doctoral (PhD)3 YearsAI-ECTA Benefit
Hong Kong/BNO Passport5 YearsSpecial Stream

English Proficiency Requirements

As of 2026, you must demonstrate competent English proficiency unless you hold a passport from UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, or Ireland.

Note: Acceptable minimum scores – Test taken on or after 7 August 2025

Test
Sub-skill
C1
Advanced
CELPIP
General ↗
IELTS
Academic ↗
IELTS
General
Training ↗
LANGUAGECERT
Academic ↗
MET ↗OET* ↗PTE
Academic ↗
TOEFL
iBT ↗
OverallNot
accepted
86.56.5675813105581
ListeningNot
accepted
65.55.549532604012
ReadingNot
accepted
65.55.554512804212
WritingNot
accepted
65.55.556512604114
SpeakingNot
accepted
65.55.562433103917

IELTS (Academic)

Overall:6.5
Minimum per band:5.5

PTE (Academic)

Overall:55
Listening:40
Reading:42
Writing:41
Speaking:39
Important: Test results must be less than 1 year old at the time of application. All scores shown are for tests taken on or after 7 August 2025.

Required Documents

Ensure you have all the necessary documents ready before submitting your 485 visa application. Download our comprehensive checklists below to stay organized.

Required

Visa Passport

Valid passport with at least 6 months validity, certified copy of bio-data page

Required

Eligible Visa

Current Australian student visa or bridging visa documentation

Required

Course Completion

Completion letter, academic transcripts, and CRICOS registration evidence

Conditional

Eligible Test

IELTS, PTE, or other approved English test results (if not exempt)

Required

AFP Check

Australian Federal Police character check and overseas police certificates

Required

OVHC Insurance

Overseas Visitors Health Cover for entire visa period

Document Submission Tips:

  • • All documents must be certified copies or originals
  • • Non-English documents require NAATI-certified translations
  • • Documents must be current and not expired at time of application
  • • Keep digital and physical copies for your records

Fees & Surcharges (2026)

$5,750 AUD

Primary Applicant (Base Fee)

Additional Costs

Medical Examination$371.70
AFP Police Check$56
OVHC InsuranceFrom $78 / month
Compare and buy OVHC

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about the 485 visa process

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.

Still have questions?

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