WORK AFTER STUDY
Temporary Graduate Visa
Subclass 485
For eligible international graduates who have recently completed study in Australia and want to live, work and study temporarily after graduation.
VISA TYPE
Temporary graduate visa
VISA LENGTH
Post-Vocational · Post-Higher Education
GOVERNMENT VISA CHARGE
From AUD $5,750*
ESTIMATED PROCESSING TIME
11 days - 3 months*
*Government charges and processing times are indicative and subject to change. Current at September 2026.
Who is the Temporary Graduate 485 visa for?
Australian study. Graduate work rights. Time to build your next pathway
The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) allows eligible international students to live, study and work temporarily in Australia after completing their Australian studies.
The Post-Higher Education Work stream is generally for graduates with a degree-level qualification or higher. The Post-Vocational Education Work stream is for eligible graduates with an associate degree, diploma or trade qualification relevant to an occupation Australia needs.
The subclass 485 is temporary. For some graduates it provides valuable time to gain skilled employment and consider a longer-term pathway through skilled, regional or employer-sponsored migration, but holding a 485 does not itself guarantee a pathway to permanent residence.
Key requirements for a Temporary Graduate 485 visa
01
Recent Australian study
The applicant must have recently completed an eligible qualification from a CRICOS-registered course and meet the Temporary Graduate visa study requirements.
02
Correct stream
The qualification completed determines which 485 stream may be available. It is important to apply under the correct stream because the stream cannot be changed after application.
03
Age requirement
Applicants are generally required to be 35 years of age or under when applying, although exceptions apply, including for some research graduates and Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport holders.
04
English language
The applicant must meet the applicable English language requirement and provide acceptable evidence where required. Approved English tests changed from 7 August 2025, so current test and score requirements should be checked
05
Health insurance
Appropriate health insurance must be maintained for the relevant period of the subclass 485 visa
06
Skills assessment where required
Post-Vocational Education Work applicants must nominate an eligible occupation and need the relevant skills assessment process. Post-Higher Education Work applicants do not require a skills assessment for the 485 application.
01
Identify the correct stream
Check the qualification, study history and whether Post-Vocational or Post-Higher Education Work applies.
How the Temporary Graduate 485 process works
02
Check eligibility & timing
Confirm age, Australian study, Student visa history, English and the timeframe for making a valid application.
03
Prepare stream-specific evidence
Obtain the required English, health insurance and supporting documents, together with occupation and skills-assessment evidence where applicable.
04
Lodge the 485 application
Submit the Temporary Graduate visa application with the required evidence within the relevant eligibility period.
05
Work & plan the next step
If granted, use the temporary graduate period to work and consider any available skilled, regional or employer-sponsored pathway.
Things to check before applying for a subclass 485 visa
What comes after the 485?
A Temporary Graduate visa provides time in Australia, not automatic permanent residence. Occupation, employment, points, regional opportunities and employer sponsorship can all affect what options may exist later.
Which stream applies?
A degree-level qualification and a vocational qualification can lead to different 485 streams with different requirements. Choosing the wrong stream is particularly significant because Home Affairs states that applicants cannot change streams after applying.
Timing of the application
Subclass 485 eligibility is closely connected to recent Australian study and visa history. The relevant dates should be checked before relying on the visa as a post-study option.
Occupation & skills assessment
For Post-Vocational Education Work, the nominated occupation and skills-assessment requirements need to be considered early. Evidence of having applied for the relevant skills assessment is required when the visa application is made.
Not sure which 485 visa stream applies to you — or what comes next?
Temporary Graduate visa eligibility depends on your qualification, study history and circumstances at the time of application. We can assess the appropriate 485 stream and consider how it fits with your longer-term migration options.