Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) allows international students who have recently graduated from an Australian educational institution to live, study, and work in Australia temporarily with unrestricted work rights.
Holding a Subclass 485 visa provides valuable Australian work experience that can significantly enhance your eligibility for points-tested General Skilled Migration (Subclass 189, 190, 491) or Employer-Sponsored pathways (Subclass 482, 186).
At Jurist Migration, we ensure your graduation dates, CRICOS course registration, Australian Study Requirement, English test scores, and police checks meet strict Department timing guidelines before lodging your application.
Graduate Visa Streams & Duration
Select the stream aligned with your Australian qualification level and study location.
Post-Higher Education Work Stream
For international students who have completed higher education qualifications in Australia (Bachelor Degree or higher).
- Bachelor Degree: Up to 2 years
- Master (Coursework): Up to 2 years
- Master (Research): Up to 3 years
- Doctoral (PhD): Up to 3 years
- Age Requirement: Under 35 years old (under 50 for Masters by Research & PhD or HK/BNO passport holders)
Post-Vocational Education Work Stream
For graduates with trade qualifications, diplomas, or associate degrees closely related to an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
- Stay Duration: Up to 18 months
- Skills Assessment: Positive provisional skills assessment required
- Age Requirement: Under 35 years old (under 50 for HK/BNO passport holders)
Second Post-Study Work Stream
For holders of a first Post-Higher Education Work stream 485 visa who graduated from a regional institution and lived, studied, and worked exclusively in regional Australia.
- Category 2 Regional Area: 1 additional year
- Category 3 Regional Area: 2 additional years
Key Eligibility Requirements
Critical Timing Rule: You must apply for the Subclass 485 visa within 6 months of your official course completion date (the date your institution confirmed you met all course requirements), and hold or have held an eligible Student Visa in the 6 months prior to application.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)?
The Subclass 485 is a temporary post-study work visa that gives international graduates of Australian institutions full, unrestricted work and study rights in Australia for between 18 months and 5 years depending on their qualification level and study location.
What is the age limit for the 485 visa?
Under current regulations, the maximum age limit for the Subclass 485 visa is under 35 years of age at time of application. However, Masters by Research and Doctoral (PhD) graduates, as well as Hong Kong and British National Overseas (BNO) passport holders, remain eligible up to under 50 years of age.
What English test score is required for Subclass 485?
Applicants must achieve an overall score of at least IELTS 6.5 (with a minimum score of 5.5 in each component) or PTE Academic 57 (with minimum sub-scores), or hold a passport from the UK, USA, Canada, NZ, or Ireland. The English test must have been taken within 1 year before lodgement.
Can I include my partner or children in my 485 application?
Yes. You can include your spouse or de facto partner and dependent children at the time of your initial application or add them later as subsequent entrants. They will receive the same full work and study entitlements as the primary applicant.
How does the Subclass 485 help with Permanent Residency?
The 485 visa gives you the time and full work rights needed to gain 1 to 3 years of Australian skilled employment (earning 5–10 extra points), complete Professional Year programs, attain superior English scores, and secure employer sponsorship (Subclass 482 / 186 / 494) or state nomination (Subclass 190 / 491).
