What Is the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)?

The temporary graduate subclass 485 visa is designed for eligible international students who have recently completed an eligible qualification in Australia. Depending on the relevant stream and circumstances, the visa can allow graduates to live, work and study in Australia temporarily.

The 485 visa can be an important transition between completing your studies and considering your longer-term career or migration options.

Current Australian Government guidance identifies streams including the Post-Vocational Education Work stream, Post-Higher Education Work stream and, for eligible graduates who meet the requirements, the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream. The qualification used to meet the study requirement helps determine the appropriate stream.

Who Can Apply for a 485 Visa?

Eligibility depends on your individual circumstances, qualification, visa history and the requirements that apply when you lodge your application.

Generally, applicants need to meet requirements relating to:

• Age
• Holding an eligible visa
• Recent study in Australia
• An eligible qualification
• The relevant subclass 485 stream
• English-language requirements where applicable
• Health and character requirements
• Required supporting documentation

For example, current guidance states that applicants generally need to be aged 35 or under when applying, subject to exceptions, and must have held a Student visa within the previous six months.

Because visa requirements can change, graduates should check the current requirements before preparing an application.

Which 485 Visa Stream Is Right for You?

One of the most important steps is identifying the appropriate temporary graduation visa stream.

Post-Vocational Education Work Stream

This stream is generally relevant to graduates with eligible associate degree, diploma or trade qualifications who meet the applicable requirements. The qualification must also have the required relationship to the nominated occupation and relevant occupation-list requirements.

Post-Higher Education Work Stream

This stream is designed for eligible graduates with a degree-level qualification or higher from an Australian institution. The length of stay depends on the qualification and the applicable rules.

Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream

Some graduates may qualify for a second period of post-higher education work rights where the relevant requirements concerning regional study, residence and previous Temporary Graduate visa status are satisfied.
Choosing the correct stream is important because applicants generally cannot change streams after submitting the application.

Can You Work After Graduation on a 485 Visa?

One of the major attractions of the 485 visa is the opportunity to gain Australian work experience after completing your studies.

Current Study Australia guidance states that Temporary Graduate visa holders can work unrestricted hours in any sector, subject to their visa conditions.

This can give graduates an opportunity to:

• Gain practical industry experience
• Develop professional skills
• Build an Australian employment history
• Explore career opportunities
• Understand their longer-term visa options

For many graduates, the period after university is not simply about finding a job. It can also be about understanding how their qualification and professional experience may connect with future Australian visa pathways.

What Is a Bridging Visa?

A bridging visa is different from the Temporary Graduate visa.

A bridging visa can allow a person to remain lawfully in Australia while their immigration status is being resolved or while they wait for a decision on a substantive visa application. The exact conditions depend on the bridging visa granted.

For example, travel arrangements require particular attention. The Australian Government states that only a Bridging visa B generally allows a person to leave and re-enter Australia while waiting for a decision on a substantive visa application.

Therefore, graduates should not assume that holding a bridging visa automatically provides the same rights as a 485 visa.

Is the Temporary Graduation Visa the Same as the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)?

A temporary protection visa and the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) are separate visa pathways with different purposes and eligibility requirements.

The temporary graduate subclass 485 visa is associated with eligible international graduates who have completed qualifying Australian studies.

A temporary protection visa, by contrast, belongs to Australia’s protection-visa framework. It should not be treated as another type of graduate or post-study work visa.

Understanding the difference is particularly important when researching Australian migration options online, because similar terminology can sometimes create confusion.

What Happens After the 485 Visa?

The 485 visa is temporary, so graduates should consider their longer-term plans before their visa period approaches its end.

Depending on individual circumstances, future options may include employer-sponsored pathways, skilled migration or other visas for which the person becomes eligible.

For example, Study Australia notes that eligible Temporary Graduate visa holders who meet relevant work-experience requirements may potentially consider a Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa while in Australia.
However, eligibility is not automatic. Your occupation, qualifications, skills, employment, employer and other visa requirements may all be relevant.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 485 Visa

What is the 485 visa?

The 485 visa is Australia’s Temporary Graduate visa for eligible international students who have completed qualifying Australian studies. It can provide temporary stay and work opportunities after graduation.

Is the temporary graduation visa the same as the Temporary Graduate visa?

The phrase temporary graduation visa is sometimes used informally when referring to Australia’s Temporary Graduate visa. The official visa name is the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485).

Can I work on a temporary graduate subclass 485 visa?

Yes, eligible Temporary Graduate visa holders can work in Australia, with current guidance stating that work is unrestricted in any sector, subject to applicable visa conditions.

Does a bridging visa equal a 485 visa?

No, A bridging visa and the 485 visa have different purposes and conditions. A bridging visa may allow lawful stay while another visa matter is being resolved.

Is a temporary protection visa an alternative to the 485 visa?

No. A temporary protection visa is a separate protection-related visa pathway and should not be confused with the Temporary Graduate visa.

Plan Your Next Step After Graduation

Completing your Australian studies can open the door to new professional opportunities, but understanding your visa options is an important part of planning your next step.

The temporary graduate subclass 485 visa may provide eligible graduates with time to work, gain experience and explore future pathways in Australia. However, eligibility and visa conditions depend on your individual circumstances and the rules that apply when you apply.

If you have recently graduated or are approaching graduation, reviewing your 485 visa options early can help you understand what documentation, eligibility requirements and future pathways may be relevant to your situation.

Graduation is not necessarily the end of your Australian journey — it can be the beginning of your next professional chapter.