Is Your Australian Student Visa Expiring Soon?

The Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485 is an Australian temporary visa for eligible international graduates who have completed an eligible qualification and meet the relevant criteria.

Depending on the visa stream and applicable conditions, it may allow eligible graduates to remain in Australia temporarily, work and study.
However, having an Australian Student visa that is expiring soon does not automatically make you eligible for a Subclass 485 visa.
Your qualification, study history, visa circumstances, age, application timing and other applicable requirements must be considered.

If you have completed your course

You may be able to explore the relevant Subclass 485 stream if you satisfy all applicable requirements.

If you are still completing your course

You cannot lodge a Subclass 485 application before completing the eligible qualification. You may need to understand your immediate visa options separately.

If your Student visa is close to expiry

Do not assume that lodging an enquiry, preparing documents or planning to apply for a Subclass 485 visa will extend your current visa or allow you to remain in Australia.
Your immediate options depend on your circumstances and the applicable immigration rules.

Which Subclass 485 Visa Stream May Be Relevant to You?

The appropriate stream depends on the qualification you rely on and the specific eligibility requirements.

1. Post-Higher Education Work Stream

This stream may be relevant to eligible graduates with qualifying higher-education qualifications, such as a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or doctoral degree.
The qualification and other applicable criteria must meet the current requirements.

2. Post-Vocational Education Work Stream

This stream may be relevant to eligible graduates with an eligible associate degree, diploma or trade qualification.
The qualification and nominated occupation must satisfy the applicable requirements, including relevant occupation and skills assessment criteria where required.

3. Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream

Certain existing Temporary Graduate visa holders may be able to explore this stream if they meet the specific requirements, including applicable regional-study criteria.
This is generally relevant to eligible existing visa holders rather than a first-time applicant.

Not sure which stream to explore?

Your qualification and circumstances need to be assessed against the relevant requirements before deciding how to proceed.

485 Visa Eligibility: What Requirements Should You Understand?

Before deciding whether to apply, consider the criteria that may apply to your circumstances.

Age requirements

The applicable age limit and any relevant exceptions depend on the visa rules and your circumstances.

Eligible Australian qualification

Your qualification must satisfy the study requirements for the relevant stream.

Australian study history

Your course, study duration and other relevant study criteria may affect eligibility.

Current and previous visa status

Your visa history and current circumstances may affect your available options.

Course completion date

Your course completion information is important. It is not necessarily the same as your graduation ceremony date.

English-language evidence

You may need to provide accepted English-language evidence that meets the requirements applying to your application.

Health insurance and other requirements

Applicable health insurance, health, character and other requirements must also be considered.

Stream-specific criteria

Some streams have additional qualification, occupation, skills assessment or other requirements.
Important: Meeting one or more of these criteria does not guarantee that you qualify for a Subclass 485 visa. All applicable requirements must be satisfied.

When Should You Take Action?

If your Student visa is approaching expiry, it is important to understand your circumstances promptly.

If you have completed your qualification

Check whether you meet the relevant Subclass 485 requirements, including study, visa-history and application-timing criteria.

If you are waiting for course completion

Understand when you will satisfy the academic completion requirements and whether you have an immediate visa issue that needs separate attention.

If your Student visa expires soon

Review your current visa conditions and expiry date. Seek appropriate, case-specific migration guidance about your immediate options rather than assuming you can apply for a particular visa.

If you are unsure about your next step

Gather your relevant visa and study information so your circumstances can be discussed more clearly.
Do not wait until the last moment to understand your options. The appropriate next step depends on your circumstances, and an enquiry alone does not change your visa status.

How Orbit Migration Advisory Can Help

Understanding visa requirements can be confusing, particularly when your current visa expiry date is approaching.

Orbit Migration Advisory can help you enquire about:

• The Subclass 485 visa streams relevant to your qualification.
• The eligibility requirements you need to consider.
• Your course completion and application-timing questions.
• Supporting documentation and other applicable criteria.
• Questions about your current visa circumstances.
• Potential next steps for obtaining appropriate migration assistance.

Our aim is to help you understand the relevant requirements and make an informed decision about what to do next.
Any advice or assistance will depend on your circumstances and the services agreed with you.

Can I apply for a 485 visa if my Student visa is expiring soon?

Possibly, if you meet all applicable requirements. Your course completion, visa history, qualification and other criteria must be considered. An expiring Student visa does not automatically establish Subclass 485 eligibility.

Can I apply for a 485 visa before completing my studies

No. You must complete the eligible qualification before lodging a Subclass 485 application. If your Student visa expires before you complete your course, you need to consider your immediate visa circumstances separately.

What if my Student visa expires before I graduate?

Your options depend on your circumstances and the applicable immigration rules. Do not assume that you can remain in Australia simply because you intend to apply for a Subclass 485 visa later. Seek appropriate advice about your current visa status and next steps.

How long can I stay in Australia on a Subclass 485 visa?

The permitted stay depends on the relevant stream, qualification, applicable rules and any relevant exceptions. Check the current Department of Home Affairs requirements.

Do I need employer sponsorship for the 485 visa?

Employer sponsorship is generally not required for the primary Subclass 485 application. Applicants must meet the relevant visa criteria.

Can I work in Australia on a 485 visa?

Eligible visa holders can generally work in Australia during their permitted stay, subject to the visa grant and applicable conditions.

Does a 485 visa lead directly to permanent residency?

No. The Subclass 485 visa is temporary and does not automatically lead to permanent residency. Other visa pathways have their own requirements.

What happens after I submit the enquiry form?

Our team can review your enquiry and contact you about the information or assistance you are seeking, subject to service availability.

Does submitting an enquiry extend my current visa?

No. Submitting an enquiry to a migration advisory business does not itself extend your visa, grant bridging visa rights or authorise you to remain in Australia.

Your Next Step Starts With Understanding Your Circumstances

If your Australian Student visa is expiring soon, it is important to understand your current position before deciding what to do next.
Whether you have completed your course, are waiting for your qualification or are unsure about the requirements, start by sharing your situation.
Enquire with Orbit Migration Advisory about your potential visa options.

Orbit Migration Advisory
Website: https://orbitmigrationadvisory.com/
Phone: +61 433 450 559
General information only. Visa eligibility and outcomes depend on applicable law and individual circumstances. No visa grant or migration outcome is guaranteed. Submitting an enquiry is not a visa application and does not change your current visa status. Verify current requirements through the Australian Department of Home Affairs.