Australia is one of the world’s most popular destinations for international students. After completing your studies, many graduates want to gain valuable Australian work experience before applying for permanent residency or advancing their careers. The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) offers this opportunity.
This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about the Subclass 485 Visa, including eligibility criteria, visa streams, application process, work rights, processing times, costs, and frequently asked questions.
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) is a temporary visa that allows eligible international students who have recently graduated from an Australian educational institution to live, work, and study in Australia after completing their qualifications.
This visa is designed to help graduates gain practical work experience, improve their professional skills, and potentially become eligible for permanent residency pathways.
The Subclass 485 Visa offers several advantages:
The Temporary Graduate Visa consists of different streams depending on your qualifications.
This stream is for international students who have completed eligible higher education qualifications such as:
The visa duration depends on your qualification level and current Australian immigration policy.
This stream is intended for graduates with vocational education qualifications related to occupations listed on Australia’s skilled occupation lists.
Applicants generally need qualifications that prepare them for occupations experiencing skills shortages.
Graduates who have lived, studied, and worked in designated regional areas may qualify for an additional Temporary Graduate Visa, allowing them to remain in Australia longer.
To apply, applicants generally must satisfy several eligibility requirements.
Applicants must usually be 35 years or younger at the time of application. Some exceptions may apply for certain passport holders or specific circumstances.
You must have completed an eligible Australian qualification from a registered Australian institution.
Typically, your course must:
You generally need to apply while holding an eligible visa, usually a Student Visa, or shortly after it expires according to current immigration regulations.
Applicants must provide evidence of English language proficiency through approved tests, including:
Minimum score requirements vary according to current immigration regulations.
Applicants must satisfy Australia’s health requirements, which may include a medical examination.
You must meet Australia’s character requirements by providing police clearance certificates if required.
Applicants generally need adequate health insurance during their stay in Australia.
Applicants commonly need the following documents:
Follow these steps to submit your application:
Ensure you meet all visa requirements before beginning your application.
Prepare all supporting documents in digital format.
Complete your application online through the Australian immigration portal.
Attach all required supporting documents.
Pay the applicable government visa application charge.
If requested, complete biometrics and health examinations promptly.
Monitor your application through your online account until a decision is made.
Processing times vary depending on:
Submitting complete and accurate documentation can help avoid unnecessary delays.
Applicants must pay the government visa application charge.
Additional costs may include:
Visa fees are updated periodically, so applicants should always check the latest charges before applying.
One of the biggest advantages of the Subclass 485 Visa is unrestricted work rights.
Visa holders can:
This flexibility makes the visa highly attractive for international graduates.
Yes.
Eligible family members may include:
Family members included in the application generally receive similar visa conditions.
Yes.
Although primarily a work visa, holders may continue studying in Australia while enjoying full work rights.
While the Temporary Graduate Visa does not directly grant permanent residency, it provides valuable opportunities to strengthen future migration applications.
Many graduates use the visa to:
Applications may be refused due to:
Carefully reviewing your application before submission can reduce the risk of refusal.
No. It is a temporary visa that allows eligible graduates to stay, work, and study in Australia for a limited period.
Yes. Eligible visa holders generally have unrestricted work rights.
Yes. Eligible partners and dependent children can usually be included in your application.
Most applicants must provide valid evidence of English language proficiency unless exempt.
Eligibility depends on the specific stream and current immigration requirements. Applicants should check the latest eligibility rules before applying.
No. However, it can help you gain Australian work experience and improve eligibility for various permanent migration pathways.
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) is an excellent opportunity for international students who want to build their careers in Australia after graduation. With full work rights, the ability to include family members, and pathways toward skilled migration, it remains one of the most valuable post-study visa options.
Before applying, ensure you understand the latest eligibility criteria, prepare all required documentation, and submit a complete application. Staying informed about current immigration policies will help improve your chances of a successful outcome and make the most of your post-study opportunities in Australia.