The Australian Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) is used by graduates who want to gain Australian work experience or explore potential pathways toward skilled migration.
This post is based on official guidance from the Department of Home Affairs and practical insights from education ONE Australia’s migration support team, to help you make informed decisions before applying.
Quick Answer
Here’s what you need to know upfront:
- Who it’s for: International graduates from Australian institutions
- How long: 18 months to 4 years
- Application window: Within 6 months after course completion date
- Current fee: AU$4,600 (Main Applicant), AU$2,300 (Secondary Applicants (18+)), AU$1,160 (Secondary Applicants (Under 18))
- Key benefit: Full work rights in Australia after graduation, a structured pathway toward Australian permanent residency, and the ability to bring family members
What Is the Australian Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)?
The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) is a temporary visa (sits under the Temporary Visa framework) issued by the Department of Home Affairs for international students who have recently graduated from an Australian institution.
The 485 is considered the most important visa in an international student’s migration journey to operate as a bridge providing the time and work experience needed to build the points, skills, and employment history.
What you can do on a 485 visa:
- Work full-time
- Continue studying
- Travel in and out of Australia
- Include eligible family members
Rule Changes You Need to Know
From 1 March 2026:
- The application fee doubled to AUD $4,600 for the primary applicant. Adult dependents rose to $2,300. Child dependents to $1,160.
From 7 August 2025:
- You need at least 6 in each of the four IELTS components: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
From 23 March 2024:
- Minimum English score increase IELTS 6.0 to 6.5
- The English test validity window was cut from 3 years to 1 year.
From 1 July 2024:
- The Graduate Work stream was renamed the Post-Vocational Education Work stream.
- The Post-Study Work stream was renamed the Post-Higher Education Work stream.
- The Second Post-Study Work stream became the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream.
- The Replacement stream was closed.
- The age cap dropped from 50 to 35 for most applicants.
- Restrictions on Temporary Graduate visa holders from transferring back to student visas while onshore
Closing The Permanently Temporary Loophole
Previously, the 485 visa had a legal loophole where students could complete their studies, work full-time on the visa, and then revert to a student visa to become eligible for a 485 application again.
Many become ‘permanently temporary’ residents without any pressure to progress to the next pathway. The Australian government doesn’t like this because those who end up staying aren’t the skilled workers they hoped for.
This loophole has finally been closed, and initiated major changes to migration pathways in Australia.
Who Is Eligible?
To apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), you must meet a set of requirements defined by the Department of Home Affairs.
485 Visa Quick Eligibility Checklist
- Be under 35 years old
- Hold (or have recently held) a student visa
- Apply within 6 months of course completion
- Meet the Australian Study Requirement
- Provide proof of English proficiency
- Meet health and character requirements
- Hold Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC)
- Apply for the correct visa stream
- No refusal or cancellation history
What is the Australian Study Requirement?
The Australian Study Requirement is the most critical (and misunderstood) requirement which results in Temporary Graduate Visa refusal due to inability to complete this, technically.
To meet Australian study requirements, you must:
- Complete at least 2 academic years (92 weeks) of study
- Study in a CRICOS-registered course
- Complete your studies in Australia
- Finish the qualification within the last 6 months before applying
Eligibility Sample Case (2 Minutes Read)
Anya was an Indonesian student who had successfully completed her Bachelor of Computer Science at The University of Queensland, through a packaged program with University of Indonesia.
Like most international students, her next move was to apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) and start building her career in Australia.
Before lodging her visa, we ran a full eligibility assessment. On the surface, everything checked out because she holds a Bachelor degree which usually takes 3 years to complete, until we looked deeper into her study duration.
What went wrong?
Anya had completed 90 weeks and 4 days of study in Australia, and she failed to meet 92 CRICOS weeks of study completed in Australia.
She was 2-week short.And that meant she was NOT ELIGIBLE for the 485 visa.
The issue was Anya enrolled in a packaged program, part of her study was completed in Indonesia. When she transitioned to Australia, she received credits that reduced the number of units she needed to take.
Many students would still go ahead and apply, but that’s a costly mistake
The strategy that turned it around
First, we confirmed her exact CRICOS duration directly with the university and the result was clear: She needed more study time.
We mapped out two possible paths:
- Add extra units (if the university allowed it), or
- Continue to a higher qualification
After reviewing her options, Anya chose to enroll in a Master of IT Management, applied for a new student visa, and continued her studies.
By doing this, she was able to:
- Extend her stay in Australia legally
- Accumulate sufficient study duration to meet ASR
- Become fully eligible for the 485 visa with LONGER DURATION
What you should take from this
Aghnia’s case isn’t rare but rarely detected early.
Note you can take:
- Credit exemptions can reduce your study duration
- Finishing a Bachelor’s degree doesn’t guarantee 485 eligibility
- The 92-week requirement is non-negotiable
So before you apply, ask yourself: Do I actually meet the study duration requirement?
Because in cases like this, the difference between 90 weeks and 92 weeks is the difference between moving forward and starting over.
Think your case is straightforward? Double-check your study eligibility before you apply with a free assessment.
The Three 485 Streams Explained
There are now three streams under the Subclass 485.
Post-Higher Education Work Stream (PHE Work Stream)
For graduates who hold at least a Bachelor’s degree from an Australian university.
Duration by qualification:
- Bachelor’s degree (including honours): 2 years
- Master’s by Coursework or Extended: 2 years
- Master’s by Research: 3 years
- Doctoral degree (PhD): 3 years
- Hong Kong / BNO passport holders: up to 5 years
A 2-year extension for “select occupations” is no longer available.
Post-Vocational Education Work Stream (PVE Work Stream)
For graduates who have completed a Diploma or trade qualification and wish to nominate an occupation from the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
PVE Work Stream valid for 18 months, but Hong Kong / BNO passport holders may stay up to 5 years
Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream
To qualify, you must have completed your degree at a regional institution, lived only in a regional area throughout your studies, and maintained continuous regional residence for at least 2 years while holding your first 485.
How to Apply for the 485 Visa
You must be in Australia when you lodge & when the visa is granted (unless if you’re a subsequent entrant).
Key steps:
- Get the right help
- Confirm your stream (PHE or PVE Work Stream)
- Waive No Further Stay conditions
- Check your English test if it’s within the 12-month window
- Get your skills assessment early (PVE stream only)
- Gather your documents
- Apply through ImmiAccount
After lodgement, you’ll be placed on a Bridging Visa A if your current visa expires before a decision is made to make your stay lawful.
Costs and Processing Times (Updated April 2026)
Understand the cost and processing time below to set your expectations before you apply.
Current Application Fees (From 1 March 2026)
| Applicant Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Primary applicant (most nationalities) | AUD $4,600 |
| Secondary applicant aged 18+ | AUD $2,300 |
| Secondary applicant under 18 | AUD $1,160 |
Important: Visa fees are subject to change (typically reviewed annually), so always check the Department of Home Affairs website.
Additional Costs to Budget For
Beyond the application fee, plan for:
- Start from AU$59 monthly for OVHC (Overseas Visitor Health Cover)
- AU$300-$500 for English language test
- AU$300-$500 for medical examination costs
- AU$50-$100 for police clearance certificates
- AU$500-$1,500 for Skills Assessment (if required)
- Migration agent fees (if engaging professional help)
Estimated Total Budget (+Sample Case)
A 485 application now realistically costs AUD $6,000–$10,000+ for a single applicant by the time you’ve put it together properly.
Here’s how we break it down.
Case 1: Single Applicant
This is the most straightforward application, where you are the sole person on the visa.
| Item | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Visa – Primary Applicant | $4,600 |
| OVHC (12 months) | ~$700 |
| English Test | ~$300 – $500 |
| Medical Examination | ~$300 – $500 |
| Police Clearance | ~$50 – $100 |
| Estimated Total | ~$6,200 – $6,500 |
Case 2: Applicant with 1 Spouse and 1 Child
You all apply together in one single application.
| Item | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Visa – Primary Applicant | $4,600 |
| Visa – Spouse (18+) | $2,300 |
| Visa – Child (<18) | $1,160 |
| OVHC (Family, 12 months) | ~$1,800 |
| English Test (Primary) | ~$300 – $500 |
| Medicals (3 people) | ~$900 – $1,500 |
| Police Clearance (2 adults) | ~$100 – $200 |
| Estimated Total | ~$11,500 – $12,000 |
Case 3: Applicant with Spouse and Child (Subsequent Entrants)
You already hold your 485 visa. Your family applies later to join you.
| Item | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Visa – Primary Applicant (already paid) | $4,600 |
| Visa – Spouse (first applicant in subsequent entrant application) | $4,600 |
| Visa – Child (<18, additional applicant) | $1,160 |
| OVHC (Family added later, 12 months) | ~$1,200 |
| English Test (Primary, already done) | ~$300 – $500 |
| Medicals (Spouse + Child) | ~$600 – $1,000 |
| Police Clearance (Spouse) | ~$50 – $100 |
| Estimated Total (Combined) | ~$12,500 – $13,000 |
Important Note on Separate Applications: When you apply for a subsequent entrant visa separately from the primary holder, the Department of Home Affairs treats it as a new, standalone application. In this case, the first person in the application (regardless of age) is considered the “main applicant” for that lodgement. This means they will be charged the full base application fee rather than the lower “additional applicant” rate.
You’re investing $6,000+. Run a quick assessment before you take the risk.sure it’s done right the first time.
Processing Times (Estimated, Early 2026)
See table below to see estimated 485 visa processing time for April 2026.
| Stream | 50% Application | 90% Application |
|---|---|---|
| Post-Higher Education Work | 9 Days | 34 Days |
| Post-Vocational Education Work | 21 Days | 4 Months |
Processing times can vary significantly depending on the completeness of your application, whether the Department requests further information (RFI), and your individual circumstances (including any visa history or health/character considerations).
Can the 485 Visa Lead to Permanent Residency?
Yes, 485 can support your PR journey. But not directly nor guarantee for PR.
The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) is a temporary visa designed to give you time in Australia after graduation.
How the 485 Visa Helps Your PR Pathway
What you do during that time is what determines your PR outcome. These are the elements needed for visas like 189, 190, and 491:
- Gain skilled work experience
- Improve your English score
- Complete a Professional Year Program
- Become eligible for skills assessment
- Qualify for state nomination or employer sponsorship
Questions to Ask Before You Aim for PR After 485
Spending years in Australia… and realising too late that your pathway doesn’t lead where you thought it would.
So, before applying your Australian graduate visa to aim for permanent residency, ask yourself these questions:
- Is my course aligned with a skilled occupation list?
- Will my job in Australia count toward PR requirements?
- Am I building a profile that fits a specific visa pathway?
A AU$4,600 485 visa is a significant investment and having a registered migration agent review your options before you apply can help you have a clear migration plan.
Can the 485 Visa Be Refused?
Yes. And it happens more often than people expect because the 485 is the most consequential an international student will ever lodge.
Mistakes like an invalid English test, choosing the wrong stream, or misunderstanding eligibility can lead to refusal.
A refusal can trigger Section 48 limitations, restricting your ability to apply for other visas while in Australia.
You only get one clean shot at this visa. What’s your plan after you get it?
If you have any uncertainty about your eligibility or history, get an assessment from a RMA before lodging.
Common Mistakes That Lead to Refusals
Below are the seven most common mistakes made when applying for an Australian graduate visa, ranked from bad to worst (with #7 being the worst).
- Mistake #1: Treating the 485 Visa as a “Backup Plan”
- Mistake #2: Assuming it’s simple
- Mistake #3: Expired English test at lodgement
- Mistake #4: Applying after the 6-month window
- Mistake #5: Undisclosed visa history
- Mistake #6: Occupation mismatch (PVE Work Stream)
- Mistake #7: Australian Study Requirement not met
When to Seek Professional Advice
By now, you understand that the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) is a decision that can shape your future in Australia (great!).
Subclass 485 visa provides full work rights plus additional time, and it is most beneficial when used as part of a broader migration plan.
education ONE Australia’s in-house registered migration agents (RMAs), led by Indah Melindasari (MARN 0961448), specialise in helping students connect the dots between study choices, occupation demand, and points-based requirements.
Before you speak to a migration agent, start with a free assessment to understand your position, risks, and options.
Australian Graduate Visa Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long can I stay in Australia on a Subclass 485 visa?
18 months (Post-Vocational stream), 2 years (Bachelor’s / Master’s by Coursework, Post-Higher Education stream), 3 years (Master’s by Research / PhD), up to 4 years for Indian nationals, up to 5 years for Hong Kong and BNO passport holders.
Q: Can I apply for the 485 visa twice?
You can hold a maximum of two Australian Graduate Visas after graduation.
Q: What English test is accepted for the Subclass 485?
IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and Cambridge C1 Advanced are all accepted.
Q: Can I include my partner and children in my 485 application?
Yes. Eligible family members can be included in your application.
Q: Can I apply if my visa has a No Further Stay condition?
You cannot apply with a No Further Stay condition (8503 or 8534) on your current visa. Apply to waive the condition using Form 1447 before lodging your 485.
Q: Can I apply from outside Australia?
No. The Subclass 485 must be applied for and granted onshore.
Q: What happens if my 485 visa is refused?
You can appeal the decision through Administrative Review Tribunal (ART).
Q: Does the 485 visa guarantee permanent residency?
No. The 485 is a temporary visa that provides time and work rights to build toward permanent residency through skilled migration or employer-sponsored pathways.
Q: I have a visa refusal history. Can I still apply?
A previous refusal generally prevents you from applying for the 485 onshore. Speak to a registered migration agent to assess your situation before applying.
All information on this page is general in nature. For advice specific to your situation, consult a Registered Migration Agent. education ONE Australia’s in-house RMA is registered with OMARA: Indah Melindasari (MARN 0961448).
