TEMPORARY GRADUATE VISA – SUBCLASS 485

Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) Overview

The Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa is a temporary visa that allows recent international graduates to live, work, and study in Australia after completing their studies. It has two main streams: the Post-Higher Education Work Stream (for university degree holders) and the Post-Vocational Education Work Stream (for trade, diploma, and vocational qualifications linked to the skilled occupation list). This visa provides valuable post-study work experience and can be extended if you studied in a regional area. Recent changes include a significant fee increase (100% rise, effectively doubling the cost in many cases).

Visa Overview & Streams

Temporary post-study work visa with two streams for international graduates.

Why it Matters

Gives graduates time to gain Australian work experience after studies.
Helps meet eligibility for permanent skilled visas such as subclass 189, 190, or 491.
Extension available for those who studied and lived in regional areas.
Supports transition from student life to professional career in Australia.
Must maintain adequate health insurance (OVHC) for the full visa duration.

Visa Scope

Temporary visa that lets recent graduates gain work experience in Australia.
Two streams: Post-Higher Education Work Stream and Post-Vocational Education Work Stream.
Allows full work and study rights during the visa period.
Provides a pathway to other visas, including permanent residency options.
Must have completed an eligible Australian qualification in the last 6 months.
The recent fee increase (100% rise) applies to new applications.

The subclass 485 visa is one of the most popular post-study work options for international students. The Post-Higher Education Work Stream is for Bachelor, Master, or PHD graduates, while the Post-Vocational Education Work Stream is for trade and diploma holders. Visa duration and extension rules vary by stream and study location.

Visa Essentials

Key eligibility and requirements for the Temporary Graduate visa subclass 485.

1: Post-Higher Education Work stream

Eligibility: Be between 35 years of age at the time of application and 50 years for research graduates. Have completed a registered CRICOS Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PHD program with a duration of at least 92 weeks, within the last 6 months, from an Australian institution

Visa Duration: 2 to 4 years, depending on qualification level.

What it covers: Full work and study rights anywhere in Australia.

Advantage: Longer duration for higher-level qualifications and possible extension in regional areas.

Documents: Australian qualification, English test results, and identity documents.

2: Post-vocational education work stream

Eligibility: Be between 35 years of age at the time of applications. Have completed a registered CRICOS trade, diploma, or vocational qualification linked to the skilled occupation list with a duration of at least 92 weeks, within the last 6 months, from an Australian institution

Visa Duration: Usually 18 months

What it covers: Full work and study rights anywhere in Australia.

Advantage: Suitable for trade and diploma graduates with a pathway to permanent residency.

Documents: Skills assessment (if required), qualification evidence, and identity documents.

Visa Application Process

Simple online process for recent graduates.

Step 1: Confirm eligibility

Check that you have completed an eligible Australian course and meet the English language requirement. Decide which stream applies to your qualification and gather all supporting documents.

Step 2: Lodge your application

Apply online through ImmiAccount. Pay the visa application charge (note the recent 100% fee increase) and upload all required documents. Ensure your application is complete before submission.

Step 3: Assessment & outcome

The Department assesses your application. You will be notified of the outcome via ImmiAccount. If granted, you receive the Temporary Graduate visa with full work rights.

Documentation & Requirements Checklist

Prepare high-quality evidence for your Temporary Graduate visa application.

1: Personal identification

Valid passport (bio data page)
Evidence of name change (if applicable)

2: Qualification evidence

Australian qualification certificate and academic transcript
Evidence that the course was completed in the last 6 months

3: English language proficiency

Valid English test results (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL iBT, or OET)
Evidence of competent English (or exemption)

4: Health & character

OVHC
Police clearance certificates (if requested)

5: Additional (if applicable)

Partner and family member documents
956 Form (if using a migration agent)
Evidence of regional study (for extension eligibility)

Guidelines: All documents must be clear and in English (or accompanied by certified translations). Submit a complete application to avoid delays. Recent fee increases mean higher application charges.

The Temporary Graduate visa subclass 485 is a valuable post-study work opportunity that allows recent international graduates to gain Australian work experience through two streams – Post-Higher Education Work Stream and Post-Vocational Education Work Stream. Recent fee increases (100% rise) and regional study extensions make planning ahead essential. Apply as soon as you complete your eligible course and ensure you have valid OVHC for the full visa period. If you studied in regional Australia, you may qualify for a visa extension. This visa provides a strong pathway to permanent residency options such as subclass 189, 190, or 491. Always check the latest fees, streams, and requirements directly on the official Department of Home Affairs website before applying.

TEMPORARY GRADUATE VISA – SUBCLASS 485