October 5, 2024
For many international students, graduating from an Australian institution marks the beginning of a new chapter, not the end. The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) allows recent graduates to stay in Australia and apply their skills in a professional setting. It creates a smooth transition from education to employment, helping graduates take the first step toward building a meaningful career in the country.
This visa offers more than just a chance to work. It provides full work rights, the ability to gain local industry experience, and the flexibility to explore roles related to your qualifications. For many, it is also a strategic move toward permanent residency, especially when gaining experience in regional areas or occupations on Australia’s skilled occupation list.
With the support of this visa, graduates can grow both professionally and personally. Whether your background is in healthcare, engineering, computer science, or vocational trades, the Subclass 485 visa allows you to remain in Australia, contribute to the workforce, and build a future based on real opportunities.
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) is a short-term entry permit awarded to international students who have recently completed a CRICOS-registered (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students) course in Australia. It is part of Australia’s Graduate Temporary Visa Program, designed to help eligible graduates gain practical work experience aligned with their academic background. This visa serves as a bridge between study and skilled employment, enabling graduates to remain in the country temporarily after finishing their studies.
This visa subclass 485 is intended for those who wish to work in Australia, build their professional networks, and extend their stay for a period ranging from 18 months to 5 years, depending on the stream, level of qualification, and passport. Key rights under this visa include full work rights, freedom to travel in and out of Australia, and the option to include eligible family members. It is an important step in many graduates’ journeys toward long-term settlement or permanent residency pathways.
Applicants who have recently completed a qualification from an Australian CRICOS-registered course and meet specific visa requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs are eligible for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485).
To qualify, applicants must:
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) is divided into three distinct streams, each designed to accommodate graduates at different education levels. These streams determine who can apply, how long they can stay, and what criteria they must meet.
The Post-Vocational Education Work Stream is intended for international graduates who have completed a vocational education qualification such as a Certificate III, IV, Diploma, or Advanced Diploma from a CRICOS-registered provider. This stream targets individuals with training in skilled trades and technical fields, provided their qualification aligns with a profession on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). Applicants must meet general eligibility requirements, including recent graduation, English language proficiency, and health and character checks. The visa allows a stay of up to 18 months (up to 5 years for Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders), with processing times typically ranging from 78 days to 5 months. The base application fee starts at AUD 2,235, along with AUD 1,115 for family members over 18 years, AUD 560 for family members under 18 years, and additional health examinations and document translations costs.
The Post-Higher Education Work Stream is designed for graduates who have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degree at an Australian institution. It caters to those with higher academic qualifications seeking to gain post-study work experience. To be eligible, applicants must have completed their degree within the last six months and satisfy all standard visa criteria, including English test scores and health assessments. The duration of stay is up to 3 years (5 years for Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders), depending on the qualification level. Processing time is generally 12 to 45 days, and the application fee starts at AUD 2,235, with extra expenses for English tests, medicals, and other documentation.
The Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream is available to graduates who have already held a 485 visa under the Post-Higher Education stream and have completed their studies in a designated regional area. It is aimed at encouraging graduates to continue living and working in regional Australia. To qualify, applicants must have studied and resided in a regional area for at least two years during their initial 485 visa period. Depending on the regional classification, the visa grants an additional stay of one to two years. The application fee is approximately AUD 880, excluding costs like health checks and translation services. You need to pay an additional AUD 440 for a family member over 18 and AUD 225 for a family member under 18. This stream supports extended work opportunities while promoting regional settlement.
To apply for the Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) Visa, you need to follow a step-by-step online process managed through the Australian Government’s ImmiAccount system. Below is a detailed breakdown of each stage involved in submitting a complete and compliant application:
It takes 12 days to 5 months to process the subclass 485 visa, depending on the stream. The processing time for the post-vocational educational stream usually takes 78 days for 50% and 5 months for 90% of applicants. Likewise, the post-higher educational stream takes 12 days for 50% and 45 days for 90% of applicants. Each stream under this visa subclass has its duration of stay, purpose, and cost structure, making it essential to understand the differences before applying.
Talking about the cost, the fee is either AUD 880 or AUD 2,235, depending on the stream. You can check the table below to know about the cost for different streams.
Subclass 485 Streams | Base Visa Application Fee | Additional Applicant Above 18 Years | Additional Applicant Below 18 Years | Total Cost |
Post-Vocational Education Work Stream | AUD 2,235 | AUD 1,115 | AUD 560 | AUD 3,910 |
Post-Higher Education Work Stream | AUD 2,235 | AUD 1,115 | AUD 560 | AUD 3,910 |
Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream | AUD 880 | AUD 440 | AUD 225 | AUD 1,545 |
Additional costs may apply based on individual circumstances. These include mandatory health checks through panel physicians, certified document translations, police clearance certificates, and recognised English language tests such as IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL.
Studyco provides specialised support for the Subclass 485 visa, offering tailored guidance based on each applicant’s background and goals. Our experienced team ensures a smooth process through accurate documentation, stream selection, and eligibility checks.
From a free initial consultation to error-free submission, Studyco assists at every step, covering document checklists, sponsorship support, and follow-ups in case of application delays. Our visa expertise reduces the risk of rejection and helps applicants confidently transition from study to work in Australia.
The key differences lie in the qualification level, study location, and length of stay:
The Subclass 485 visa allows you to gain relevant work experience in Australia, which strengthens eligibility for PR visas such as Subclass 189, 190, or 491. Employment in a skilled occupation during this period can improve your points score and state nomination prospects.
You must meet the minimum English proficiency requirement by submitting results from an approved test:
Yes, you can apply offshore, but only if your student visa was valid within the last 6 months and you meet all other requirements. The process is the same as onshore applications, but you must be outside Australia when the visa is granted.
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