Australia · Subclass 485
Temporary Graduate Visa
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) allows international graduates who have recently completed an eligible qualification in Australia to live, work, and study temporarily after their Student Visa ends. It is the primary bridge between completing your Australian degree and pursuing pathways to skilled migration or employer sponsorship.
About the Temporary Graduate Visa
The Subclass 485 was designed to give international graduates time in Australia to gain skilled work experience and explore permanent residency pathways. It does not grant permanent status, but it is one of the most strategically important visas an international graduate can hold — providing the time, income, and work experience needed to qualify for skilled or employer-sponsored visas.
The Three Streams Subclass 485
Which stream you apply under determines your visa duration and the eligibility criteria you must meet. Most first-time applicants will apply under the Post-Higher Education Work stream.
For graduates who have completed at least a Bachelor’s degree (AQF Level 7 or above) from an Australian institution, with at least 2 academic years of study completed in Australia. The most common stream for university graduates.
For graduates who have completed a diploma, advanced diploma, associate degree, or trade qualification (AQF Levels 4–6). Applicants must hold a positive skills assessment in a nominated occupation on a relevant skilled occupation list.
Allows eligible graduates who have already held a Subclass 485 under the Post-Higher Education Work stream to apply for a further grant. Focused on critical-need sectors: healthcare, STEM, and education. Stricter English requirements apply.
Eligibility Requirements
- 1Age — 35 or underYou must be 35 years old or younger at the time of application. This requirement was tightened in 2025 from the previous limit of 50 for certain streams.
- 2Recent Student Visa holderYou must have held a valid Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500 or a former student subclass) within the last 6 months and complied with all its conditions, including attendance and enrolment requirements.
- 3Completed an eligible Australian qualificationYou must have completed an eligible qualification from a CRICOS-registered institution. For the Post-Higher Education Work stream, the qualification must be at least a Bachelor’s degree (AQF Level 7) with at least 2 academic years completed in Australia.
- 4Be in Australia at time of applicationYou must be physically present in Australia when you lodge your Subclass 485 application.
- 5English language requirementsYou must provide evidence of meeting the English language requirements (please see the 'English Language Requirements' section below).
- 6Health requirementsYou must satisfy Australian health requirements, which typically includes an immigration health examination by an approved panel physician.
- 7Character requirementsYou must meet Australian character requirements, including police clearances from countries where you have lived 12 months or more in the past 10 years.
- 8Skills assessment (Post-VET)For the Post-Vocational Education Work stream, a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority is required.
English Language Requirements
Application Fees (from July 2026)
How We Help — Step by Step
We review your qualifications, study history, age, and visa history to determine which stream applies and confirm your eligibility before any fees are committed.
For the Post-Vocational Education Work stream and Second Post-Higher Education Work stream, we identify the correct assessing authority, advise on the process, and help you prepare the required documentation.
We prepare and review your complete document package: academic transcripts, award certificates, evidence of study duration in Australia, English test results, passport, and any skills assessment outcomes.
We check whether a health examination is needed and, if so, obtain the referral through ImmiAccount and guide you to an approved panel physician to complete it.
As your registered migration agent, we lodge your complete Subclass 485 application through ImmiAccount, ensure all documents are attached, and submit everything accurately on your behalf. You receive a copy of everything we submit.
We monitor your application, respond promptly to any requests for further information, and notify you immediately when a decision is made. Most applicants are granted a Bridging Visa A (BVA) during processing, allowing them to remain in Australia and continue working lawfully.
Key Visa Conditions
Unlimited Work Rights
Work full-time for any employer in any occupation, with no restriction on hours or sector. One of the most generous work arrangements in the Australian visa system.
Study Permitted
You may continue to study while holding a Subclass 485, though you are no longer required to — gaining work experience is the primary purpose of this visa.
Multiple Entry Travel
Travel in and out of Australia freely during the visa validity. Note: a Bridging Visa A held during processing does NOT allow re-entry if you leave Australia.
Family Members Included
Your partner and dependent children may be included in your application or apply separately. Family members generally receive the same work and study rights.
No Location Restrictions
Unlike regional visas such as Subclass 491, the Subclass 485 does not require you to live or work in a specific part of Australia.
Cannot Be Extended
Subclass 485 cannot be extended. To remain in Australia after expiry, you must apply for a different visa before your 485 expires.
Pathways After the Temporary Graduate Visa
The Subclass 485 is not the end goal — it is the bridge. Use it strategically to gain experience, improve your points score, and qualify for a pathway to permanent residency.
Skilled Independent (189)
Work experience on your 485 adds points to your profile. Submit an EOI and receive an invitation to apply for PR without a sponsor or state nomination.
Permanent ResidencyState Nominated (190 / 491)
State or territory nomination adds 5–15 bonus points. Working in a region on your 485 can considerably strengthen your nomination application.
State NominationEmployer Sponsored (482 / 186)
Gain employment on your 485, secure an employer sponsor, and transition to a TSS (482) visa with a clear pathway to the ENS (186) permanent visa after 2 years.
Employer PathwayPartner Visa (820 / 801)
If you are in a genuine relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you may be eligible for the Partner Visa, leading to permanent residency.
Family PathwaySecond Post-HE Work Stream
If you qualify, apply for the new Second Post-Higher Education Work stream to extend your stay — particularly relevant for healthcare, STEM, and education graduates.
485 ExtensionNeed Help With Your Temporary Graduate Visa?
Our MARA registered migration agent provides expert guidance on which stream applies to you, what documents you need, and how to position yourself for the best long-term pathway.
admin@myskillsmigration.comInformation current as at August 2026 · Fees, rules, and processing times change frequently · Please contact us for up-to-date information · General guide only, not migration advice.