Overview
The Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) is the primary pathway for international students who want to remain in Australia after completing their studies.
It provides an invaluable opportunity to live, work, and study locally, allowing you to gain practical Australian work experience. For many graduates, the 485 visa is the crucial stepping stone toward employer sponsorship (Subclass 482) or independent skilled migration (Subclasses 189, 190, and 491). While standard visa holders must maintain their own private Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC), applicants from countries with reciprocal healthcare agreements can access Medicare.
Key Features
Unrestricted Work Rights
Full freedom to work full-time in any industry across Australia, without being tied to an employer sponsor.
Tailored Pathways
Distinct streams for vocational trade graduates, higher education degree holders, and regional extensions.
Family Inclusion
Include your spouse, de facto partner, and dependent children on your application with work rights.
Regional Extension
Graduates who studied and lived in regional areas may be eligible for a second 485 visa (1 to 2 extra years).
Key Eligibility Requirements
The Australian Study Requirement (ASR)
- You must have completed an eligible degree, diploma, or trade qualification delivered in English at a registered Australian institution (CRICOS registered).
- The coursework must consist of at least two academic years (92 weeks) of registered study, physically completed in Australia over no less than 16 calendar months.
Strict 6-Month Lodgement Window
- You must lodge your visa application strictly within six months of your official course completion date.
- This is the date your educational institution officially notifies you that you have met all academic requirements — not your graduation ceremony date.
Age Thresholds (Under 35 / Under 50 Rules)
- Under 35: You must be 35 years old or younger when applying for the Post-Vocational or Post-Higher Education (Bachelor/Masters by Coursework) streams.
- Under 50: The age cap remains 50 for Masters by Research graduates, PhD graduates, and Hong Kong/British National Overseas (BNO) passport holders.
English Language Competency (1-Year Validity Rule)
- You must score at least 6.5 overall, with no individual band falling below 5.5, on an approved English test (IELTS, PTE Academic).
- Crucial: The test must have been completed within the one year immediately prior to lodging your application.
Skills Assessment (Vocational Stream Only)
- Post-Vocational Education stream: Must nominate an occupation on the MLTSSL and hold a positive skills assessment.
- Post-Higher Education stream: Graduates with a Bachelor, Masters, or PhD do not need a skills assessment.
Health, Character and Background Checks
AFP Police Check (Strict Rule)
You must apply for an Australian Federal Police (AFP) check before lodging your visa application and provide the AFP reference number with your lodgement.
Health Insurance (OVHC)
You and all accompanying family members must hold adequate Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) transitioning off your student OSHC before the 485 is granted.
Medical Examinations
Applicants may be required to complete updated immigration medical examinations with an approved panel physician.
Application Process
Receive official completion letter
Obtain your course completion letter and official academic transcripts from your university/college.
Book & pass approved English test
Secure an overall 6.5 with no band under 5.5 taken within the last 12 months.
Apply for AFP police check
Submit your Australian Federal Police application and retain the payment transaction receipt.
Arrange OVHC health insurance
Purchase an active OVHC policy for yourself and any included family members.
Secure skills assessment (vocational stream only)
Only required for Post-Vocational graduates; higher education degree holders bypass this step.
Lodge via ImmiAccount within 6 months
Submit your application and pay government visa charges before your deadline expires.
Visa grant & career launch
Begin your post-graduate employment and accumulate experience toward permanent residency.
Missing the 6-month lodgement window or failing to apply for an AFP check before hitting submit are the two most common reasons 485 visas are refused outright. Because you generally only get one chance to apply for a primary 485 visa, getting the paperwork right the first time is critical.
Government Fees (2026 Scheduled Rates)
Stream 1: Post-Higher Education & Post-Vocational Streams
| Applicant Type | Standard Fee (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Main applicant | $5,750 |
| Adult family member (18+) | $2,875 |
| Child family member (under 18) | $1,450 |
Stream 2: Second Post-Higher Education Stream (Regional Extension)
| Applicant Type | Fee (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Main applicant | $2,265 |
| Adult family member (18+) | $1,140 |
| Child family member (under 18) | $575 |
Note: If lodging onshore while holding certain temporary visas, a Subsequent Temporary Application Charge of AUD $700 may apply. Additional third-party costs apply for medicals, police checks, and English tests.
Stay Durations and Work Rights
Visa Stay Lengths by Qualification:
- Vocational Trade Graduates: Up to 18 months.
- Bachelor Degree Graduates: Up to 2 years.
- Masters (Coursework & Research) Graduates: Up to 3 years.
- PhD Doctoral Graduates: Up to 3 years.
- Hong Kong / British National (Overseas) passport holders: Up to 5 years.
- Full Work Rights: Unrestricted employment anywhere in Australia for both the primary holder and included family members.
Frequently Asked Questions
Reviewed by: Jesin Joy (MARN: 2619591)
Registered Migration Agent • Last reviewed: 1st October 2026
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