Subclass 485 — Temporary Graduate Visa

The Subclass 485 is a temporary visa that lets you live, work, and study in Australia after completing your Australian qualification. The visa has multiple streams based on your qualification level.

Streams

• Post-Higher Education Work Stream — for Bachelor, Masters, or Doctoral graduates (2–3 years, depending on degree)
• Post-Vocational Education Work Stream — for trade qualifications, diplomas, advanced diplomas (up to 18 months)
• Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream — additional 1–2 years for 485 holders who graduate with another higher education qualification from an Australian institution

To be eligible for the 485 visa, you must:

• Be under 35 years old (some streams 50, check current rules)
• Have held a Student visa (subclass 500) at some point
• Have completed a qualification from an Australian CRICOS-registered institution within the last 6 months
• Meet the 2-year Australian study requirement (at least 16 months of study)
• Have held the student visa for at least 6 months (no cancellations)
• Have Competent English (IELTS 6.0 each band or equivalent)
• Have valid Australian health insurance
• Meet health and character requirements

1. Confirm eligibility based on qualification and visa history
2. Gather supporting documents (qualification, English test, health insurance)
3. Apply for health examination
4. Obtain police certificates from countries lived in for 12+ months since age 16
5. Lodge 485 visa application online via ImmiAccount
6. Wait for decision (typical processing 4–8 months)

The 485 visa is a great stepping stone to permanent residence. Common PR pathways from 485 include:

• Skilled migration (189/190/491) — use your Australian qualification + work experience to claim points
• Employer-sponsored (482/186/494) — gain work experience on 485, then have employer sponsor you
• State/Territory nomination (190) — many states have pathways for 485 holders with relevant occupations

Primary applicant: approximately AUD 5,750 (1 July 2026 update). Additional charges apply for adult and child dependants.

Other costs: health exam (AUD 200–500), police certificates (varies), health insurance (AUD 500–2,000/year).

Can I work full-time on the 485?
Yes, 485 visa holders have full work rights.

Can I study on the 485?
Yes, you can study, but it must not interfere with your work.

Can I include family members?
Yes, spouse/de facto partner and dependent children can be included.

What if my student visa was cancelled?
You may not be eligible. Speak to a migration agent.

• Free 30-minute eligibility assessment
• Stream selection and qualification review
• Document preparation
• Health insurance arrangement
• Application lodgement
• Post-485 PR pathway planning