Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) Visa in 2025: Rules, English, Fees & Dates

Policy snapshot (what changed & when)

• 23 Mar 2024: Higher English requirement for new 485 applications (e.g., IELTS 6.5 overall with 5.5 each skill).
• 1 Jul 2024: Streams renamed and restructured to:
  • Post-Higher Education Work (PHEW) – for Bachelor, Masters, PhD
  • Post-Vocational Education Work (PVEW) – for eligible diplomas/trades tied to skilled occupations

  Also from this date: general age cap = 35 or under (with limited exceptions). The Replacement stream closed to new applications.

• 1 July 2025: VAC (government fee) increased.
• 7 Aug 2025: Accepted English tests expanded (adds CELPIP, LanguageCert Academic, MET); 1-year test validity confirmed; detailed per-test score tables set in law.

Current 485 streams

• Post-Higher Education Work (PHEW) for Australian Bachelor, Masters, Doctoral graduates.
• Post-Vocational Education Work (PVEW) for Australian associate degree/diploma/trade graduates linked to a skilled occupation.

You must apply in the stream that matches the qualification you’re relying on to meet the Australian Study Requirement.

Core eligibility (summary)

• Age: Generally 35 or under at application. Exceptions: HK/BNO passport holders and graduates of Masters (research) or PhD can be under 50.
• Location at lodgement: The primary applicant must be in Australia when applying.
• Australian Study Requirement (ASR): Usually at least 2 academic years of eligible CRICOS-registered study.
• Timing: Apply within 6 months of course completion and you must have held an eligible student visa in the 6 months before you apply.
• Health insurance: Maintain OVHC for you (and any family).
• Character & health checks: Standard visa clearances apply.

(If your situation is unusual or different qualifications, gaps then consult with us.)

English requirements (current)

Tests accepted for 485 from 7 August 2025:

• IELTS (Academic/General), PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, OET, CELPIP General, LanguageCert Academic, MET.

C1 Advanced (Cambridge) is not accepted for the 485 visa.

IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR) is not accepted for 485: your scores must be from one sitting.

Your test must be taken within 1 year before you apply (passport exemptions below).

You must meet each skill and the overall/total:

Passport exemptions: Applicants holding valid passports from UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland don’t need to provide a test (note: you may still need a test later to claim points for other visas).

Government fees (VAC) from 1 Feb 2025

• Primary applicant (first 485): AUD $2,300
• Additional applicant 18+: AUD $1,150
• Additional applicant <18: AUD $580

Professional Service fees for 485 visas (case by case for complex cases). Contact us.

Length of stay

• Bachelor / Masters (Coursework / Extended): up to 2 years
• Masters (Research): up to 3 years
• Doctoral (PhD): up to 4 years
• PVEW (VET/trades): 18 months

Family members

You can include a spouse/partner and dependent children in your application, or have them join later as subsequent entrants (must hold OVHC and meet health/character).

What you can do on a 485

• Work full-time (no work cap).
• Live, study and travel in/out of Australia while the visa is valid.
• Build Australian work experience that may help you later with Skilled or Employer-Sponsored PR pathways.

From 485 to PR (next steps)

• Points-tested PR visas 189/190/491 after skills assessment, points, and (for 190/491) nomination.
• Employer-sponsored: SID 482, 186 ENS, (or 494 to 191 for regional).
• Boost your points: consider NAATI, Professional Year, or skilled employment in nominated occupation.