Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) – 2025 Guide for International Graduates
Graduating from an Australian institution opens up fantastic opportunities to extend your stay through the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485). This visa lets you live, work, and study in Australia temporarily, bridging your education and future career—possibly even paving the way to permanent residency.
Official Source: Australian Government – Department of Home Affairs
What Is the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)?
This visa allows eligible international graduates to remain in Australia temporarily following their studies—enabling work, further study, or travel.
Eligibility Requirements at a Glance
To be eligible for this visa, applicants must:
- Be aged 35 years or younger at the time of application (with limited exceptions).
- Currently hold an eligible visa and have held a Student visa in the last 6 months.
- Have completed a recent qualification from a CRICOS-registered course fulfilling the Australian study requirement.
- Attach all required evidence when applying—including health, character, and (if applicable) English test results.
Streams of the Subclass 485 Visa
Which stream you apply for depends on your qualification:
| Stream | For Qualifications | Visa Duration | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Post-Vocational Education Work Stream | Associate degrees, diplomas, or trade qualifications aligned with occupations on the Skilled Occupation List (MLTSSL) | Up to 18 months | Occupation must be on MLTSSL |
| Post-Higher Education Work Stream | Bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degrees | 2 to 4 years (up to 5 years for some passport holders) | CRICOS-registered course completion |
| Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream | Graduates from regional institutions who already held a 485 visa | Additional 1–2 years | Previous 485 visa, regional study requirement |
Key Benefits
- Full-time work rights across any industry.
- Ability to include your spouse and dependent children in your application.
- Stay in Australia temporarily while you gain valuable experience and explore visa pathways.
Application Requirements & Important Considerations
- English proficiency must be demonstrated via IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL, Cambridge, or OET—unless exempt.
- Meet health and character requirements, including medical exams and police checks.
- Study requirement: Courses must have been completed within 6 months of applying, totaling at least 2 academic years in duration.
Visa Duration by Qualification Level
| Qualification Level | Standard Duration | Extended Duration (for select passport holders) |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor Degree | 2 years | Up to 4 years |
| Masters (Coursework) | 2 years | Up to 4 years |
| Masters (Research) | 3 years | Up to 5 years |
| Doctoral Degree (PhD) | 4 years | Up to 6 years |
| Vocational Education | 18 months | 18 months |
Recent Changes & Updates
- As of 14 December 2024, there have been updates to eligible qualifications and program structure.
- English language testing rules were updated on 7 August 2025.
- Visa application fees have increased (audible indication via third-party note—see official site for confirmation).
Disclaimer
This blog post is based on general information from the official Australian Government – Department of Home Affairs (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au). Visa eligibility and requirements depend on your specific circumstances and visa subclass. For the most accurate and up-to-date guidance, always consult a Registered Migration Professional—as rules and regulations may change without notice.
