Temporary Graduate 485 Visa

Requirements | Processing Time | Duration | Entitlements | Cost | Refusal | Permanent Residency

The Australian Temporary Graduate Visa subclass 485 visa is a temporary visa for international students who have completed two years of study in Australia. It can last from 18 months to four years depending on your situation.

As there is no restriction on study or work whilst holding a subclass 485 visa, it is a good way to extend your stay in Australia to improve your chances of becoming eligible for a permanent or a provisional skilled visa.

The Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa has two streams:

• Post Study Work Stream: is for students with a higher education degree and have held a student visa from 5 November 2011. Two to four-year visa can be granted dependent on your qualification;
• The Graduate Work Stream: relates to an occupation on the skilled occupation list and will be granted an 18-month visa.

485 Visa Requirements

• Location
  You must be in Australia to apply for this visa
• Age
  The main applicant must be under 50 at the date of lodgement
• English Requirement
  The main applicant of the 485 visa must have at least Competent English. Please access ‘English Requirements for an Australia Visa‘ for further information
• Study in Australia
  You must meet the two-year study requirement and have completed qualifications within six months of applying for the visa
• Points Test
  The Temporary Graduate subclass 485 visa is not points-tested
• Health and Character Requirements

Additional Requirements for Post Study Work Stream (PSWV) Criteria

At the time you apply for this visa you must:

• have applied for and subsequently been granted your first Student visa to Australia on or after 5 November 2011
• have met the Australian study requirement in the last six months on the basis of bachelor, masters or doctoral degree studies completed at an eligible institution

Additional Requirements for Graduate Work Stream Criteria

• nominate an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List
• have applied for a skills assessment in your nominated occupation
• have met the Australian study requirement in the last six months. Any degree, diploma or trade qualification used to meet the Australian study requirement must be closely related to your nominated occupation

Do I have to be onshore to apply for Graduate Visa?

Yes, you must be onshore.

Who can be included in my 485 visa application?

You can include dependent family members such as spouse/partner and dependent children who are in Australia with you, at time of application.

How long before I receive my graduate visa?

You can find updated information about graduate processing time at DOHA processing times.

Time Limits in Applying for a Graduate Visa

You must apply for your graduate visa within six months after completion of your studies.

Will it affect my 485 visa application if I had exemptions on some of my course subjects?

Exemptions may affect your graduate visa application; it is best to contact us directly to find out your eligibility.

How long does the 485 visa let me stay in Australia?

Graduate Work Stream	18 Months
Post-Study Work Stream	Bachelor Degree Bachelor Degree with Honours Masters by Coursework Degree Masters (extended) Degree	2 Years
	Masters by Research Degree	3 Years
	Doctoral Degree	4 Years

Entitlements whilst on 485 Visa

Whilst on a 485 visa you have unrestricted work rights in Australia.

485 Visa Conditions

You must maintain private health insurance whilst on a skilled graduate visa.

Can I apply for a 485 visa twice?

A subclass 485 visa is not available to applicants who have previously been the primary visa holder of a Subclass 476 (Skilled-Recognised Graduate visa) or a Subclass 485 visa.

How much does the 485 visa cost?

Current from 1 July 2021 government charges for Subclass 485 visa applications are as follows:
$1,680 for primary applicant;
$840 for each secondary applicant aged 18 or above;
$425 for each secondary applicant aged under 18

What if my graduate visa is refused?

If your 485 visa application is refused or cancelled, you might be able to have the decision reviewed by a merits review tribunal, the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT). For further information, please access ‘Visa Problems‘ .

From 485 Visa to Permanent Residency

The 485 visa is designed for an overseas student to obtain some work experience in Australia relevant to the visa holders’ field of study; it may not necessarily provide a pathway to permanent residency.

However, if the 485 visa holders can nominate an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list and meet the migration points test, the candidates can consider a general skilled visa, such as Skilled Independent Visa, Skilled Nominated Visa, or Skilled Work Regional Visa in the future.

Once the 485 visa holders have obtained sufficient employment experience, subject to the availability of their occupations, the visa holders may also have access to temporary and/or permanent employer sponsored visa options.