Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate

The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) is for international students who have recently graduated from an eligible course of study at an Australian educational institution. It helps graduates transition from student life to employment, allowing them to gain valuable Australian work experience.

Following recent government changes, the streams have been restructured based on your qualification level:

• Higher Education Post-Study Work Stream: For graduates with a Bachelor's degree (2 years stay), Master's coursework (2 years stay), Master's research (3 years stay), or Doctoral degree (3 years stay).
• Vocational Education Work Stream: For graduates with trade qualifications or diplomas linked to an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). Grants a 18-month stay.
• Second Post-Study Work Stream: For graduates who completed their studies at a regional campus and resided in a regional area on their first 485 visa. Grants an additional 1 to 2 years stay depending on regional category.

The base visa application fee for a primary applicant is $4,600 (which doubled from $1,895 in July 2024).

• Additional Applicant (18+): $2,300
• Additional Applicant (under 18): $1,150

Other costs: English test fees, AFP police checks, health assessments, and visa processing surcharges.

To apply, you must satisfy several strict time-sensitive criteria:

• Age limit: Be under 50 years of age at the time of application (reduced to under 35 for some streams starting mid-2024, except for Research Masters and PhDs).
• 6-Month Rule: You must apply within 6 months of completing your course (the date on your completion letter, NOT your graduation ceremony).
• Australian Study Requirement: Have completed a registered course of study lasting at least 2 academic years (92 weeks) in no less than 16 calendar months, physically in Australia.
• English Proficiency: Provide test results (IELTS, PTE) showing you meet the required score (typically IELTS overall 6.5 with no band less than 5.5, or PTE equivalent). Test results must be less than 1 year old at application.
• Police check: Provide evidence that you have applied for an Australian Federal Police (AFP) check.
• Health Cover: Hold adequate health insurance (like OVHC) at the time of application and during your stay.

Ensure you compile and upload all required documents. Use our interactive checklist to track and prepare your files before applying:

Subclass 485 visas have high administrative refusal rates due to missing time-sensitive requirements:

1. Applying Outside the 6-Month Window: Missing the date of course completion.
2. Invalid English Test Date: English language tests must have been completed within 1 year before application date (previously 3 years).
3. Missing AFP Police Check Receipt: You must upload proof that you applied for your AFP check before or on the day you lodge your visa. Applying for it a day late is an automatic refusal.
4. Incorrect Health Cover: Failing to hold valid OVHC (working visa health cover) on the day of lodgement. Student OSHC is acceptable only if you are still on a student visa at application.