Australia attracts thousands of international students every year for its world-class education system. After completing their studies, many graduates wish to gain work experience in Australia. The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) makes this possible by allowing eligible graduates to live, study, and work in Australia for a limited period.
In this guide, we’ll cover the eligibility, visa streams, application process, documents, and benefits of the Subclass 485 Visa.
What is the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa?
The Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa is designed for international students who have recently completed their studies in Australia.
This visa allows you to:
- Work full-time in Australia.
- Gain valuable industry experience.
- Improve your chances of permanent residency through skilled migration pathways.
Streams of the Subclass 485 Visa
There are three main streams under the Subclass 485 Visa:
1. Graduate Work Stream
- For students who have completed a qualification related to an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL).
- Visa validity: Up to 18 months (extended to 24 months for certain passport holders).
2. Post-Study Work Stream
- For students who have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degree from an Australian institution.
- Visa validity: 2 to 4 years, depending on the level of qualification.
3. Second Post-Study Work Stream
- For graduates who studied and lived in a regional area while holding their first Subclass 485 Visa.
- Additional stay of 1 to 2 years depending on location.
Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 485 Visa
To apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa, you must:
- Be under 50 years of age.
- Hold an eligible student visa at the time of application.
- Have completed a CRICOS-registered course in Australia.
- Meet the English language requirement (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, etc.).
- Meet the Australian Study Requirement (minimum 2 years of study in Australia).
- Provide health insurance for the duration of your stay.
- Meet health and character requirements.
Documents Required for Subclass 485 Visa
A complete application requires:
- Valid passport.
- Evidence of course completion (completion letter, academic transcript).
- Proof of English proficiency.
- Australian Federal Police (AFP) clearance.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) or equivalent health insurance.
- Skills assessment (for Graduate Work Stream applicants).
Tip: Apply within 6 months of course completion to remain eligible.
Application Process for Subclass 485 Visa
1. Check Your Eligibility
Ensure you meet the requirements for your chosen stream.
2. Gather the Required Documents
Prepare all identity, qualification, and insurance documents.
3. Apply Online
Submit your application through the ImmiAccount portal of the Department of Home Affairs.
4. Pay the Visa Fee
The application fee starts at AUD 1,895 (may vary depending on the stream).
5. Complete Health & Character Checks
Attend a health examination and submit AFP clearance as required.
6. Wait for the Outcome
Processing times vary depending on the stream and completeness of your application.
visit here- Work Visa Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186)
Processing Time for Subclass 485 Visa
Processing times vary:
- Graduate Work Stream: 7–12 months.
- Post-Study Work Stream: 5–8 months.
- Second Post-Study Work Stream: 5–7 months.
Benefits of the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa
- Opportunity to work full-time in Australia.
- Gain professional experience in your field.
- Potential pathway to permanent residency through skilled migration.
- Dependents can live, work, and study in Australia.
- Freedom to travel in and out of Australia while the visa is valid.
Tips for a Successful Subclass 485 Visa Application
- Apply early – You must apply within 6 months of course completion.
- Ensure all documents are complete – Missing documents can delay processing.
- Meet English and health requirements before lodging the application.
- Keep your health insurance valid for the entire visa duration.
Final Thoughts
The Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa is an excellent opportunity for international graduates to gain Australian work experience and strengthen their migration prospects.
If you plan to stay and work in Australia after completing your studies, ensure you understand the streams, requirements, and timelines so your application is smooth and successful.
