Migration Overseas
Since 1998
The Temporary Graduate visa lets international students work in Australia after completing their studies. Gain Australian work experience, build your career, and create pathways to permanent residency.
First-time applicants use one of two streams, depending on their qualification. Some regional graduates can later apply for a Second Post-Higher Education Work visa.
For graduates with an associate degree, diploma or trade qualification related to an occupation on the skilled occupation list. You must hold a skills assessment or show you have applied for one.
For graduates with an eligible degree from an Australian institution, regardless of field of study. Duration depends on qualification level and passport. No skills assessment needed.
Your visa duration depends on your qualification and your passport. Regional study adds time only through a separate Second Post-Higher Education Work application.
Key eligibility criteria for the Subclass 485 Graduate visa.
Step-by-step guide to obtaining your 485 Graduate visa.
Finish your eligible Australian qualification and receive your completion letter. You have 6 months from completion to apply.
Before ApplyingBook and complete an approved English proficiency test. The test must be taken in the 12 months before you apply.
2-4 WeeksIf applying under the Post-Vocational Education Work stream, apply to the relevant assessing authority for a skills assessment in your nominated occupation. You can lodge with proof that you have applied.
4-12 WeeksSubmit your application online through ImmiAccount with all required documents including qualification transcripts, English test results, and health insurance.
1-2 WeeksComplete medical examination at a panel clinic and provide police clearance certificates from all countries lived in for 12+ months.
2-4 WeeksWait for your visa outcome. Check the Home Affairs visa processing time guide for current timeframes. Whether you receive a bridging visa while you wait depends on the visa you hold when you apply.
See processing time guideUnderstand the fees involved in your 485 visa application.
Visa application charge for main applicant from 1 July 2026
Adult dependents / Children under 18, from 1 July 2026. Family inclusion is under review: see the FAQ below
English test, medicals, police checks, health insurance
485 visa holders have multiple pathways to permanent residency.
Use your work experience to qualify for permanent residency through various skilled visa options
Find answers to the most common questions about this visa category.
Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate Visa) allows international graduates to live, study, and work in Australia temporarily after completing Australian qualifications.
Post-Vocational Education Work stream (up to 18 months, for an associate degree, diploma or trade qualification related to an occupation on the skilled occupation list, with a skills assessment applied for) and Post-Higher Education Work stream (2 to 3 years, or 2 to 4 years for Indian nationals under AI-ECTA, for an eligible degree regardless of field of study). A Second Post-Higher Education Work stream exists for some regional graduates.
Standard stays: bachelor degree 2 years, masters (coursework) 2 years, masters (research) 3 years, doctorate 3 years. Indian nationals under the Australia India trade agreement (AI-ECTA): bachelor degree 2 years (3 years with first class honours in STEM, including ICT), masters 3 years, PhD 4 years. Hong Kong and BNO passport holders may stay up to 5 years.
You must have completed an eligible Australian degree in the last 6 months, meet the study requirement, have held a Student visa in the last 6 months, be 35 or under (under 50 if you use a masters by research or a PhD, or hold a Hong Kong or BNO passport), and meet the English requirement. For tests taken on or after 7 August 2025 that is IELTS 6.5 overall with 5.5 in each component, PTE Academic 55 overall or TOEFL iBT 81 overall (with minimum component scores). The test must be taken in the 12 months before you apply.
Apply within 6 months of completing your course. You must be in Australia when you apply. Home Affairs processes your application if you still hold an eligible Student visa, or if you held a Student visa in the past 6 months and now hold a Bridging Visa A or B or another substantive visa.
Yes, there are no work restrictions on Subclass 485. You can work full-time for any employer in any occupation during your visa validity.
485 provides time to gain Australian work experience and pursue PR pathways like skilled migration (189/190/491) or employer sponsorship (482/186).
As at 6 November 2026 the Home Affairs 485 page still allows family members to be included, and added later as subsequent entrants. However, on 17 September 2026 the Minister announced that family members will no longer be allowed on new student or graduate visas. The Student visa change started on 2 October 2026, and a start date for the graduate visa has not been published on the 485 page. Check the current rules before you plan for family to join you.
Studying in a designated regional area does not lengthen your first 485. After a first Post-Higher Education Work visa you may be eligible for the Second Post-Higher Education Work visa if you studied at a campus in a designated regional area and then lived only in a designated regional area for at least 2 years. It adds 1 year for Category 2 areas or 2 years for Category 3 areas (and for Category 2 areas in Tasmania). You apply for it separately.
Online study during the COVID concession period (1 February 2020 to 25 November 2023) still counts towards the study requirement. Since 25 November 2023, online study rules have returned to their pre-COVID state, so check the Temporary Graduate visa study requirement before relying on online study.
Let our experts guide you through the 485 Graduate visa process. Start working full-time in Australia after your studies.
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