Your Passport to Employment and Accommodation in Australia Following Study with the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
Taking up its studies in Australia can be both exciting and uncertain – especially when it comes forward. Fortunately, the temporary graduate visa (subcontinent 485) offers international students a valuable opportunity to temporarily live, get practical work experience and even paved the way towards permanent residence.
If you have recently completed your education in Australia and are wondering how to increase your stay, then this visa can be the right choice for you. In this blog, we will break down all the things you need to know about 485 visas, including eligibility, currents, benefits, processing time and application.
What is a temporary graduate visa (subcontinent 485)?
The Subclass 485 visa is a temporary visa that allows international students, who recently obtained a bachelor’s degree to stay, study and work in Australia for a limited period after finishing their studies from an Australian institution in Australia.
This helps graduates gain valuable work experience, create local connections and even improve eligibility for future efficient visas.
Streams Under the 485 Visa
There are two main streams under this visa, each tailored for different graduate pathways:
- Graduate Work Stream
For international students who have recently graduated with skills and qualifications that are related to a business on a skilled business list (SOL).
This visa is usually valid for 18 months (currently extended to 24 months as a temporary remedy).
Skill evaluation is required in a relevant business.
- Post-study work stream
For those students who have completed a degree of higher education in Australia (bachelor’s, master, or doctoral degrees).
The efficient list does not require business.
The visa duration varies depending on your qualification:
Bachelor’s degree: up to 2 years
Master Degree (Coursework): 2-3 years
Master by Research: 3 years
Doctorate: 4 years
New extended graduate work rights (2023-2025)
As part of the recent update, some graduates are eligible for the extended period, especially in high-mang areas such as IT, engineering, teaching and nursing.
For instance:
Bachelor’s graduates in eligible fields may stay up to 4 years
Master’s graduates up to 5 years
PhD graduates up to 6 years
These changes are aimed at addressing skills shortages in Australia and attracting top global talent.
Who is eligible for 485 visas?
To qualify, you need:
Be under 50 years old
Hold a valid student visa within the past 6 months
Have completed a CRICOS-registered course
Filling the requirement of English language (eg, IELTS 6.0 overall, no band no less than 5)
Is sufficient health insurance
Meet Australian study requirements (minimum of 2 academic years of study)
Apply for the correct stream based on your qualifications
English Language Requirements
You have to provide evidence of English proficiency through one of the following tests:
IELTS: total no band is less than 6.0, 5.0 in total
PTE Academic: A overall score of at least 50
Toefl IBT: Total score of at least 64
Cambridge English (CAE): Score of at least 169
Health and Character Checks
Applicants must:
Undergo a medical examination by a panel doctor
Submit police clearance certificate from all countries for 12+ months in the last 10 years
How to apply for 485 visa
Step 1: Prepare documents
Passport bio page
Australian qualification certificates and transcripts
English test results
Overseas health insurance (OVHC)
Skills assessment (if applying under Graduate Work stream)
AFP (Australian Federal Police) check
2: Lodge Your Application Online
You must apply within 6 months of holding a student visa, and you must be in Australia when applying.
3: Receive Bridging Visa
Once your application is recorded, you will receive a bridging visa, allowing you to stay in Australia while your 485 visa is processed.
4: Wait for approval
Processing times can vary. See below for more detail.
Processing Times and Costs
As of 2025, estimated processing times are:
Graduate Work Stream: 5 to 9 months
Post -study work stream: 4 to 8 months
Visa application fee: AUD 1,895 for the primary applicant
Additional fees are applied to secondary applicants (partner, baby)
Can you work full -time on 485 visas?
Yes! The 485 visa allows full -time work rights, which means that you can gain valuable Australian work experience in your region or any other field. This work experience can help you:
Promote your start again
Apply for skilled migration visa (eg, 189, 190, 491)
Employer sponsoring sponsors (subcontinent 482 or 186)
Can You Bring Family Members?
Yes. You can include your partner and children in your application or add them later as subsequent entrants.They will have equal rights to live, work and study in Australia.
Path of permanent residence
Many graduates use 485 visas as a stepping stone for permanent residence. This way:
Gain work experience in a skilled occupation
Apply for General Efficient Migration (GSM) Visa
Get state nomination or employer sponsorship
Improve your points score for PR through Australian experience and qualifications
final thoughts
Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) is a golden opportunity for international students to live, work and build a future after completing their studies. Whether you aim to gain work experience, find out life in Australia, or apply for permanent residence, this visa is your first step.