Temporary Graduate Visa – Subclass 485

Stay and Work in Australia After Graduation

The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) allows international students who have recently completed their studies in Australia to live, work, and gain valuable experience. It’s your opportunity to bridge the gap between study and permanent residency while boosting your career.

Whether you’ve completed a vocational course or a higher education degree, this visa can give you the flexibility and time you need to establish your future in Australia.

What Is the Graduate Visa?

The Graduate Visa is designed to help international graduates transition smoothly from study to skilled employment in Australia. It offers the flexibility to gain local experience, build professional networks, and prepare for permanent residency applications — all while enjoying life in Australia.

The Subclass 485 Visa is a temporary visa that lets international graduates remain in Australia for 18 months to 5 years, depending on their qualification and stream.

There are two main streams:

  • Post-Study Work Stream – For graduates of higher education degrees
  • Graduate Work Stream – For graduates with skills and qualifications related to specific occupations on Australia’s skills list

Why Apply for This Visa?

Staying in Australia after graduation is about more than convenience — it’s about setting yourself up for success. This visa helps you take the next step in your migration journey with time to work, explore opportunities, and plan your future.

This visa lets you stay in Australia after completing your studies, so you can gain work experience, build professional networks, and even transition toward permanent residency.

  • Work full-time in Australia
  • Gain skilled work experience for PR applications
  • Bring eligible family members
  • Apply for other skilled visas later (e.g. 189, 190, 491)
  • Enjoy freedom to travel while on the visa

Who Should Consider It?

This visa is a great fit for graduates who want to launch their professional careers in Australia and use their qualifications as a pathway to long-term migration opportunities.

This visa is ideal for international students who:

  • Recently graduated from an Australian institution
  • Want to gain Australian work experience
  • Intend to apply for a skilled or employer-sponsored visa in the future

Subclass 485 Visa Requirements

To ensure you’re ready for this next stage in Australia, the Department of Home Affairs requires that applicants meet a number of key eligibility criteria. These requirements confirm your connection to an Australian qualification and your ability to contribute as a skilled graduate.

To be eligible, applicants must:

  • Be under 50 years old
  • Hold an eligible student visa in the past 6 months
  • Have completed a CRICOS-registered course
  • Apply under the correct stream
  • Hold adequate health insurance
  • Meet English language standards
  • Meet health and character requirements

Application Process: Step-by-Step

Applying for a 485 Visa takes planning — but with the right preparation, you can move through each step with confidence and clarity. Here's what you’ll need to do:

  1. Confirm your eligibility and choose the correct stream
  2. Gather documents, including Australian qualifications
  3. Apply online through ImmiAccount
  4. Undertake health exams and provide police clearances
  5. Await visa decision (usually within a few months)

What You’ll Need

Gathering the correct documents is essential for a successful application. These materials help prove your qualifications, identity, and readiness to stay and work in Australia.

  • Academic transcripts and certificates
  • Proof of English proficiency
  • Health insurance (OVHC)
  • Police clearances
  • Identity documents and passport
  • Australian Federal Police (AFP) check

Health & Character Requirements

To ensure community safety, Australia requires visa applicants to pass certain health and character checks. These assessments are standard and must be completed for visa approval.

As with all Australian visas, you must:

  • Complete a health examination (if required)
  • Submit police certificates from all countries where you’ve lived 12+ months

Why Apply with Us?

Applying for a graduate visa is a key step in your long-term migration journey — and we can help you get it right from the start.

✅ Strategic assessment of your PR options and next steps

✅ Accurate stream selection based on your studies

✅ Help preparing and submitting your application

✅ Advice on transitioning to skilled visas

DISCLAIMER: This information is for general use only. For official advice and criteria, please refer to the Department of Home Affairs.

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