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.
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:
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.
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:
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:
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:
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.
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:
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.
Visa processing times vary based on the type of visa, the country you're applying to, and other factors. It can range from a few days to several months. It's essential to apply well in advance of your planned travel dates.
Visa denials can occur for various reasons, including incomplete or inaccurate documentation, insufficient funds, criminal record, overstaying in a previous visit, suspicion of potential immigration violations, or concerns about returning to your home country.
Depending on the country and visa type, extensions may be possible. However, rules vary, and it's important to consult the relevant immigration authorities to understand the options and requirements for extensions or changes in visa types.
If your visa application is rejected, you may have the option to reapply or appeal the decision. It's important to carefully review the rejection reasons and take necessary steps to rectify any issues before reapplying.
We provide comprehensive consultations to help you determine the most suitable visa option based on your individual circumstances and goals.