Finishing your studies in Australia does not have to mean leaving straight away. The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) lets eligible international graduates stay in Australia, work full-time and build local experience after their studies.
This guide explains the two streams of the 485 visa, who can apply, the age and English requirements, how long you can stay, how to apply, and what to do next. The 485 visa had major changes from July 2024, so many older guides online are now out of date. Always check the Department of Home Affairs website before you apply.
Quick Summary
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Visa | Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) |
| Streams | Post-Higher Education Work and Post-Vocational Education Work |
| Age limit | Generally 35 or under when you apply (some exceptions) |
| Study requirement | At least 2 academic years (92 weeks) of CRICOS-registered study in Australia |
| When to apply | Within 6 months of completing your course |
| Stay | Usually 2–3 years (degree) or up to 18 months (diploma/trade); 5 years for Hong Kong and BNO passport holders |
| Visa fee | From AUD 5,750 (main applicant) |
| Work rights | Full work rights, no limit on hours |
| Where to apply | Usually in Australia, while holding an eligible visa |
What Is the Temporary Graduate Visa (485)?
The 485 visa is for international students who have recently completed a qualification in Australia. It gives you time to:
- Work full-time in any job
- Gain Australian work experience
- Travel in and out of Australia
- Prepare for a skilled or employer-sponsored visa
It is a temporary visa, not permanent residency.
The Two Streams
Post-Higher Education Work stream
This stream is for graduates with a bachelor degree, master degree or doctoral degree from an Australian institution. You do not need to nominate an occupation. This stream was previously called the Post-Study Work stream.
Post-Vocational Education Work stream
This stream is for graduates with a diploma, associate degree or trade qualification that is closely related to an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list. This stream was previously called the Graduate Work stream. You may also need a skills assessment for your occupation.
There is also a Second Post-Higher Education Work stream for some people who already hold a 485 visa in the Post-Higher Education Work stream and have lived and studied in an eligible regional area. Check Home Affairs for the details.
You choose your stream when you apply and cannot change it after you lodge.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible, you generally must:
- Be 35 or under when you apply. Some applicants, such as Hong Kong and British National (Overseas) passport holders and some research master and PhD graduates, have different age limits
- Have held a Student visa in the last 6 months
- Meet the Australian Study Requirement: at least 2 academic years (92 weeks) of study in one or more CRICOS-registered courses taught in English
- Apply within 6 months of completing your qualifying course
- Meet the English language requirement
- Have adequate health insurance for your stay
- Meet health and character requirements, including police certificates
English Language Requirement
You must provide an English test result that meets the minimum score set by Home Affairs. The required scores were increased in 2024. Accepted tests include IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge C1 Advanced and OET. Your test must be taken within the period Home Affairs specifies before you apply. Check the current minimum scores on the Home Affairs website.
Passport holders from certain countries, such as the UK, Ireland, the US, Canada and New Zealand, may be exempt.
How Long Can You Stay?
The length of your visa depends on your stream and your qualification. According to Home Affairs, the Post-Higher Education Work stream usually lets you stay between 2 and 3 years, depending on your qualification, and the Post-Vocational Education Work stream lets you stay up to 18 months. Hong Kong and British National (Overseas) passport holders may stay for 5 years.
Because these periods have changed in recent years, check the current stay period for your qualification on the Home Affairs website before you plan your future.
How Much Does It Cost?
According to Home Affairs, the visa costs from AUD 5,750 for the main applicant (checked October 2026). The fee is paid when you lodge your application, and extra charges apply for family members. Use the Visa Pricing Estimator on the Home Affairs website to see the current cost. You should also budget for:
- An English test
- Health checks
- Police certificates
- Health insurance
- A skills assessment, if you apply in the Post-Vocational Education Work stream
How to Apply (Step by Step)
- Check your eligibility: your age, study requirement, qualification and the 6-month deadline
- Choose your stream based on your qualification
- Book an English test early so your results are ready in time
- Get police certificates from each country where you have lived for 12 months or more in the last 10 years, including Australia
- Arrange health insurance for your visa period
- Get a skills assessment if you apply in the Post-Vocational Education Work stream
- Lodge your application online through ImmiAccount and pay the fee
- Do health checks and give biometrics if asked
If you apply in Australia while holding a substantive visa, you will usually be granted a bridging visa that lets you stay while your 485 is processed.
Work and Life on a 485 Visa
With a 485 visa, you can work full-time for any employer, start your own business and study. This makes it a great time to build Australian experience in your field.
Use our guides on how to find a job in Australia and the best job websites in Australia to start your search. Make sure you are paid correctly. Our guide to the average salary in Australia shows what you might earn.
What Comes After the 485?
Many 485 holders use their time to work towards a longer-term visa, such as:
- Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482): an employer-sponsored temporary visa
- Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189): a points-tested permanent visa
- Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190): a permanent visa nominated by a state or territory
- Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491): a provisional regional visa with a pathway to permanent residency
Our guide to Australian permanent residency pathways explains these options.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Missing the 6-month deadline after completing your course
- Booking your English test too late
- Forgetting police certificates from every country you lived in
- Choosing the wrong stream
- Relying on old information from before the July 2024 changes
- Letting your health insurance lapse
Bringing Your Family
You can usually include your partner and dependent children in your 485 application. Family members generally get the same work and study rights as you. Remember to budget for their visa charges, health insurance and living costs.
Tips to Make the Most of Your 485
- Start job hunting before you graduate. Career fairs, internships and university career services can help
- Work in your field if you can. Relevant experience can help with skills assessments and future skilled visas
- Keep your English score high. A higher score can add points in the skilled migration points test
- Plan your next visa early. Your 485 has a fixed end date, so think about your long-term pathway from the start
- Keep good records. Payslips, contracts and references will help with future visa applications
Health Insurance and Police Checks
You must hold adequate health insurance for your whole stay on the 485 visa, and many applicants arrange Overseas Visitor Health Cover before lodging. You also need police certificates from each country where you have lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years, including an Australian Federal Police check if you have lived in Australia for that long. Start these early, as some overseas police checks take weeks.
Life After Graduation: Practical Tips
Graduating is a big change. Update your address and contact details with Home Affairs, your bank and your super fund. If your student health cover ends, make sure your new insurance starts straight away. You may also need to lodge a tax return for the year you studied, especially if you worked part-time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the age limit for the 485 visa?
Most applicants must be 35 or under when they apply. Some groups, such as Hong Kong and BNO passport holders and some research graduates, have different limits.
Can I work full-time on a 485 visa?
Yes. There is no limit on your work hours, and you can work for any employer.
Can I get a 485 visa with a diploma?
Possibly, through the Post-Vocational Education Work stream, if your qualification is closely related to an occupation on the relevant list and you meet the other requirements.
How soon after finishing my course do I need to apply?
You must apply within 6 months of completing your qualifying course.
Is the 485 visa permanent residency?
No. It is a temporary visa. Many graduates use it to gain experience before applying for a permanent or employer-sponsored visa.
Final Thoughts
The Temporary Graduate visa is one of the best opportunities for international graduates to stay in Australia and start their careers. Check your age, study and English requirements early, apply within 6 months of finishing your course, and use your time to build strong Australian experience.
Because the 485 rules changed significantly in 2024, always confirm the details with the Department of Home Affairs, and consider speaking to a registered migration agent if your situation is complex.
Related Guides
- Student Visa Australia (Subclass 500)
- Australian PR Pathways: 189, 190 and 491
- How to Find a Job in Australia
- Average Salary in Australia
Official Resources
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