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Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) Visa

The Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa lets international students who have recently completed at least two years of study in Australia stay on to live, work and study. You can work full time with no restrictions, and many graduates use the experience they gain to apply for a permanent or provisional skilled visa.

You must apply in Australia, hold or have held a student visa in the last six months, and have completed your course in the last six months.

Further information:

485 visa to Permanent Residence

The three streams

  • Post-Higher Education Work stream (formerly Post-Study Work): for graduates with a Bachelor degree or higher.
    • Bachelor, Honours or Masters by coursework: 2 years
    • Masters by research or Doctoral degree: 3 years
  • Post-Vocational Education Work stream (formerly Graduate Work): for graduates with a diploma or trade qualification related to an occupation on the relevant list. Requires a skills assessment. Up to 18 months.
  • Second Post-Higher Education Work stream: an extra 1 or 2 years for graduates who studied and lived in a regional area during their first 485.

Key requirements

  • Age: under 35 when you apply. Masters by research and Doctoral graduates, and Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport holders, can apply up to age 49.
  • English: IELTS 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each band, or an equivalent score in another approved test, or a passport from the UK, US, Canada, New Zealand or Ireland. See our 485 English requirements page.
  • Study: at least two academic years (92 weeks) of CRICOS-registered study in Australia, completed within the last six months.
  • Health insurance: you must hold adequate health insurance for the whole stay.
  • Other: health and character requirements, and an Australian Federal Police check.

Family members

You can include your partner (spouse or de facto, including same-sex partners) and dependent children in your application. Family members can also be added after your visa is granted.

Fee

$5,750 for the main applicant from 1 July 2026. Extra charges apply for each family member.

Book your no-obligation consultation today with our Registered Migration Agents in Melbourne, and find out the right visa options for your unique circumstances.