Stay Back & Gain Work Experience After Graduation
The Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa allows international students who have recently graduated from an Australian institution to live, work, and study in Australia temporarily. This visa helps graduates gain professional experience and improve their skills before applying for permanent residency.
Key Benefits of the Subclass 485 Visa
✅ Work full-time in Australia (no restrictions)
✅ Stay for 18 months to 3 years for most streams (up to 5 years for eligible Hong Kong and BNO passport holders)
✅ Bring eligible family members (partner & dependent children)
✅ Gain Australian work experience for future PR applications
✅ No employer sponsorship required
Eligibility Requirements
1. Recent Australian Study Requirement
✔ Completed a CRICOS-registered course (minimum 2 years of study in Australia) while on a student visa.
✔ Graduated with a:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree → usually 2 years
- Trade qualification (Diploma or Vocational Education) → up to 18 months
2. English Language Proficiency
✔ IELTS 6.5 overall with no band less than 5.5, or equivalent (PTE, TOEFL, OET)
3. Age Limit
✔ Must be 35 or under at application (exceptions apply, including Hong Kong and BNO passport holders)
4. Health & Character Checks
✔ Must meet health and police clearance requirements
5. Visa Application Timing
✔ Must apply within 6 months of completing studies
Two Streams of the 485 Visa
1. Post-Vocational Education Work Stream
✔ For trade or diploma graduates
✔ Must have an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL)
✔ Must obtain a positive skills assessment
2. Post-Higher Education Work Stream
✔ For Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD graduates
✔ No skills assessment required
✔ Visa length depends on qualification:
- Bachelor’s/Master’s (Coursework): 2 years
- Master’s (Research): 3 years
(Hong Kong and BNO passport holders may be granted 5 years)
How the 485 Visa Process Works
- Complete Your Studies – Ensure your course is CRICOS-registered
- Check Eligibility – Choose the right stream (Post-Vocational or Post-Higher Education Work)
- Gather Documents – Academic transcripts, English test results, passport
- Lodge Application – Online via ImmiAccount
- Visa Grant – processing times vary; check the Home Affairs processing time guide
Why Choose the 485 Visa?
🔹 No employer sponsorship needed
🔹 Extra time to gain work experience for PR (e.g., Subclass 189/190/491)
🔹 Flexibility to work in any job (not restricted to your field of study)
🔹 Opportunity to improve English & skills for future visa applications
How Immigrad Can Help
✅ Eligibility Check – Confirm your best visa stream
✅ Skills Assessment Support (for the Post-Vocational Education Work stream)
✅ Application Preparation – Avoid delays & refusals
✅ Post-Visa Guidance – Next steps for permanent residency
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Official Resources
Home Affairs – 485 Visa
CRICOS-Registered Courses
Note: Immigration regulations change frequently. While we maintain current knowledge, we recommend verifying information with the Department of Home Affairs or consulting a registered migration agent.
Frequently asked questions
What is the subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa?
The subclass 485 is a temporary visa that allows international students to live, study and work in Australia after they have finished their studies. It is not a permanent visa and it does not require employer sponsorship. It is commonly used to gain Australian work experience while considering a skilled or employer sponsored pathway.
Is there an age limit for the subclass 485 visa?
Yes. The Department of Home Affairs states you must be aged 35 years or under when you apply, and notes that exceptions apply in limited circumstances. Age is assessed at the date of application, so the timing of lodgement matters if you are close to the limit. Check the current exceptions with the Department or a registered migration agent.
What are the basic eligibility requirements for the subclass 485?
The Department lists the basic requirements as being aged 35 or under when you apply, holding an eligible visa, having held a Student visa in the last six months, having a recent qualification in a CRICOS-registered course, applying for the correct stream and attaching the required evidence. It is not possible to change streams after you apply, so stream selection should be settled before lodgement.
How long can I stay on a subclass 485 visa?
It depends on the stream. The Department states the Post-Vocational Education Work stream allows a stay of up to 18 months, and the Post-Higher Education Work stream usually between two and three years depending on your qualification. Eligible Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders may stay for five years.
How much does the subclass 485 visa cost?
The Department of Home Affairs publishes the subclass 485 visa application charge as from AUD5,750.00, with concessions applying in limited circumstances. A lower charge applies to eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens. Charges for family members included in the application, health examinations, police certificates and English test fees are additional and can add substantially to the total.
Related Immigrad pages
- Subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa
- How to find an employer sponsor in Australia
- Permanent residence pathways
- Speak to a registered migration agent
This page provides general information only, current as at 16 September 2026, and is not personal migration advice. Fees and requirements published by the Department of Home Affairs change. Complex circumstances should be discussed with a registered migration agent. Immigrad, MARN 1805710.