Study · Subclass 485
Temporary Graduate visa
Work in Australia after eligible Australian study, usually for 18 months to 3 years.
Who it is for
International students who recently completed eligible study in Australia. Streams: Post-Higher Education Work (bachelor degree or higher) and Post-Vocational Education Work (diploma or trade qualification linked to an occupation on the list, with a skills assessment). A Second Post-Higher Education Work stream exists for some regional graduates.
Key eligibility
- Age 35 or under when you apply (under 50 for research masters and PhD graduates, and Hong Kong and British National (Overseas) passport holders).
- Hold an eligible student visa, or have held one in the last 6 months.
- Completed your course in the 6 months before you apply, and met the Australian study requirement.
- English test taken in the 12 months before you apply.
- Adequate health insurance, health and character.
- Post-Vocational Education Work: a skills assessment applied for when you lodge.
- Not previously held a Temporary Graduate visa as the main applicant (except the second stream).
Where to apply, and bridging visas
Main applicants must be in Australia when they apply. A valid application usually gives a bridging visa while it is decided. Holders of a 485 cannot apply for a Student visa in Australia.
Your journey, step by step
First enquiry
You tell us your current visa, where you are, your family and any past refusals or cancellations.
How a registered migration agent helps: identifies your current visa, its conditions and expiry, and any early risk.
Check your windows
Confirm your course completion date, the 6-month window and your age.
How a registered migration agent helps: checks the dates and the right stream.
Service agreement
Before any personal advice or preparation, you receive a written service agreement and the OMARA Consumer Guide.
How a registered migration agent helps: sets out the work, the fee and the refund policy in writing. No money is taken for visa work before the agreement is signed.
Evidence
English test, completion letter and transcript, police certificates, health insurance and, for vocational graduates, the skills assessment application.
How a registered migration agent helps: checks that the study requirement and English evidence are in order.
Lodge in Australia
Lodge online in ImmiAccount and pay the charge.
How a registered migration agent helps: lodges before the 6-month window closes.
Health, police and biometrics
Health examinations, police certificates and biometrics when the Department asks.
How a registered migration agent helps: tracks every request and deadline so nothing lapses.
Decision and work
Work and study freely for the period of the visa.
How a registered migration agent helps: explains your stay period and conditions.
Plan the next step
The 485 does not lead directly to permanent residence. Plan employer sponsorship or a skilled visa.
How a registered migration agent helps: plans a realistic pathway, such as a 482, 186, 189, 190 or 491.
The Department of Home Affairs makes every decision. No one can promise a grant, an invitation or a faster decision.
Government charges from 1 July 2026
| Applicant or item | Charge |
|---|---|
| Main applicant | A$5,750 |
| Family member 18 or over | A$2,875 |
| Family member under 18 | A$1,450 |
| Second Post-Higher Education Work, main applicant | A$2,265 |
How long you can stay
| Stream | Stay |
|---|---|
| Bachelor and coursework masters | Up to 2 years |
| Research masters and PhD | Up to 3 years |
| Post-Vocational Education Work | 18 months |
| Indian nationals (trade agreement) | Bachelor 2 years (3 for first-class honours in STEM), masters 3 years, PhD 4 years |
Health checks, police certificates, translations, skills assessments and English tests are extra and paid to the provider. Our professional fee is separate and quoted in writing. Estimate total charges for your family.
Source: Home Affairs Current visa pricing table, charges from 1 July 2026, read 22 October 2026. Confirm in the Visa Pricing Estimator before you pay.
Processing times
Source: Home Affairs Global visa processing times, read 22 October 2026. Check the current guide. A guide only; times change monthly and are not a promise.
Common refusal risks
- Applying more than 6 months after completing the course.
- Over the age limit.
- Study requirement not met.
- English test older than 12 months or below the score.
- No skills assessment applied for (vocational stream).
- No health insurance, or a previous 485 as main applicant.
Drawn from the published criteria and general practice experience, not Department statistics.
Document checklist
Tick items as you collect them. Ticks are saved in this browser only and are not sent to us. This is a general list; the Department may ask for more.
0 of 0 collected
The Immigration Worldwide. Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130. General information, checked 22 October 2026.
Recent changes
New stream names, maximum age 35 for most applicants, and new stay periods.
Main applicant charge rose to A$5,750.
Sources and checks
- Home Affairs: Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)
- Home Affairs: 485 changes
- Home Affairs Current visa pricing table, charges from 1 July 2026
Related
Information checked 22 October 2026. General information only, not advice about your situation. Australian advice is given by Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130.
Talk it through. The first 15 minutes are free and general. Personal advice starts only after a written service agreement and the OMARA Consumer Guide.