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Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)

The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) is an Australian visa outlined for international students who have recently graduated from an Australian educational institution. This visa allows eligible graduates to live, work, and study in Australia temporarily after completing their studies, providing an opportunity to gain valuable professional experience and potentially transition to other skilled migration or permanent residency pathways. The duration of stay varies depending on the visa stream applied for and the level of the applicant's Australian qualification, ranging from typically 18 months to 4 years, with specific provisions for certain passport holders and qualifications.

Types of Streams Under Subclass 485

The Temporary Graduate visa (485 subclass visa) offers two main streams for eligible international students who have recently graduated from an Australian educational institution.

Post-Vocational Education Work Stream

The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), Post-Vocational Education Work stream allows recent international graduates with an associate degree, diploma, or trade qualification in a high-demand Australian occupation to temporarily reside, study, and work in Australia.

Post-Higher Education Work Stream

This temporary visa is for international students who have recently completed a Bachelor, Master, or Doctoral degree at an Australian institution. It grants them the right to live, work, and study in Australia for a set period after graduation. The length of stay typically ranges from 2 to 3 years, depending on the level of the qualification obtained.

Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream

The Second Post-Higher Education Work stream (subclass 485) is an additional temporary visa for eligible degree-level graduates. To qualify, you must be a current or former primary holder of a Post-Higher Education Work or Post-Study Work visa whose qualifying degree was completed at a regional campus, and who has resided in a designated regional area for a specified period.

How long can you stay on the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)?

This is a temporary visa and the duration of your stay in Australia is determined by the level of your Australian qualification.

The length of stay for Indian nationals in the Temporary Graduate Visa is:



Benefits of the Subclass 485 Visa

The Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa offers international students who have graduated from an Australian institution several key benefits:

Full Work Rights: Unrestricted work rights in any sector, allowing you to gain valuable professional experience in Australia

Extended Stay: Provides a temporary stay in Australia (duration varies by stream and qualification, typically 18 months to 4 years) after completing your studies.

Pathway to Permanent Residency (PR): Offers essential time to improve your profile for skilled migration visas by gaining local work experience, enhancing English skills, and establishing professional networks.

Live and Study: Stay in Australia after graduation to live, travel, and undertake further study in Australia during the visa period.

Include Family You can include immediate family members (partner and dependent children) in your visa application, allowing them to live, work, and study in Australia with you.

Eligibility Criteria for Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)

The following are eligible for temporary graduate visa (subclass 485) are listed below:

Age Be under 35 years of age. If you have completed a Master's Degree or a PhD, you can be under the age of 50 when you apply for the subclass 485 visa.

Current Visa: Must have held an Australian student visa in the last 6 months or hold an eligible Australian student visa and be residing in Australia when you apply.

Qualification: Hold an eligible qualification at degree-level or above.

Study Requirement: Meet the Temporary Graduate visa study requirement (e.g., 92 weeks of CRICOS-registered study).

Education Provider: Have studied with an Australian education provider (CRICOS registered - The Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students).

English Language/Passport: Have a passport holder from a specific English-speaking country or have a required score of English proficiency.

Health Insurance: You and your family members must have and maintain adequate health insurance for the duration of your stay in Australia.

Health Clearance Check: Meet our health requirements.

Character Check: Meet our character requirements.

Australian Values: Sign the Australian values statement.

Government Debt: Have no debt to the Australian Government.

Visa History: No visa has been cancelled or application refused.

Documents required for subclass 485 visa

The basic document 485 visa checklist is listed below:

Mandatory Documents for All Applicants

  1. Current Passport
  2. Birth Certificate
  3. Passport-sized photographs
  4. Name change documents (if applicable)
  5. Medical Clearance Certificate
  6. Character Clearance Certificate
  7. Health Insurance Certificate

Study Requirement Documents

  1. Course Completion
  2. Academic Transcripts
  3. Evidence of CRICOS Registration

Stream-Specific Documents

  1. Skills Assessment Application/Result (Graduate Work Stream)

Documents for Family Members

Marriage Certificate.

De Facto Relationship Evidence

Birth Certificate of Children

Adoption Papers (if applicable)

Application Process for Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)

Apply for a 485 Temporary Graduate visa by following the steps:

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Confirm you meet Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) eligibility, including age limit, English language requirement, valid student visa, and completion of an eligible Australian qualification.

Step 2: Select the Right 485 Visa Stream

Choose the correct 485 visa stream:

  1. Post-Higher Education Work Stream
  2. Post-Vocational Education Work Stream
  3. Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream

This can be chosen based on your qualification and occupation.

Step 3: Prepare Required Documents

Collect essential Subclass 485 visa documents, such as a passport, academic transcripts, completion letter, English test results, AFP clearance, and health insurance

Step 4: Lodge the Online Application

Apply online through the Australian Department of Home Affairs within 6 months of course completion and pay the Temporary Graduate Visa application fee.

Step 5: Health & Biometrics

Complete medical examinations and biometrics.

Step 6: Visa Outcome

Wait for the 485 visa processing time. A Bridging Visa may be granted while your application is under assessment. Upon approval, receive your Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) grant.

Processing time and Visa Cost for Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)

Visa Stream Processing Time Visa Cost
Post-Higher Education Work Stream 7 - 31 days AUD 2,300
Post-Vocational Education Work Stream 51 days - 3 months AUD 2,300
Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream As per the immigration law AUD 905

485 Visa Extension Pathways & Eligibility (2026)

Regional Extension (Second 485):

Graduates living and working in designated regional areas can extend their stay by 1–2 years.

Select Degree Extension:

As of 1 July 2023, select Bachelor’s (4 years), Master’s (5 years), and PhD (6 years) degrees may be eligible for an additional two-year extension.

How can GreenTree Immigration help you get your subclass 485 visa?

GreenTree Immigration helps you secure your Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) by providing:

Eligibility Assessment:

Confirming you meet all criteria (age, study, English, etc.) and selecting the correct visa stream.

Comprehensive Documentation:

Guiding you through the preparation and submission of all complex documents, including police checks and health insurance.

Streamlined Application:

Ensuring accurate and timely lodgement of your application to maximize your chances of a successful grant.

We offer end-to-end support, from initial consultation to final submission.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
faq-img
What is the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)?
The Subclass 485 visa allows international students to stay in Australia temporarily after completing eligible studies.
Who is eligible for the 485 visa Australia?
You must hold a recent Australian qualification and meet English, health, and character requirements.
Can I work full-time on a Temporary Graduate visa?
Yes, holders of a Subclass 485 visa can work full-time during their stay in Australia.
When can I apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa?
You should apply for the subclass 485 visa within 6 months of completing your eligible Australian qualification.
What documents are required for the subclass 485 visa?
You’ll need identity proof, qualifications, English test results, health insurance, and AFP clearance.

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