Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485. Start Your Career in Australia

485 Temporary Graduate Visa

A 485 Temporary Graduate Visa, is a temporary visa that allows international students to live, study and work in Australia once they have completed a course at an Australian education institution. This is a great way for students to extend their stay and gain work experience in Australia.

This 485 Visa has three streams. Once you nominate one stream, you will not be able to change streams after you apply. Depending on the type of stream, you can live and work anywhere in Australia for 18 months to 4 years.

For instance, you may apply for either the Graduate Work Stream (for occupations on the skilled occupation list) or the Post-Study Work Stream (for degree-level graduates from Australian institutions).

Learn more about the 485 Visa requirements by contacting Immigration Gurus today.

Why choose Immigration Gurus for your 485 Temporary Graduate Visa

  • We will take care of the whole application process — We understand how important it is to get your application right the first time, which is why our immigration experts prepare and submit your 485 Visa application on your behalf to ensure the best chance of success.
  • Quality, expert advice on the 485 Temporary Graduate Visa — With several years of experience in the immigration field, our team offers tailored guidance during your application process.
  • Accurate assessment of eligibility — No two applicants have the same needs. Our immigration experts will work with you to determine your eligibility to avoid visa rejections or application delays.
  • High Success rate for 485 Visas across Australia — When you partner with Immigration Gurus, you can rest easy knowing you’re working with a team committed to your success.

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The 485 Visa has two main streams

Graduate Work Stream

A 485 Temporary Graduate Visa in the Graduate Work Stream, is a temporary visa for international students who have recently graduated from an Australian educational institution and have relevant skills and qualifications to Australia’s needs.

This 485 Visa allows you to live, work and study in Australia for up to 18 months. Hong Kong passport holders may stay up to 5 years, they can extend their stay for another 5 years and have a pathway to permanent residency after 5 years.

While your 485 Temporary Graduate Visa is valid, you will be able to travel in and out of Australia as many times as you want, and have the option to include accompanying family members in your application.

485 Temporary Graduate Visa – Graduate Work Stream – The basics

  • Be under 50 years of age
  • Hold an eligible visa
  • Have held a student visa within the last 6 months before your application
  • Have a qualification from an Australian education institution relevant to an occupation on the skilled occupation list
  • Have applied for a skills assessment in your nominated occupation on the skilled occupation list
  • Have adequate health insurance for yourself (and accompanying family members)

485 Temporary Graduate Visa – Graduate Work Stream – The basics

To apply for a 485 Temporary Graduate Visa – Graduate Work Stream, you must:

  • Be under 50 years of age
  • Hold an eligible visa
  • Have held a student visa within the last 6 months before your application
  • Have a qualification from an Australian education institution relevant to an occupation on the skilled occupation list
  • Have applied for a skills assessment in your nominated occupation on the skilled occupation list
  • Have adequate health insurance for yourself (and accompanying family members)

First Post-Study Work Stream

A 485 Temporary Graduate Visa in the Post-Study Work Stream, is a temporary visa that allows international students who have recently graduated with a degree from an Australian education institution to stay in Australia between 2 to 4 years after finishing their studies. The length of stay will depend on the level of your Australian study qualification. Hong Kong passport holders may stay up to 5 years once they have successfully completed their studies. Students can extend their stay for another 5 years and have a pathway to permanent residency after 5 years.

You will be able to travel in and out of Australia as many times as you want while your 485 Visa is valid, and you have the option to include accompanying family members in your application, including your spouse, de facto partner or eligible dependent children.

485 Temporary Graduate Visa – Post-Study Work Stream – The basics

To apply for a 485 Temporary Graduate Visa – Post-Study Work Stream, you must:

  • Be under 50 years of age
  • Hold an eligible visa
  • Have held a student visa within the last 6 months before your application
  • Have a recent qualification in a CRICOS-registered course
  • Have adequate health insurance for yourself (and accompanying family members)
  • Provide evidence of your English language skills
  • Provide evidence that you have applied for an Australian Federal Police (AFP) check with your application
  • Meet the health and character requirements

Second Post-Study Work Stream

If you are a holder of a first Temporary Graduate in the post-study work stream, you could apply for a second 485 post-study work stream visa if you graduated with a degree from an Australian education institution located in a regional area. This visa will allow you to stay between 1 and 2 years depending on the regional location of the school that you graduated from that led to the grant of your first 485 post-study work stream and the regional area that you’ve lived in for the last 2 years.

Hong Kong passport holders may stay up to 5 years once they have successfully completed their studies. They can extend their stay for another 5 years and have a pathway to permanent residency after 5 years.

You will be able to travel in and out of Australia as many times as you want while your visa is valid, and you have the option to include accompanying family members in your application.

485 Temporary Graduate Visa – Second Post-Study Work Stream – The basics

To apply for a 485 Temporary Graduate Visa – Graduate Work Stream, you must:

  • Be under 50 years of age
  • Be a holder of a first Temporary Graduate visa in the post-study work stream
  • Have a recent qualification in a CRICOS-registered course from an Australian education institution located in a regional area
  • Have lived in an eligible designated regional area for at least 2 years before applying for the second temporary graduate visa in the post-study work stream
  • Have adequate health insurance for yourself (and accompanying family members)
  • Meet the health and character requirements

If you studied and lived in one of the following areas, you will be able to stay for another year:

  • ‘Cities and Major Regional Centres’ of Perth, Adelaide, the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast, Canberra, Newcastle/Lake Macquarie, Wollongong/Illawarra, Geelong and Hobart

If you studied and lived in regional centres and other regional areas, you will be able to stay for another 2 years.

You must meet the health and character requirements and hold adequate health insurance for yourself and accompanying family members for the length of your intended stay in Australia.

How long will my 485 Visa take to be approved?

The 485 Visa processing time depends on the stream you apply for and how thoroughly you complete your application. Other factors that can influence your approval timeframe include:

  • Submitting incomplete applications or missing documents.
  • Delays in health and character checks.
  • High application volume.

The Department of Home Affairs offers a free Visa Processing Time Guide tool to give students an estimated timeframe for processing their 485 Visa.

Five things to avoid when applying for a 485 Visa

Many applicants face delays or refusals due to common mistakes when applying for the Temporary Graduate Visa 485. Here are key errors we’ve helped applicants avoid:

Applying after your student visa has expired — You must apply within six months of holding a valid student visa.

Not meeting the Australian study requirement — Your course must be at least two years (92 weeks) of study.

Failing to take an English proficiency test — If required, ensure you meet the English language criteria.

Not obtaining health insurance — You must have Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) for the entire visa duration.

Incorrectly completing the application — Any errors or missing information can result in delays or rejection.

Find the right 485 Visa pathway for you

Starting your dream life in Australia doesn’t have to be complicated. Immigration Gurus is your trusted partner in ensuring a hassle-free immigration journey.
Contact us today to begin your 485 Visa application.

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What our clients say

“Thank you so much for everything you have done for me! I was very satisfied with your work, you provided accurate advice and got me on the right student pathway. Now I am working full time in Australia and it is all thanks to you! When I need help for a visa again, I will come to the Immigration Gurus.”

ShunsukeJapan

“The Immigration Gurus are reliable, effective and helped us to get our partner visa. They closely followed our case which made us feel they were very professional and made us feel relieved. They always updated our case situation and progress. If someone is looking for a good quality immigration consultation service, we have no doubt to recommend the Immigration Gurus to them. We are very happy that we chose them.”

ZoeHong Kong

“The Immigration Gurus were fantastic in helping me obtain the right visa. The team were very organised and professional during the application process and made sure that I was given the best chance of success. Their expert advice gave me confidence from the lodgement date until my visa was granted. I would highly recommend the Immigration Gurus to anyone looking for top quality immigration advice.”

JuliaUSA

“The Immigration Gurus made the journey to permanent residency a breeze. Because I work and live in a remote area of Australia, I haven’t had the chance to meet the Guru team in person yet. However, the support and effort they provided during my immigration application was much appreciated. I highly recommend their services.”

GurpreetIndia

“The Immigration Gurus were always kind, fast and precise in answering our questions... they helped my partner and I in obtaining a student visa. Ask for their help and you will not regret it!”

ElisaItaly

“The Immigration Gurus made me feel comfortable asking questions and when the government changed the rules during my application, they bent over backwards to help me and my partner get our submission in. I appreciate everything the Gurus did, thanks for helping us get our de-facto partnership visa!”

RachelUSA

“Thank you so much to the Immigration Guru team, you are all such genuine, professional and approachable individuals. We had a great feeling about Nat and his team and we weren't disappointed, they guided us all the way. I will definitely be recommending you to everyone!”

EmiliaUK

“Thank you Immigration Gurus for making the whole visa process so simple. Everything was explained thoroughly, meaning all we really had to was tick the right boxes and wait for the visa to be approved! We would be happy to recommend the Gurus to anyone in the future! Big thumbs up!”

MandyUK

“The Immigration Gurus are great! They helped me not only for my visa, but also for every other issues as well. Thank you for your help, I will see you for my next visa!”

AllesandroItaly

“I can't express my gratitude in words, you handled my case with great professionalism. Due to a bad turn of events my visa was cancelled and I faced loosing all that I had here in Australia, you assured me from the start and were able to turn around the decision. I am now a citizen of Australia and am working toward building my own business and starting my family. Thank you very much!”

KuldeepIndia

FAQs

How long can I stay in Australia on a 485 Visa?

The Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485 permits students to stay in Australia for up to 18 months under the Graduate Work Stream and between two and four years under the Post-Study Work Stream, depending on your level of qualification. Applicants with a Hong Kong or British National Overseas passport may be eligible for a 5-year stay.

Can I apply for a 485 Visa if I study online?

If you completed your course online while holding a valid Australian student visa, you may still be eligible for the 485 Visa in Australia. The experienced team at Immigration Gurus can advise you on your Visa 485 eligibility if you have completed online study and walk you through the application process.

Can I include my family members in my 485 Visa application?

Yes, applicants can include a Member of the Family Unit (MoFU)) in their 485 Visa application. This generally refers to individuals such as your spouse, de facto partner or dependent children. However, they are required to meet health and character requirements, and if applying after your visa is granted, they must hold an eligible visa at the time of application.

Can I apply for a second Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)?

Yes, certain applicants can apply for a second Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) if they meet the Second Post-Higher Education stream requirements while agreeing to study and live in a regional area of Australia.

Do I need a job offer before applying for a Visa 485?

No, you do not need a job offer to apply for a Visa 485 in Australia. The 485 Visa allows graduates to stay and work temporarily in Australia, giving them time to gain work experience or seek employment in their field of study.

What happens if my 485 Visa is refused?

If your Temporary Graduate Visa 485 is refused, you can appeal the decision with the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT). The refusal notice will contain the reasons for rejection and whether you have appeal rights. Given the complexity of these matters, it’s highly recommended to seek professional immigration advice before appealing to improve your chances of a just outcome.

Do I need a job offer before applying for a Visa 485?

Yes, holding a Temporary Graduate Visa 485 can be an option for permanent residency in Australia. Many graduates apply for a Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189), a Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) or an Employer-Sponsored Visa once they gain work experience in an eligible occupation.

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