The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) allows international students who recently completed Australian qualifications to live, work, and gain professional experience in Australia – building their pathway to permanent residency.
Key Benefits:
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) allows international students who have recently completed eligible studies in Australia to remain in the country temporarily to work, gain professional experience, and strengthen future migration prospects.
This visa is a crucial step for many graduates aiming to transition from study to skilled employment and, potentially, permanent residency in Australia.
Important Note:
You can apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa only once as a primary applicant.
The Subclass 485 visa has two main streams based on your qualification type and career goals.
For graduates with higher education qualifications
Duration by Qualification:
Eligibility:
Key Features:
Ideal For:
For graduates with specific trade/vocational qualifications
Duration:
Eligibility:
Key Features:
Ideal For:
1. Age:
2. Australian Study Requirement:
3. Recent Study:
4. English Language:
Stream | Minimum Requirement |
Post-Study Work | IELTS 6.5 (min 5.5 each) or equivalent |
Graduate Work | IELTS 6.0 (min 5.0 each) or equivalent |
5. Other Requirements:
Strategic Timeline:
1. During Your Graduate Visa (2-4 years):
a. Gain Australian work experience
b. Improve English scores
c. Complete additional qualifications
d. Build PR points
2. After Graduate Visa:
a. Apply for Skilled Migration
OR
b. Employer Sponsorship
Not all courses lead to the same opportunities:
For Maximum Graduate Visa Duration:
For Graduate Work Stream:
For Best PR Pathways:
We Help You:
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Step 2: Complete Skills Assessment (Graduate Work stream only)
Step 3: Gather Documents
Step 4: Lodge Application
Step 5: Health Checks
Step 6: Visa Grant
Processing Times:
Maximize This Critical Period:
1. Work Experience:
2. Skills Development:
3. PR Planning:
4. Employer Connections:
Most applicants must be in Australia when applying. Exceptions exist for COVID-affected applicants.
6 months from course completion notification date.
Yes, partner and dependent children can be included.
If you applied before your student visa expires, you get a Bridging Visa with work rights.
Yes, you can undertake further study (useful for Professional Year, NAATI, or additional qualifications).
You must apply for another visa (skilled migration, employer sponsorship) or leave Australia.
No, you can only be granted Subclass 485 once as a primary applicant.
You can still use Post-Study Work stream (no occupation requirement). Graduate Work stream requires MLTSSL.
Planning your graduate visa application
Consultation Booking Form
