Temporary Graduate Visa

Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)

The temporary graduate visa (subclass 485) allows you to remain in Australia to live, study or work after you have finished your studies. The visa has two streams:

(1) Graduate Work stream

(2) Post-Study Work stream.

Who is eligible for the temporary graduate visa (subclass 485)?

To be eligible to apply for the temporary graduate visa (subclass 485) you must

• be under 50 years of age
• hold an eligible visa – You must hold a substantive visa or bridging visa A/B granted on the basis of a valid application for a visa.
• meet the Australian study requirement–You must fulfill the Australian study in a CRICOS registered course in Australia for at least 2 academic years (92 weeks) in no less than 16 calendar months.
• apply for your 485 Visa within 6 months from the date of course completion whilst holding a valid visa. (the course completion date is stated on completion letter issued by education provider.)
• show the evidence that in the last 3 years, you achieved overall score of at least 6 with a minimum score of 5 for each band in IELTS test.

Requirements – Post study work stream (PSW)

• The qualification that you have completed must be an eligible degree. This means a bachelor’s degree, Bachelor (honours) degree, Masters by coursework degree, Masters by research degree or Doctoral degree.
• No need to nominate occupation
• No skills assessment needed
• Graduate Diploma or certificate not eligible.

Requirements – Graduate work stream

• fulfill the Australian study requirements through completing a diploma or trade certificate.
• must nominate one occupation on the MLTSSL.
• must obtain positive skills assessment for that nominated occupation. (485 visa purpose only)

Second Post-study Work Stream

This visa is for holders of a first Temporary Graduate visa in the post-study work stream who graduated with a degree from an Australian institution located in a regional area.

• You must continue to hold a valid first Temporary Graduate visa in the post-study work stream when you apply for the second Temporary Graduate post-study work stream visa.
• You must have obtained your qualification that led to the grant of your first Temporary Graduate visa in the post-study work stream, from an Australian education provider who is registered on CRICOS and offer degree-level programs. The campus that you studied at must have been based in a designated regional area.

The work and study must have been in the designated regional area.

• Category 2 –Perth, Adelaide, the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast, Canberra, Newcastle/Lake Macquarie, Wollongong/Illawarra, Geelong and Hobart have access to the following regional incentives – International graduates with a bachelor or higher qualification from a regional campus of a registered institution will be eligible to access additional year in Australia on a post-study work visa.
• Category 3 – International graduates with a bachelor or higher qualification from a regional campus of a registered institution will be eligible to access an additional 2 years in Australia on a post-study work visa.

Length of first Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)

This remains unchanged and is the same no matter where you study in Australia.

• Diploma – Graduate work – 18 months
• Bachelor’s Degree including honours – 2 years
• Master’s Degree by course work – 2 years
• Master’s Degree by research – 3 years
• Doctoral Degree – 4 years

Condition 8610

If you hold second 485 visa in category 2 area, you hold to continue living in category 2 area or category 3 area.

If you hold second 485 visa in category 3 area, you hold to continue living in category 3 area only.

While you are on 485 visas, you can gain work experience for a skill assessment which is required to most skilled visas or you can find an employer sponsor for a 482 visa or you can work towards state nomination requirement or might meet someone and apply for a partner visa.

Documents – Basic

Copy of Passport / IELTS Certificate / Australian Federal Police Check / OSHC / Degree Completion letter / Skills Assessment

Application Fees                                           

Main Applicant – $1650.                   

18+ Applicant – $ 825

Under 18 – $415

2^nd Application

Main Applicant – $650                   

18+ Applicant – $ 325

Under 18 – $165

Will I need OSHC (overseas student health cover) to support my application for a temporary graduate visa (subclass 485)?

At the time of application, if you hold a valid Student visa, you’ll already be covered under an Overseas Student Health Cover policy as a condition of your Student visa requirement. You should include evidence of your existing OSHC with your visa application.

Temporary graduate visa 485 FAQs

What is a 485 Visa?

The 485 Visa is for international students under the age of 50 who have completed a CRICOS registered course.

There are two streams to this Visa:

Graduate Work Stream

If you have recently graduated with Diploma or Trade Certificate course relating to an occupation where there is a skill shortage in Australia.

• You can work and stay in Australia up to 18 months
• Hold a qualification relevant to an occupation on the skilled occupation list
• Bring your family to Australia
• Processing time is approximately 4 months

Post-Study Work Stream

If you have recently graduated with a degree from an Australian institution. You can work and live in Australia with this visa.

• Work and Stay between 2 and 4 years in Australia, based on your qualification
• Hold a recent degree from a CRICOS-registered course
• Bring your family to Australia
• Processing time is approximately 4 months

How can I check my occupation is on the list?

You will need to check the occupations on the Australian Government’s Immigration skilled list.

How to check if I am eligible for this Visa?

• Must have completed a course with an Australian institution
• Must satisfy the English language requirements in the form of IELTS, Pearson Tests, or Occupational English Test
• Meet Australian Health conditions
• Skills assessment would also be required for the applicant on the graduate work stream, but not the post study work stream.

Does Visa 485 also require a police check?

Yes, all dependents on the Visa who are over 16 years old, need to submit a police check.

Can I work full time on 485 Visa?

If you are holding a 485 temporary graduate visa, you have full time work rights for the duration of your visa. If you want to continue to stay in Australia after your visa expires, you will need to apply for a new visa for a different subclass.

Which health insurance do I need for 485 Visa?

Student visa holders will need to change their (OSHC) insurance to graduate health cover along with their visa. The Australian government requires to have the basic health cover for yourself and any family members you bring with you while on a 485 visa. Your evidence will be your insurance agreement, which you will need to show when you apply for a 485 visa.

When should I apply for the 485 Visa?

Applicants should apply for this Visa within 6 months after their course ends.

Is 485 a migration visa?

No, the 485 visa is a temporary graduate work visa, and it will give you working rights to gain onshore work experience. The 485 visas will also let you live or study in Australia. With each visa type there are specific requirements for you to meet to be eligible to apply.