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Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485 ) – Australia

Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) allows recent graduates to live, work, and study in Australia while gaining valuable experience and pathways to PR

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What is the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)?

Temporary Graduate Visa 485

The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) allows international students who have completed eligible studies in Australia to stay and work temporarily. This visa helps graduates gain professional experience, improve employability, and explore long-term migration pathways.

Key Benefits

Full Work Rights

Work full-time in Australia and gain hands-on industry experience.

Post-Study Stay

Remain in Australia after graduation without employer sponsorship.

PR Pathways

Use Australian work experience to transition to skilled migration visas.

Streams Under Subclass 485

Post-Study Work Stream

For graduates with a higher education degree from an Australian institution. Stay duration depends on qualification level.

Graduate Work Stream

For graduates with qualifications related to occupations on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

Eligibility Criteria

Requirement Description
Age Under 50 years of age
Recent Graduate Completed eligible Australian qualification within last 6 months
English Language Meet minimum English language requirements
Visa Status Hold or recently held a valid Student visa

How Long Can You Stay?

Bachelor Degree

Up to 2 years

Master’s Degree

Up to 3 years

Doctoral Degree

Up to 4 years

Application Process

Check Eligibility
Prepare Documents
Lodge Application
Visa Grant

FAQs – Subclass 485 Visa

Clear answers to the most common questions about Subclass 485 Visa

Yes, Subclass 485 allows unrestricted work rights.

Yes, eligible family members can be included.

Yes, it can lead to Skilled or Employer-Sponsored PR visas.

Who Should Apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa?

The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) is ideal for international students who have recently completed their studies in Australia and wish to gain professional work experience.

  • Students completing Bachelor, Master’s, or Doctoral degrees
  • Graduates aiming to build Australian work experience
  • Applicants planning future Permanent Residency pathways
  • Fresh graduates without employer sponsorship

This visa provides flexibility to work in any industry, improve English proficiency, and understand the Australian workplace culture.

Many skilled migrants successfully transition from Subclass 485 to skilled or employer-sponsored permanent visas.

Documents Required

Personal Documents
  • Passport & visa copies
  • Recent photographs
  • Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC)
Education Evidence
  • Completion letter from institution
  • Academic transcripts
  • Australian study requirement proof
Language & Character
  • English language test results
  • Police clearance certificates
  • Health examination reports

Australian Study Requirement

To qualify for the Temporary Graduate Visa, applicants must meet the Australian Study Requirement.

This means completing at least 92 academic weeks of registered study in Australia, resulting in an eligible qualification.

Courses must be completed in English and physically in Australia.

Key Points
  • Minimum 16 calendar months study duration
  • CRICOS-registered courses only
  • Completed within the last 6 months

Work Rights on Subclass 485

The Subclass 485 visa provides unrestricted work rights, allowing graduates to work full-time in Australia.

There are no limits on the number of hours you can work, and no restrictions on employer or location.

  • Work for multiple employers
  • Change jobs freely
  • Gain skilled or unskilled experience
  • Self-employment allowed

Pathways After Subclass 485

Skilled Migration

Transition to Skilled Independent or State Nomination visas.

Employer Sponsored

Secure sponsorship through Temporary or Permanent employer visas.

Further Study

Continue higher education to strengthen migration outcomes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Applying after the 6-month completion window
  • Incorrect English test results
  • Missing health insurance coverage
  • Incorrect visa stream selection

Many refusals occur due to minor documentation errors or missed deadlines. Professional guidance helps avoid delays and refusal risks.

Plan Your Career in Australia with Confidence

The Temporary Graduate Visa is more than a post-study stay option — it is your gateway to Australian work experience and long-term migration success.