MARA Registered Migration Agent

Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa

Temporary visa for recent Australian graduates to live, work and study after completing eligible studies on a student visa.

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The Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa enables recent graduates who completed eligible qualifications through Australian education providers (while holding student visas) to remain in Australia temporarily. Successful applicants and their families can live, work and continue studying after their initial courses conclude.

Two streams serve different applicant profiles. The Graduate Work stream targets occupations on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and is valid for 18 months. The Post-Higher Education Work stream covers university graduates and runs from 2 years (bachelor) to 4 years (doctoral).

This visa frequently serves as a strategic stepping stone toward permanent residency through skilled migration, allowing graduates to gain Australian work experience while building credentials for future PR applications.

Visa Streams

Graduate Work Stream

For MLTSSL occupations — 18-month validity

Post-Higher Education Work Stream

For bachelor / masters / doctoral graduates of Australian universities

Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility Criteria

Completed an eligible qualification from an Australian education provider
Held a valid student visa during studies
Apply within 6 months of course completion
Meet health, character, English and Australian Study Requirement

Stream-Specific Requirements

Graduate Work: nominated occupation must be on the MLTSSL + skills assessment
Post-Higher Education Work: bachelor degree or higher from an Australian university
Qualification completed within the past 6 months

Application Process

Step 1: Assess Eligibility

Verify your qualification meets the requirements and confirm which stream applies.

Step 2: Skills Assessment (Graduate Work only)

Obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your nominated occupation.

Step 3: Gather Documentation

Compile academic transcripts, completion letter, English test results, character documents and proof of identity.

Step 4: Lodge Application

Submit the 485 application via ImmiAccount with supporting documents within 6 months of course completion.

Step 5: Visa Grant

Receive your 485 visa with validity matching your stream and qualification level.

Costs & Processing Time

Fee Item Amount (AUD)

Visa application charge (main applicant) Indicative; additional charges apply for dependants AUD $2,235

Processing Time

Processing times vary by stream and case complexity. We recommend lodging immediately after course completion to maximise available time in Australia.

Pathway to Permanent Residence

Current

Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate

18 months (Graduate Work) or 2–4 years (Post-Higher Education) depending on qualification

Skilled Migration

Transition to Subclass 189, 190 or 491 once eligible (typically after work experience + skills assessment + invitation)

Final

Permanent Residency

Long-term settlement via successful skilled migration application

Two Streams

Graduate Work (18 months — MLTSSL occupations) vs Post-Higher Education Work (2–4 years — university graduates). Choose based on your qualification level.

Use 485 to Build PR Credentials

Use your 485 period to gain skilled Australian work experience and improve your points score for 189 / 190 / 491. Without this experience, PR points often fall short.

Validity by Qualification (Post-Higher Education stream)

Bachelor: 2 years • Masters: 3 years • Doctoral: 4 years. Extra year extensions may apply for regional graduates.

About the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa

Temporary visa for recent Australian graduates to live, work and study after completing eligible studies on a student visa.

Recent graduates of Australian institutions can extend their stay

Doctoral degree holders get up to 4 years under Post-Higher Education stream

Common stepping stone toward 189 / 190 / 491 PR

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work on a Subclass 485 visa?

Yes — the 485 grants full work rights. You can take any job in any occupation with no employer tie.

How long is the Subclass 485 valid?

Graduate Work stream: 18 months. Post-Higher Education Work stream: 2 years (bachelor), 3 years (masters), or 4 years (doctoral).

Can family members join me?

Yes — eligible family members can be included as dependants on your application, subject to meeting visa requirements.

Is this visa a pathway to permanent residency?

Yes — the 485 is commonly used as a stepping stone. Use it to gain Australian work experience, then apply for PR via 189, 190 or 491.

Ready to start your Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa application?

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