From Graduation to Career: Your Next Step in Australia
Stay Longer After Study with the 485 Graduate Visa
The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) allows international students who have recently completed their studies in Australia to live, work, and gain valuable professional experience. This visa can be a crucial stepping stone toward skilled employment and potential permanent residence pathways.
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
The Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa allows international students who have recently finished their studies in Australia to live, work, and study temporarily. It helps graduates gain practical experience, improve skills, and potentially transition to permanent residence.
Key Features
Live, work, and study: Work in any job while studying is permitted.
Visa duration: From 18 months to 3 years (up to 5 years for Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders, depending on the stream).
Family inclusion: Partners and dependent children can be included in the application.
Streams
Post-Vocational Education Work Stream
For graduates with an associate degree, diploma, or trade qualification linked to a skilled occupation on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL).
Stay: Up to 18 months (HK/BNO: up to 5 years)
Eligibility highlights: Aged ≤35, in Australia, completed a CRICOS-registered course, skills assessment applied.
Post-Higher Education Work Stream
For graduates with a bachelor, master, or doctoral degree from an Australian institution. Does not need to be linked to a skilled occupation.
Stay: 2–3 years depending on the degree (HK/BNO: up to 5 years)
Eligibility highlights: Aged ≤35, in Australia, completed CRICOS-registered degree.
Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream
For graduates who already hold a Temporary Graduate visa and have studied and lived in an eligible regional area.
Stay: 1–2 years depending on regional study and residence
Eligibility highlights: Aged ≤35, hold a previous Temporary Graduate visa, lived in eligible regional area ≥2 years.
Eligibility Requirements
Aged 35 or under (exceptions apply)
Currently in Australia when applying
Completed a CRICOS-registered course at the required qualification level
Evidence of health insurance, English proficiency, and police check
Skills assessment required for Post-Vocational stream
Costs
Post-Vocational & Post-Higher Education Work Streams: From AUD 2,300
Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream: From AUD 905
Additional fees may apply for family members, health checks, police certificates, and biometrics
Family Members
Partners and dependent children in Australia can be included in the application.
Family members can also be added later as subsequent entrants.
All family members must meet health and character requirements.
