Finishing your studies is only the first milestone. The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) gives you time to work, build experience, and potentially transition to permanent residency.

If you've completed a Subclass 500 Student Visa and want to stay in Australia, the 485 is your next step. But the rules have changed significantly since July 2024. Age limits dropped, English requirements increased, and the visa streams were renamed.

According to Study Australia, the 485 visa allows international graduates to live, study, and work in Australia temporarily after completing their qualifications. This guide covers what you need to know to apply successfully.

The Two Main Visa Streams

The 485 visa has two primary streams, each designed for different qualification types. Choosing the wrong stream can result in refusal, so understanding the distinction matters.

Post-Higher Education Work Stream

This stream is for graduates with bachelor's degrees, masters degrees (coursework or research), or doctoral degrees from Australian institutions. You don't need your qualification to match any occupation list. The visa duration depends on your qualification level.

Bachelor's and Masters (coursework) graduates get 2 years. Masters by Research graduates get 3 years. PhD graduates also get 3 years. The previous 4 to 6 year extensions for skill shortage degrees ended in mid-2024.

Post-Vocational Education Work Stream

This stream (formerly called the Graduate Work stream) is for graduates with diplomas, trade qualifications, or associate degrees. The key difference: your qualification must be closely related to an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

You'll also need a skills assessment for your nominated occupation. The visa duration is 18 months.

Eligibility Requirements

The eligibility criteria tightened considerably in 2024 and 2025. Meeting these requirements is non-negotiable.

Age Limit

You must be under 35 years old when you apply. This is a significant change from the previous 50-year limit. Exceptions exist for Masters by Research and PhD graduates, who can still apply under 50. Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders also retain the under-50 limit.

English Language

The minimum English requirement increased in March 2024. You now need IELTS 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each band, or equivalent scores in PTE, TOEFL, or other accepted tests. Importantly, your test results must be from within 12 months before you apply. The old 3-year validity is gone.

If your English scores need improvement, check our PTE score improvement guide for preparation strategies.

Study Requirements

Your qualification must be from a CRICOS-registered course completed in Australia while holding a student visa. The course must have lasted at least 2 academic years (92 weeks) with a minimum of 16 months spent studying in Australia.

Regional Bonus: Second 485 Visa

Graduates who studied and lived in designated regional areas may be eligible for an additional 1 to 2 years through the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream.

If you studied in a regional centre like Perth, Adelaide, or Gold Coast, you can get an extra year. Other regional areas qualify for an extra 2 years. This effectively extends your time in Australia and your window to secure permanent residency.

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Application Process

You must apply within 6 months of completing your studies. Being in Australia at the time of application is mandatory.

Submit your application through ImmiAccount with all required documents. These include your qualification evidence, English test results, health insurance, and police clearances from any country where you've lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.

Visa application fees apply for the primary applicant and any dependents. Check the Department of Home Affairs website for current fee amounts as these change annually. Processing times currently range from 3 to 5 months for the Post-Higher Education Work stream, though complex cases take longer.

Pathway to Permanent Residency

The 485 visa gives you time to pursue PR, but it doesn't guarantee it. You'll need to use this period strategically.

While on your 485, you can build Australian work experience that counts toward PR points. One year of Australian experience adds 5 points. Three years adds 10 points. Combined with higher English scores and potentially a state nomination, these points can make the difference.

Common pathways from 485 include the 189 Skilled Independent visa, 190 State Nominated visa, 491 Regional visa, or employer-sponsored options like the new Skills in Demand (SID) visa. Your complete student to PR pathway depends on your occupation, points score, and timeline.

Conclusion

The 485 Graduate Visa bridges your studies and your career in Australia. With the right planning, it can also bridge your path to permanent residency.

Start preparing before you graduate. Get your English test done early, understand which stream applies to you, and research your PR options. The 35-year age limit means timing matters more than ever.

At Desire Immigration, we help graduates navigate post-study visas and plan realistic pathways to PR. Our registered migration agent Mrs. Manisha Bhutani (MARN 2217756) can assess your eligibility and map your options. Book a consultation to discuss your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for a 485 visa if I'm over 35?

Only if you hold a Masters by Research or PhD qualification, or you're a Hong Kong or British National Overseas passport holder. These categories can apply under age 50. All other applicants must be under 35.

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How long can I stay on a 485 visa?

It depends on your qualification. Bachelor's and Master's coursework graduates get 2 years. Masters by Research and PhD graduates get 3 years. Vocational graduates get 18 months. Regional study may qualify you for an additional 1 to 2 years through the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream.

Do I need a job offer to apply?

No. The 485 visa doesn't require employer sponsorship or a job offer. You have full work rights and can work in any occupation once granted.

Can a 485 visa lead to permanent residency?

The visa itself doesn't lead directly to PR. However, it gives you time to gain Australian work experience, improve your English scores, and apply for skilled migration visas like the 189, 190, or 491.

What if my English test expires before I apply?

You'll need to retake the test. Results must be from within 12 months before your application date. Plan your test timing carefully to avoid this issue.

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