Are you an international student who has just finished your course in Australia and wants to stay longer to gain work experience? The 485 visa Australia, officially known as the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), offers a valuable opportunity. This post-study work visa lets recent graduates live, work, and study temporarily in Australia while building skills and exploring future pathways.
In this detailed guide, we cover everything about the Temporary Graduate visa 485, including eligibility, available streams, how to apply, costs, and benefits as of 2026. All details come directly from the Department of Home Affairs official sources. We also explain how Edvise Hub can support you throughout the process with expert advice tailored to your situation.
What Is the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)?
The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) is designed for international students who have completed a CRICOS-registered qualification in Australia. It provides a bridge between completing your studies and entering the workforce, giving you full work rights in most cases so you can gain practical Australian experience.
You can include eligible family members, continue studying if needed, and use this time to strengthen your profile for skilled migration options later. The visa supports Australia’s need for skilled graduates across various sectors.
Who Can Apply? Key Eligibility Requirements for the 485 Visa in 2026
To qualify for the Temporary Graduate visa, you must meet these core conditions:
- Be aged 35 years or under when you apply (exceptions apply for certain research qualifications or specific passport holders, who may be up to 50 in limited cases).
- Be in Australia at the time of application.
- Hold an eligible visa and have held a Student visa (subclass 500) in the last 6 months.
- Have completed a recent qualification from a CRICOS-registered course.
- Meet the Temporary Graduate visa study requirement: Your course(s) must total at least 2 academic years (92 weeks) and be completed in no less than 16 calendar months in Australia, with instruction in English.
- Apply within 6 months of your course completion date.
You must also provide evidence of adequate health insurance for all applicants and meet character requirements. You cannot switch streams after lodging the application, so selecting the right one from the start is essential.
Important note for 2026: Visa application charges increased from 1 March 2026. Plan ahead to avoid any last-minute issues with your post-study work application.
Understanding the 485 Visa Streams: Which One Fits Your Qualification?
The Temporary Graduate visa has three main streams based on your level of study:
Post-Vocational Education Work Stream
This stream suits graduates with an associate degree, diploma, or trade qualification linked to an occupation on the skilled occupation list. You need to nominate a relevant occupation and usually obtain a skills assessment.
- Stay duration: Up to 18 months (Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders may receive up to 5 years).
- This option helps vocational graduates gain targeted work experience in areas Australia needs.
Post-Higher Education Work Stream
Ideal for those who completed a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree at an Australian institution. No occupation nomination or skills assessment is required for this stream.
- Stay duration: Usually 2 to 3 years, depending on the qualification level (up to 5 years for Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders).
- This is the most common stream for degree holders seeking flexible work and study rights.
Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream
Available to previous Temporary Graduate visa holders who studied in a designated regional area. It allows an extension if you meet the regional study and residence criteria.
- Stay duration: 1 to 2 years, based on your previous regional study location and current living arrangements.
- The cost is lower for this extension stream.
Choosing the correct stream matters greatly — the qualification you use to meet the study requirement determines your eligibility, and you cannot change it later.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for the 485 Visa Australia
Applying for the Temporary Graduate visa is done online through ImmiAccount. Follow these steps carefully:
- Confirm you meet all eligibility criteria and are within the 6-month window after course completion.
- Prepare your documents: valid passport, completion letter or qualification evidence, health insurance details, and any skills assessment if applying under the vocational stream. Also provide character documents such as an Australian Federal Police check application.
- Lodge your application in the appropriate stream with all required evidence attached.
- Pay the visa charge and submit. Track processing times on the official Department website.
Make sure your application is complete at lodgement — missing documents can lead to refusal. You must have completed your course at least one day before applying.
Why the 485 Visa Is a Smart Choice for Graduates
Holders of the Temporary Graduate visa enjoy unrestricted work rights (no limits on hours in most cases), the ability to study, and the option to include family. Many use this period to gain Australian work experience that supports future permanent residency applications through skilled migration pathways.
It is a genuine chance to live in Australia, build your career, and enjoy the lifestyle while deciding on your long-term plans.
How Edvise Hub Supports Your 485 Visa Journey
Applying for the Temporary Graduate visa involves strict deadlines, detailed document requirements, and stream-specific rules that can feel complex. Edvise Hub offers personalised guidance to help you navigate every step confidently.
Their experienced team provides:
- Clear eligibility checks to identify the best stream for your qualification.
- Assistance with gathering and organising required documents, including skills assessment support where needed.
- Help with lodging the application correctly and on time.
- Updates on any 2026 policy or fee changes.
- Ongoing advice after submission, such as health insurance options and family inclusion.
With Edvise Hub’s support, you reduce the risk of common mistakes like missing the 6-month deadline or selecting the wrong stream. Their focus on student and graduate needs has assisted many international students make a smooth transition from study to work in Australia.
FAQs About the 485 Visa Australia
What are the main eligibility requirements for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)?
You must be 35 or under (with exceptions), be in Australia, have held a Student visa recently, complete a CRICOS-registered course meeting the 2-year study requirement in at least 16 months, and apply within 6 months of course completion. Full criteria are listed on the Department of Home Affairs website.
How long can you stay on a 485 visa?
Duration depends on the stream: up to 18 months for the Post-Vocational Education Work stream, usually 2–3 years for the Post-Higher Education Work stream, and 1–2 years for the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream. Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders may receive longer stays in the first two streams.
How much does the 485 visa cost in 2026?
From 1 March 2026, the base charge for the main applicant is AUD 4,600 in the main streams (AUD 1,810 for the Second stream). Lower charges apply to eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens. Additional charges may apply for family members.
When do I need to apply after finishing my studies?
You have 6 months from your official course completion date (the date you met all academic requirements and were notified in writing) to lodge the application. Missing this deadline usually means you cannot apply for this visa.
Can I include family members on my 485 visa?
Yes, eligible partners and dependent children can be included as secondary applicants. They must meet health and character requirements and receive the same work and study rights as the main applicant. Families can also join later as subsequent entrants in some cases.
Take the Next Step Toward Your Australian Future
The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) remains a popular and practical option for international graduates who want to gain valuable work experience and explore life in Australia after their studies. With clear rules, multiple streams, and strong work rights, it can open many doors — provided you meet the requirements and apply correctly.
If you are preparing to apply, get expert support to make the process smoother. Reach out to Edvise Hub for a personalised assessment and professional guidance. Their dedicated team helps turn your post-study goals into reality, one successful application at a time.
Start planning today. Your opportunity to work and grow in Australia begins with the right preparation and advice from Edvise Hub.
Also Read : The Hidden Gaps in Online Education and How Students Are Filling Them
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