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Temporary Graduate Visa | Subclass 485 – Graduate, Higher Education & Regional Streams

Stay, work and gain valuable experience in Australia after study.

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🔎 Visa Snapshot

Visa/Subclass: Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)

Who it suits Recent graduates of Australian trade, diploma, degree, or research programs

Work rights Full work rights

Stay period 18 months to 4 years (longer for HK/BNO passport holders and Second PHEW)

Study allowance Permitted

Streams Post-Vocational Education Work, Post-Higher Education Work, Second Post-Higher Education Work

Key risks Age limits, English test validity, wrong stream, missed 6‑month window

Visa Overview

The Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa lets international graduates remain in Australia to gain work experience after completing an eligible study. It provides an opportunity to build local skills, gain employment, and prepare for permanent residency pathways.

There are three streams:

Post-Vocational Education Work (PVEW) – formerly Graduate Work

Post-Higher Education Work (PHEW) – formerly Post-Study Work

Second Post-Higher Education Work – regional extension

Key Benefits:

Stay in Australia from 18 months up to 5 years, depending on stream and qualification

Full work rights to gain career experience

Include partner and dependent children

Supports future PR via skilled migration or employer sponsorship

Encourages graduates to remain in regional areas (Second PHEW)

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet specific requirements to qualify for any 485 stream:

Age: 35 or under (50 for Master’s by research, PhD, or HK/BNO passport holders).

Visa status: Hold an eligible visa and have held a Student visa in the last 6 months.

Study requirement: Completed a CRICOS‑registered qualification that matches the chosen stream.

Health insurance: Maintain Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) from application to grant.

English: Achieve the current Subclass 485 minimum score in an accepted in‑person test (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL iBT, OET, C1, CELPIP, LanguageCert, MET).

AFP check: Provide proof of having applied for an AFP National Police Check.

Health & character: Meet DHA health and character standards.

🔍 Application Process – Step by Step

1
Choose the Correct Stream
2
Check Eligibility & Timing
3
Prepare Documents
4
English Test & AFP Check
5
Arrange Health Insurance
6
Complete Online Application - ImmiAccount
7
Pay Fees & Await Decision

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare the following documents to avoid delays or refusals:

Passport |valid for full intended stay

Birth certificate and national ID if applicable

Course completion letter and academic transcript

English test result |valid within timeframe

AFP National Police Check receipt

OVHC policy certificate

Health examination results if requested

Character documents |police clearances from other countries, if applicable

Visa Fees & Processing Time

ItemAmount / Details
Base Application ChargeAUD 2,300
Additional Applicant (18+)AUD 1,150
Additional Applicant (<18)AUD 580
Processing TimeTProcessing time varies, typically several months depending on caseload and completeness.
Estimate your total fees using the Official Visa Pricing Estimator

Family Members

You can include family in your 485 application:

Partner and dependent children can be added at application or later as subsequent entrants.

Family members must meet health and character requirements.

Each dependant requires valid OVHC cover.

Common Mistakes & Red Flags

Avoid these pitfalls that often cause refusals:

Choosing the wrong stream for your qualification.

Missing the 6‑month application window after course completion.

Using an expired or invalid English test result.

Failing to attach AFP receipt evidence.

Allowing OVHC to lapse during processing.

Relying on ineligible courses (e.g., enabling or ELICOS).

📚 Resources & Tools

Use these tools and guides to strengthen your application and plan your next steps
Download Subcalsss 485 Migration Checklist Pack
Download Subcalsss 485 Migration Checklist Pack
Discover
English Test Score Guide (accepted tests and validity)
English Test Score Guide (accepted tests and validity)
Discover

❓ Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa
Frequently Asked Questions

There are three streams: Post‑Vocational Education Work, Post‑Higher Education Work, and Second Post‑Higher Education Work (regional).

Stay ranges from 18 months to 4 years depending on qualification and stream. HK/BNO holders may stay longer.

Yes, you must apply within 6 months of course completion and last holding a Student visa.

No, only in‑person centre‑based tests are valid.

Yes, they can be included or added later through subsequent entrant applications.

Missed deadlines, expired English tests, missing AFP receipts, no OVHC, and wrong stream selection.

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Disclaimer
The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not guarantee visa approval. All visa applications are subject to the discretion of the Australian Department of Home Affairs. For personalized guidance, please contact a registered migration agent at Visa Advisor.