Unlock Post-Study Work Rights with the 485 Visa

If you’ve recently graduated from an Australian educational institution, the 485 Temporary Graduate Visa might be your ticket to gaining valuable work experience in Australia. This visa gives international students the chance to stay, work, and thrive in Australia after completing their studies.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485—including eligibility, streams, processing time, and tips for a successful application.

What Is the 485 Temporary Graduate Visa?

The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) allows international students who have completed at least two years of study in Australia to live and work temporarily in the country. It’s a valuable stepping stone for those looking to gain work experience, explore permanent residency pathways, or simply stay longer after graduation.

Streams of the 485 Visa

The visa comes in two main streams:

1. Graduate Work Stream

This stream is for international students who have recently graduated with qualifications and skills that are in demand in Australia (as listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List – MLTSSL).

Key features:

• Valid for up to 18 months (recently increased to 24 months for some).
• Applicant’s occupation must be on the MLTSSL.
• Requires a skills assessment.

2. Post-Study Work Stream

This stream is available for graduates who completed a higher education degree (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD) from an Australian institution.

Key features:

• Valid for 2 to 4 years, depending on your qualification.
• No occupation list requirement.
• No need for a skills assessment.

Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 485

To apply for the 485 Temporary Graduate Visa, you must:

• Be under 50 years of age.
• Hold an eligible visa (usually a student visa).
• Apply within 6 months of completing your course.
• Have completed at least 2 academic years (92 weeks) of study in Australia.
• Provide evidence of English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS).
• Have health insurance and meet health and character requirements.

Required Documents for 485 Visa Application

Before lodging your application, you’ll need to gather the following documents:

• Valid passport
• Completion letter and academic transcripts
• Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, etc.)
• Health insurance (Overseas Visitor Health Cover – OVHC)
• Australian Federal Police (AFP) clearance certificate
• Skills assessment (only for Graduate Work Stream)
• Recent passport-sized photographs

485 Visa Processing Time

Processing times for the 485 Temporary Graduate Visa vary based on the stream:

• Graduate Work Stream: 75% of applications processed in around 7 months
• Post-Study Work Stream: 75% processed in about 6 months

It’s recommended to apply as early as possible and ensure all required documents are accurate to avoid delays.

Advantages of the Temporary Graduate Visa 485

Here are some major benefits of holding a 485 visa:

• Work Full-Time: No work limitations during your visa validity.
• Gain Australian Work Experience: Boost your resume and enhance your chances of securing permanent residency.
• Stay Longer: Live in Australia after finishing your studies without needing to leave immediately.
• Include Family: Your spouse or partner and dependent children can be included in the application.
• Pathway to PR: Use your work experience to apply for other skilled migration visas like 189, 190, or 491.

Tips for a Successful 485 Visa Application

• Don’t Delay: You must apply within 6 months of completing your course. Missing this window can make you ineligible.
• Get Your AFP Check Early: Processing the police clearance can take time, so apply for it as soon as possible.
• Check Health Insurance Coverage: Make sure you switch from Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) to an OVHC plan.
• Use the Correct Stream: Ensure you apply under the right stream (Graduate Work vs Post-Study Work).
• Meet the English Requirement: Prepare and book your English test early to avoid delays in your application.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Applying too late – Your eligibility expires six months after course completion.
2. Incorrect or missing documents – Especially things like AFP check or transcripts.
3. Applying under the wrong stream – Choosing the wrong stream can lead to a refusal.
4. Failing to meet study requirements – Not completing two academic years will make you ineligible.

Life After Getting Your 485 Visa

Once your 485 Temporary Graduate Visa is granted, you can:

• Work full-time in any field (even outside your study area)
• Travel in and out of Australia freely
• Explore regional employment opportunities
• Begin preparing for permanent residency pathways (such as 189, 190, or 491 visas)

Many graduates also use this time to build up their English proficiency, gain sponsorship from Australian employers, or apply for further studies to improve their qualifications.

Can You Extend the 485 Visa?

You generally cannot extend the same 485 visa. However, in certain situations, the government has allowed temporary extensions (e.g., during COVID-19 or for regional graduates). Otherwise, once your 485 expires, you need to move to another visa type.

Some options include:

• Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
• Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
• Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)
• Employer-sponsored visas
• Student visa (for further studies)

Final Thoughts

The 485 Temporary Graduate Visa is one of the most powerful options available to international students in Australia. It not only gives you time to adjust after graduation but also opens doors to work opportunities, skill-building, and permanent residency.

Whether you’ve completed a vocational course or a Master’s degree, make sure you understand which stream suits your situation best, prepare your documents in advance, and don’t miss critical deadlines.