Temporary Graduate Visa 485

The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) is a fantastic opportunity for international students who’ve finished their studies in Australia. This visa lets you stay back temporarily to gain hands-on work experience in your chosen field. For many graduates, it’s a crucial step toward building a successful career in Australia and even working toward permanent residency.

Requirements To Apply For The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)

Key Features of the 485 Temporary Graduate Visa

No Skills Assessment for Post-Study Work Stream: If you apply through the Post-Study Work Stream, you don’t need to undergo a skills assessment. This simplifies the application process, making it easier for graduates across various study areas to apply without additional hurdles.

Unlimited Work Rights: Visa holders have the freedom to work in any industry or role. Whether you want to dive into your field of study or explore other industries, this visa gives you the flexibility to work full-time without restrictions.

Option to Pursue Further Studies: You’re free to take up additional courses while on this visa. However, keep in mind that this visa doesn’t cover government funding, so you’ll need to cover the cost of any further studies.

Application Eligibility

  • Age Limit: You must be under 50 years old at the time of application.
  • Recent Graduate: You should have finished an eligible qualification in Australia within the past 6 months.
  • Visa Status: You must currently hold a Subclass 500 Student Visa or another eligible visa.
  • Health Insurance: You need to have adequate health insurance during your entire stay in Australia.

Visa Conditions

  • Obey all Australian laws and regulations.
  • Keep your health insurance valid during your visa period.
  • No specific work requirement, but this visa is designed for gaining work experience in your field.

Different Streams Of The 485 Visa

The Temporary Graduate Visa is a great opportunity for international students after graduating in Australia, allowing them to stay, work, gain experience, and expand their pathway to permanent residency. The 485 Visa has four streams:

Graduate Work Stream

This Visa is for international students who have graduated with skills and qualifications related to an occupation in Australia, on the eligible skilled occupations list.
There are conditions for eligibility, including being 18 years or older and younger than 50 years of age; having English language skills; having completed a Degree, Diploma or Trade Qualification.

This Visa can be valid for up to 24 months.

Post Study Work Stream

This Visa stream is for international students who have recently graduated with an eligible qualification, a Visa between 2 years and 4 years, depending on their qualification.

You must have completed an eligible qualification within the past 6 months, from an Australian institution or have studied a minimum of 92 weeks in a CRICOS registered course in the past six months; be at least 18 years of age; have relevant English language ability.

Second Post-Study Work Visa Stream

If you hold a Temporary Graduate Visa in the Post-Study work stream, and you graduated from an Australian institution in a regional area, you can be eligible for an additional 1 or 2 year stay.

There are some geographical conditions for this Visa. If you lived and studied in a Category 2 regional area, you could be granted this Visa for 1 year, and if you lived and studied in a Category 3 regional area, you could be granted this visa for 2 more years stay in Australia.

Category 2 locations include cities and major regional centres, such as Adelaide, Hobart, Geelong and Wollongong/Illawarra.

Category 3 locations include regional centres and other regional areas.

COVID-19 Replacement Stream

This Visa stream is available until the 1st of January, 2027. If you are a current holder of, or former holder of a Temporary Graduate visa and had that visa interrupted by the travel restrictions around Covid-19, you can obtain a replacement Visa.

You must hold, or have held, a Graduate Work Stream Visa, granted before 15th December 2021 and in effect on, or after, the 1st of February 2020.

Apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa 485

The first step in applying for a Temporary Graduate Visa 485 is to get in touch with the team at K1 Migration and arrange a discovery call.  Understanding your background and your goals will ensure we develop the right visa pathway that suits your circumstances.  

We take each step with you and provide help and advice throughout your migration journey.    

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    Step 1

    Once you reach out to K1 Migration, we set up a discovery call to understand what your needs are and what Visa best suits you.

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    Step 2

    From there, we will send you a Strategy proposal outlining the steps we will take to assist you in getting a Visa for you to sign off on.

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    Step 3

    Now our team leaps into action, following immigration pathways, taking care of the paperwork and helping you through the entire application process.

Ready to Take the First Step?

Let’s make it happen together. Contact K1 Migration today, and let us help you or your business take the next big step. We’re here to make your move smooth, stress-free, and successful!

Not sure what visa you could be eligible for?

Australian visas can be confusing, especially if you might have more than one option. Use our Visa Finder to view your visa options. 

Want to speak to someone about your case?

Not sure where to go from here? Speak to a registered migration agent about your immigration needs today.

Know what you need and want some pricing?

Know what visa you want to apply for but need some pricing? Get in touch with us and we will get back to you with a fixed price quote.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) is for international students who have completed eligible qualifications in Australia. It allows graduates to stay in Australia temporarily to gain work experience, study further, or travel.

To qualify for the Subclass 485 Visa, applicants must:

  • Be under 50 years of age.
  • Hold an eligible Australian student visa in the last 6 months.
  • Have completed a CRICOS-registered course that lasted at least 2 academic years (92 weeks).
  • Meet the English language requirements (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, etc.).
  • Satisfy Australian Federal Police (AFP) check and health insurance requirements.
  • For the Graduate Work Stream, complete a skills assessment relevant to an occupation on the MLTSSL.

Yes, the 485 Visa provides a pathway to permanent residency. Graduates can gain relevant work experience and later apply for:

  • Employer-Sponsored Visas (Subclass 186 or 482)
  • Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
  • Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
  • Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)

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Stay informed with the latest updates, expert insights, and essential resources on Australia’s evolving visa programs. From skilled migration pathways to new visa regulations, K1 Migration provides clear, accurate, and actionable information to help individuals and businesses successfully navigate the complex immigration landscape.

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