The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) lets international students who have recently completed an Australian qualification live, work, and study in Australia after graduating. For most international graduates, the subclass 485 is the essential bridge between finishing a degree and building the Australian work experience that counts toward permanent residency pathways.
What is the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)?
The subclass 485 is a temporary visa issued by the Department of Home Affairs. It gives eligible international graduates an authorised period of stay in Australia after completing a registered Australian qualification — with full work rights for the primary visa holder. It is not a permanent visa, but it is one of the most strategically important visas for international graduates in Australia. Australian work experience gained on a subclass 485 can significantly strengthen a future application for the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482), the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186), or a state-nominated skilled visa pathway.
Streams of the subclass 485 visa
The subclass 485 has three active streams. Each stream has its own eligibility criteria and determines the length of stay you may be granted. Choosing the correct stream is one of the first decisions in preparing your application — a registered migration agent can confirm which stream applies to your qualification and circumstances.
Post-Higher Education Work stream
The Post-Higher Education Work stream is for international graduates who have recently completed a degree-level or higher qualification from an Australian institution.
Who is eligible for the Post-Higher Education Work stream?
This stream is open to graduates who have completed one of the following from an Australian registered higher education provider:
- Bachelor degree
- Bachelor honours degree
- Graduate certificate
- Graduate diploma
- Masters degree
- Doctoral degree
Key requirements
- Completed the qualifying higher education qualification at an Australian provider
- Applied within six months of the course completion date recorded on your academic transcript or award letter
- Met the Australian study requirement (explained below)
- Met the English language requirement
- Held or have held a Student visa (subclass 500 or equivalent) during the qualifying study period
How long does the Post-Higher Education Work stream last?
Grant length depends on the level of your qualification and where you studied. Graduates who studied in regional Australia or in a field linked to a designated priority occupation may be eligible for a longer stay period. A registered migration agent can advise on the duration likely to apply to your specific qualification.
Post-Vocational Education Work stream
The Post-Vocational Education Work stream is for international graduates who have completed a vocational education and training (VET) qualification that addresses a recognised skills need in Australia.
Who is eligible for the Post-Vocational Education Work stream?
This stream is available to graduates who have completed one of the following at a registered Australian training organisation (RTO) or TAFE:
- Diploma
- Advanced diploma
- Associate degree
- Trade qualification
Key requirements
- Completed an eligible VET qualification from an Australian registered provider
- Applied within six months of completing the qualifying qualification
- Met the Australian study requirement
- Met the English language requirement
- The VET qualification must appear on the current list of eligible qualifications maintained by the Department of Home Affairs — this list changes, so it is worth confirming before lodging
Second Post-Higher Education Work stream
The Second Post-Higher Education Work stream was introduced on 1 July 2024. It provides an additional period of authorised stay for eligible graduates who completed a second Australian higher education qualification after already holding a subclass 485 visa.
Who is eligible for the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream?
This stream is for graduates who:
- Previously held a subclass 485 visa in the Post-Higher Education Work stream
- Have since completed a further eligible higher education qualification in Australia
- Meet the Australian study requirement based on the second qualification
- Applied within six months of completing the second qualifying qualification
Important: The Replacement stream of the subclass 485 closed to new primary applicants from 1 July 2024. If you previously held a Replacement stream visa or believe this stream may apply to your situation, speak with a registered migration agent before lodging.
The Australian study requirement
The Australian study requirement is one of the most commonly misunderstood parts of the subclass 485 and one of the most frequent reasons applications are refused or delayed. Understanding what it requires — and what does not count — is essential.
What the Australian study requirement means
To satisfy the Australian study requirement, you must have completed at least two academic years of study in Australia while enrolled in a registered course or courses. The key rules are:
- Study must have been completed while you were physically present in Australia
- Courses must be registered courses delivered by an Australian provider
- Your most recent study must have been completed within the required period before lodgement
- The qualifying qualification must have been awarded within the defined period before you apply
Does online or offshore study count?
Study completed outside Australia — including offshore online study — generally does not count toward the Australian study requirement. Limited COVID-19 concessions applied during certain periods but were time-limited. If you completed any study offshore, speak with a registered migration agent to confirm whether a concession applies to your circumstances before assuming you are eligible.
Eligibility requirements for the subclass 485 visa
All subclass 485 applicants must meet a common set of requirements regardless of stream, in addition to the stream-specific criteria above.
Core eligibility criteria
| Requirement | What is required |
|---|---|
| Eligible qualification | Completed a qualifying Australian qualification relevant to your stream |
| Application timing | Applied within six months of completing the qualifying qualification |
| Australian study requirement | At least two academic years of registered study completed in Australia |
| English language | Meet minimum scores on an approved test (IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, or equivalent) |
| Student visa history | Held a Student visa (subclass 500 or equivalent) during qualifying study |
| Health | Passed a medical examination with an approved panel physician |
| Character | Met the character requirement, including police clearances where required |
| Age | Generally under 50 years of age at time of application — confirm for your stream |
Work rights on the subclass 485 visa
Can I work full-time on a subclass 485?
Yes. The subclass 485 grants unrestricted work rights to the primary visa holder. You can work full-time, part-time, or casually, for any employer, in any industry, without the hours limitations that apply to a student visa.
Do family members get work rights on the subclass 485?
Secondary applicants — typically a spouse or de facto partner — are generally also granted work rights when included in a subclass 485 application. Check the conditions on your visa grant letter to confirm.
Can I study while on a subclass 485?
Yes. Study is generally permitted without restriction on a subclass 485, allowing graduates to undertake further courses or short qualifications during their authorised stay.
Subclass 485 and your pathway to permanent residency
The subclass 485 is designed to be used. The Australian work experience you accumulate while holding this visa is what makes later skilled visa applications competitive. Common permanent residency pathways used by subclass 485 holders include:
- Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) — employer-sponsored temporary visa with a pathway to permanent residence after two or three years with the same employer
- Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) — direct entry or temporary residence transition stream for permanent employer-sponsored residence
- State and territory nomination — points-tested pathways through SkillSelect, where Australian work experience and qualifications earn additional points
A registered migration agent can map out the most appropriate pathway for your occupation, qualification, and circumstances while you are still on your subclass 485.
Get expert help with your subclass 485 application The subclass 485 has strict lodgement deadlines, stream-specific requirements, and eligibility conditions that are easy to misread without experience. Errors or missing documentation can result in refusal — and may affect your ability to remain in Australia. Immigration AU connects international graduates with an OMARA-registered migration agent who specialises in graduate visas — in your city and in your language.
Find a subclass 485 migration agent by location
- Migration agents in Melbourne
- Migration agents in Sydney
- Migration agents in Brisbane
- Migration agents in Perth
- Migration agents in Adelaide
- Migration agents in Canberra
Find a subclass 485 migration agent by language
Our directory includes agents who speak Hindi, Punjabi, Mandarin, Nepali, Vietnamese, Filipino, Japanese, and many more.
DISCLAIMER: This disclaimer applies to all content published on immigrationau.com.au and its associated social media channels. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute immigration or legal advice. It is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon for making any visa or migration decisions. Immigration laws and policies are subject to change, and the material may not reflect the most current regulations. For guidance specific to your circumstances, please consult a Registered Migration Agent (MARA) or a qualified Australian lawyer before submitting any applications.
← Return to: Australia working and skilled visas – complete guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)
