485 Temporary Graduate Visa

• Extend your stay up to 3 years, with some exceptions.
• Gain valuable work experience, further your skills, and keep exploring.
• Open doors to future opportunities, including a pathway to permanent residency.
• Yes, you can work in Australia while holding a 485 visa.

To apply for the 485 visa, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be generally under 36 years of age.
• Hold or recently held an eligible visa (e.g., student visa).
• Have completed a CRICOS-registered course in Australia within the last 6 months.
• Meet health, character, and English requirements (e.g., PTE score for 485 visa).

There are three streams under the 485 visa. Which one should you choose? You should apply for the stream that aligns with your qualifications and circumstances.

Post-Vocational Education Work

Stay: Up to 18 months,
exceptions apply
Cost: From A$1,945
Requirements: Qualification in a field on the Skilled Occupation List

Post-Higher Education Work

Stay: 2 to 3 years,
exceptions apply
Cost: From A$1,945
Requirements: Degree from an Australian institution.

Second Post-Higher Education Work

Stay: 1 to 2 years,
exceptions apply
Cost: From A$765
Requirements: Previously held a Temporary Graduate Visa and graduated in a regional area

• Post-Vocational Education Work stream: Up to 18 months, exceptions apply.
• Post-Higher Education Work stream: Between 2 to 3 years, depending on your qualification, exceptions apply.
• Second Post-Higher Education Work stream: Between 1 and 2 years.

• Post-Vocational Education Work Stream: From A$1,945
• Post-Higher Education Work Stream: From A$1,945
• Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream: From A$765

Processing times vary, so check the global visa processing times for updates.

Yes, the 485 Graduate Visa Australia allows full work rights. While it doesn’t guarantee permanent residency, it can serve as a stepping stone if you meet further requirements. Speak with a migration agent to explore your options.

Not sure which course to choose? At Go Study, we’re experts at study pathways. Share your ideas and goals with us and we’ll match them with the perfect academic journey for you 😉

Choosing the right course is essential for visa eligibility. Whether it’s a graduate diploma, vocational qualification, or master’s degree, we’ll help match your goals with the perfect study pathway.

No, not all courses lead to eligibility for a 485 visa.

• You must have completed a qualification from an Australian educational institution as a result of at least two years of study in Australia.
• You must have studied in a CRICOS-registered course. 
• Plus, the course you completed must be relevant to the subclass of the 485 visa you are applying for.

One more thing: Under the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream you must have studied in a regional area.

You generally cannot apply for a 485 (Temporary Graduate Visa) in Australia if you complete your studies abroad. The 485 visa is for international students who have completed their studies in Australia and wish to remain in the country temporarily to gain work experience or further their studies.

To be eligible for a 485 visa (Temporary Graduate visa) in Australia, you generally need to have completed at least two years of study in Australia. However, the duration of study required can vary depending on the specific requirements of the visa stream you are applying for.

1. Post-Higher Education Work stream: you should have completed a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or doctorate from an Australian education provider. Hence, you should have studied for at least two years.
2. Post-Vocational Education Work stream: you need to have completed a qualification relevant to an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List. This could include a diploma, trade qualification, or higher education degree, depending on the occupation.

The documents required for a 485 visa application may vary depending on your specific circumstances and the stream you are applying under. Generally, to apply you might need:

• Valid passport and student visa details.
• Evidence of completing a CRICOS-registered course.
• Health insurance coverage.
• Proof of English proficiency (if required).

It’s essential to ensure that all documents are genuine, up-to-date, and translated into English if necessary. If you don’t provide the required documentation, this may result in delays or refusal of your visa application.

Need help? Our team at Go Study is here to guide you through the 485 visa application process.

Yes, it is a requirement to have health insurance when you apply.

• Post-Vocational Education Work stream: yes
• Post-Higher Education Work stream: yes
• Second Post-Higher Education Work stream: there are no specific English language proficiency requirements. However, you may need to demonstrate English language proficiency if requested by the Department of Home Affairs.

Yes, you can include your family members: your spouse/partner or children.

Processing times can vary, but you can use the global visa processing time guide tool to get an idea. But do remember that’s not specific to your application.