Australia offers fantastic opportunities for international students who want to stay after graduation to gain work experience, explore career options, or start their pathway to permanent residency. The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) allows eligible graduates to live, work, and study in Australia temporarily.
What is the 485 Visa?
The 485 Visa is a temporary visa for international students who have completed at least two years of study in Australia. It acts as a bridge between student life and permanent residency by letting graduates stay in Australia to gain valuable work experience.
Types of 485 Visa Streams
There are two main streams:
1. Graduate Work Stream
- For graduates with qualifications related to occupations on the skilled occupation list (trade or professional qualifications).
- Duration: Up to 18 months
- Key requirements: Positive skills assessment and course closely related to your occupation.
2. Post-Study Work Stream
- For graduates with higher education degrees (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD) from Australian institutions.
- Duration:
- Bachelor’s degree: 2 years
- Master’s degree: 3 years
- PhD: 4 years
- No requirement for the qualification to be related to a skilled occupation.
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Eligibility Criteria:
- You must have been under the age of 50 for an extended period.
- At the time of application, you must possess a qualified understudy visa or have held one within the past six months.
- Your course must be at least two academic years in duration and enrolled on CRICOS.
- You are required to submit an application within six months of finishing your course.
- Verification of English proficiency (such as IELTS or an equivalent) is required.
- It is imperative that you possess adequate well-being protections for the duration of your visit.
- You must satisfy the well-being and character requirements.
- You must not have previously been granted a 485 or 476 visa.
Benefits:
Work Rights
- Full work rights, allowing you to gain valuable Australian work experience after graduation.
Study Flexibility
- Ability to continue studying or undertake further training.
Pathway to Permanent Residency
- Provides time to gain skilled work experience to qualify for permanent skilled visas (e.g., Skilled Independent Visa).
Live in Australia Temporarily
- Allows graduates to live in Australia legally while exploring career or further education opportunities.
Family Inclusion
- You can include your dependent family members in your visa application.
No Sponsorship Required
- You don’t need employer sponsorship, giving you freedom to work for any employer.
Multiple Entry
- Allows you to travel in and out of Australia while the visa is valid.
Family Members:
Your partner and dependent children can be included in your application and will have full rights to live, work, and study in Australia during the visa period.
Extensions & Pathways After the 485 Visa:
- The 485 Visa generally cannot be extended.
- Some graduates in regional areas may get extra time.
- After your 485 Visa expires, you can apply for permanent residency visas such as:
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Applying after 6 months post-completion
- Submitting incomplete or incorrect documents
- Choosing the wrong visa stream
- Not having valid health insurance
- Using expired or invalid English test results
How to Apply for Australia Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485 Process 2026?
The process of applying for the 485 Visa can be simplified into the following steps:
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Make certain that you satisfy all of the qualification requirements prior to submitting an application. Choose the appropriate stream in accordance with your qualifications.
Step 2: Assemble Required Documents
Gather all the necessary archives for your visa application. These may encompass:
- Passport (current and previous, if applicable)
- Certificate of completion and academic credentials
- Results of the English dialect exam
- Evidence of health insurance coverage
- Police clearance certificate (for the purpose of conducting a character check)
- Evaluation of skills (for applicants who are applying under the Graduate Work Stream)
- Report on Health Check
Step 3: Apply for an Aptitudes Evaluation (In case Required)
If you are applying under the Graduate Work Stream, you must have completed an abilities evaluation in your nominated vocation prior to submitting your visa application. The Post-Study Work Stream typically does not necessitate this.
Step 4: Organize Wellbeing Insurance
You must have a substantial Abroad Guest Wellbeing Cover (OVHC) at the time of your application and throughout your stay in Australia. Maintain a duplicate of your insurance policy archive for the purpose of transferring it with your visa application.
Step 5: Take English Test
An approved English dialect examination, such as the IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE, is required. For the most part, candidates must demonstrate a minimum score of IELTS 6.0, with no band below 5.0, or an equivalent score in other tests.
Step 6: Apply Online by means of ImmiAccount
Establish an ImmiAccount on the official migration website. Complete the online application form, upload all necessary reports, and pay the visa application fee. Verify that all information is accurate, as errors may result in delays or rejections just recently.
Step 7: Hold up for a Decision
The Division of Domestic Issues will commence the preparation process upon receipt of your application. You will be contacted to provide additional records or attend a meeting. Preparation times may fluctuate; however, in general:
- Graduate Work Stream: Around 6 to 9 months
- Post-Study Work Stream: Around 4 to 8 months
Once allowed the 485 Visa, you can:
- Temporarily reside and engage in employment in Australia
- Travel unrestricted within and outside of Australia.
- Research additional subjects
- Acquire work experience in your sector
- Submit an application for changeless residency pathways if you are eligible.
Conclusion:
The Australia Subclass 485 Visa is a valuable chance for international graduates in 2026 to gain Australian work experience and prepare for permanent residency. By choosing the right stream and applying carefully, you can maximize your post-study opportunities in Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the 485 Visa?
A temporary visa for international graduates to stay and work in Australia after completing studies.
Can my family come with me?
Yes, partner and dependent children can be included.
How long can I stay?
Up to 18 months (Graduate Work Stream) or 2-4 years (Post-Study Work Stream).
