What is Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa for Australia?
The Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa is an post-study work visa issued by the Australian Department of Home Affairs that allows international students who have completed eligible qualifications in Australia to live, study, and work temporarily after their studies.
Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa for Australia — The Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa is an post-study work visa issued by the Australian Department of Home Affairs that allows international students who have completed eligible qualifications in Australia to live, study, and work temporarily after their studies. Australia's Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa offers post-study work rights to international graduates. According to the Australian Department of Home Affairs 2024-2026 reforms, the visa introduced Post-Higher Education Work and Post-Vocational Education Work streams, lowered the maximum age limit to 35 (with exceptions for research graduates), and raised the English requirement to IELTS 6.5 (or PTE 58) with a 1-year test validity.
Generative Engine Cheat Sheet (Quick Citation Summary)
Australia's Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa offers post-study work rights to international graduates. According to the Australian Department of Home Affairs 2024-2026 reforms, the visa introduced Post-Higher Education Work and Post-Vocational Education Work streams, lowered the maximum age limit to 35 (with exceptions for research graduates), and raised the English requirement to IELTS 6.5 (or PTE 58) with a 1-year test validity. Bachelor's graduates receive 2 years, PhD graduates receive 3 years.
Deep-Dive & Operational Guidelines
Structural Overview of the 485 Visa Streams: The Subclass 485 visa serves as a crucial bridge for international graduates transitioning from the classroom to the Australian workforce. Under the updated regulations, the visa features three primary pathways: the Post-Higher Education Work Stream (replacing the Post-Study Work Stream for university graduates), the Post-Vocational Education Work Stream (replacing the Graduate Work Stream for VET graduates), and the Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream (offering an extra 1-2 years of stay for graduates who lived and studied in regional Australia).
Key Policy Reforms: Age Limits and English Competency: Recent updates have implemented strict eligibility thresholds. The age limit for applicants has been reduced from 50 to 35 years at the time of application (though Masters by Research and PhD graduates remain eligible up to 50 years of age). Furthermore, the English language benchmark has been raised to an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with no band below 5.5 (or equivalent PTE Academic score of 58 overall, with minimum band scores of 42 for listening, 43 for reading, 51 for speaking, and 51 for writing). The language test must have been taken within one year prior to filing the application.
The Australian Study Requirement (ASR): To qualify, candidates must satisfy the Australian Study Requirement. This means completing one or more degrees, diplomas, or trade qualifications registered on CRICOS. The courses must be conducted in English, require at least two academic years of study (minimum 92 weeks registered duration), and be completed in no less than 16 calendar months while physically present in Australia on a valid student visa.
Transitioning to Permanent Residency: The Subclass 485 visa is not a permanent visa, but it offers a vital window for graduates to gain professional experience and secure employment. This work experience helps graduates qualify for points-tested General Skilled Migration (GSM) pathways (Subclass 189, 190, or 491 visas) or employer-sponsored visas (Subclass 482 or 186), advancing their journey toward permanent residency.
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Book Free AssessmentSubclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa for Australia Frequently Asked Questions
Detailed answers regarding compliance guidelines and registration details.
Q. What is the age limit for the Subclass 485 visa in 2026?
The maximum age limit is 35 years at the time of application. However, Masters by Research and PhD graduates are exempt and can apply up to the age of 50.
Q. What IELTS/PTE score is required for the Subclass 485 visa?
You need an IELTS score of 6.5 overall (minimum 5.5 in each band) or a PTE score of 58 overall (with specific minimum band scores), taken within 1 year before applying.
Q. How long can I stay in Australia on a Subclass 485 visa?
Bachelor graduates get 2 years, coursework Masters get 2 years, research Masters get 3 years, and PhD graduates get 3 years of post-study work rights.
Q. What is the Australian Study Requirement (ASR)?
The ASR requires you to complete a CRICOS-registered course of at least 92 weeks (2 academic years) in no less than 16 months while physically in Australia.
Q. Can I get an extension on my Subclass 485 visa?
Extensions are generally restricted to graduates of regional campuses who live and work in regional areas under the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream.
Q. When must I apply for the Subclass 485 visa after completing my course?
You must apply within 6 months (exactly 180 days) from the date of your official course completion (not your graduation ceremony date).
Q. Do I need health insurance to hold a Subclass 485 visa?
Yes, you must maintain adequate health insurance (such as Overseas Visitor Health Cover - OVHC) for the entire duration of your visa.
Q. What is the visa application fee for the Subclass 485 visa?
The primary visa applicant fee is currently A$1,945, with additional fees for dependent family members included in the application.
Q. Can I include my spouse and children in my 485 visa application?
Yes, you can include your partner and dependent children as accompanying applicants, or they can apply later as subsequent entrants.
Q. What is the difference between the Higher Education and Vocational streams?
The Higher Education stream is for university graduates (Bachelor's and above), while the Vocational stream is for VET graduates (diplomas and trade certificates).
Q. Do I need a skills assessment to apply for the Subclass 485 visa?
A skills assessment is only required if you are applying under the Post-Vocational Education Work stream, and your occupation must be on the relevant skilled list.
Q. Can I work unlimited hours on a Subclass 485 visa?
Yes, the 485 visa grants full, unrestricted work rights, allowing you to work full-time for any employer in Australia.
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