Subclass 485 Visa – Temporary Graduate Visa for Australia

Take the Next Step After Graduation – Stay, Work, and Build Your Future in Australia

Have you recently completed your studies in Australia?

The Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa allows international graduates to stay back, gain local work experience, and prepare for permanent residency pathways.

This visa bridges your student life to your professional career in Australia, giving you valuable time to grow, upskill, and explore PR opportunities.

Why Choose the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa?

The Subclass 485 Visa is designed for international students who have recently completed a CRICOS-registered course. It enables you to stay in Australia temporarily to live, study, or work — depending on your stream.

There are two main streams under this visa:

• Graduate Work Stream – For graduates with skills related to occupations on the Skilled Occupation List.
• Post-Study Work Stream – For graduates who completed a higher education degree in Australia (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD).

A new Second Post-Study Work Stream is also available for graduates who studied in a regional area of Australia.

Key Benefits of the Subclass 485 Visa

• Stay in Australia for 18 months to 4 years, depending on the stream and qualification
• Work full-time and gain local professional experience
• Explore options for employer sponsorship or skilled PR
• Bring eligible family members
• No job offer required to apply
• Access free career planning and resume support from BFES Global

Streams Under Subclass 485

Graduate Work Stream:
For international students with an eligible diploma or trade qualification, and with a nominated occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

Post-Study Work Stream:
For graduates who hold an Australian higher education degree (Bachelor, Master, or Doctoral), regardless of occupation.

Second Post-Study Work Stream:
Available for those who studied in a regional institution and continued living in regional Australia.

Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 485 Visa

To apply for the 485 visa, you must:

• Be under 50 years of age
• Hold an eligible student visa in the past 6 months
• Have completed a CRICOS-registered course of at least 92 weeks
• Meet the English language requirement
• Have adequate health insurance (OVHC)
• Meet the Australian Study Requirement
• Provide skills assessment (for Graduate Work Stream)
• Meet health and character criteria

English Language Requirements

Applicants must provide evidence of English proficiency through any of the following:

• IELTS – Minimum score of 6.0 overall and 5.0 in each component
• PTE Academic – Minimum score of 50 overall, with no less than 36 in each component
• TOEFL iBT, OET, or Cambridge (CAE) – Equivalent accepted scores
• Results must be no more than 3 years old at the time of application

Health Insurance Requirement (OVHC)

You must maintain Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) during the entire duration of your 485 visa. BFES Global partners with approved OVHC providers and can help you select a suitable plan.

Including Family Members

You can include:

• Spouse or de facto partner
• Dependent children (under 18 or dependent full-time students)

All family members must meet visa and health requirements.

How BFES Global Supports You

Our visa consultants provide full support including:

• Determining the right stream and duration
• Guiding you through documentation and eligibility
• Organizing English test bookings and insurance
• Helping with your skills assessment (for Graduate Work Stream)
• Submitting your application and tracking progress
• Advising on next steps like PR visas (189, 190, or 491)

Frequently Asked Questions – Subclass 485 Visa

What is the difference between the Graduate Work and Post-Study Work Streams?
The Graduate Work Stream is for diploma or trade-level qualifications tied to MLTSSL occupations. The Post-Study Work Stream is for university graduates (Bachelor’s and above), regardless of occupation.

Can I apply for 485 if my student visa expired?
You must have held a valid student visa in the last 6 months to be eligible.

How long is the visa valid?

• Graduate Work Stream: Up to 18 months
• Post-Study Work Stream: 2–4 years, depending on qualification
• Second Post-Study Work Stream: Additional 1–2 years (for regional study)

Can I work full-time on the 485 visa?
Yes, there are no work restrictions under the 485 visa.

Do I need a job offer to apply?
No, a job offer is not required.

Can I apply for PR from a 485 visa?
Yes. Many candidates move on to skilled migration visas such as Subclass 189, 190, or 491.

Subclass 485 Visa Summary

Visa Class: Temporary Graduate Visa
Duration: 18 months to 4 years (based on stream)
Work Rights: Full-time
Includes Family: Yes
Pathway to PR: Yes (via skilled migration or employer sponsorship)

Secure Your Future After Graduation

Ready to apply for your 485 visa or unsure which stream suits you best?
Let BFES Global assist you with every detail and help turn your education into a lasting future in Australia.