The Australia Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) is a temporary visa that allows eligible international students to remain in Australia after completing their studies. The visa enables graduates to live, work, and study while gaining valuable professional experience and exploring long-term career opportunities in Australia.
The Subclass 485 visa is divided into three streams to accommodate different educational backgrounds and circumstances: the Post-Vocational Education Work Stream, the Post-Higher Education Work Stream, and the Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream. Each stream has specific eligibility requirements, visa durations, and application conditions.
About the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) is designed for international students who have recently completed an eligible qualification in Australia.
The visa provides graduates with the opportunity to:
- Live temporarily in Australia.
- Work full-time.
- Continue studying.
- Gain Australian work experience.
- Bring eligible family members.
Applicants must apply under the stream that matches their qualifications, as changing streams after submitting an application is not permitted.
Basic Eligibility Requirements
To apply for the Subclass 485 visa, applicants must:
- Be 35 years of age or younger at the time of application (some exceptions apply).
- Hold an eligible visa.
- Have held a Student Visa within the previous six months.
- Have completed a recent qualification in a CRICOS-registered course.
- Apply under the appropriate visa stream.
- Submit all required supporting documents with their application.
Meeting these basic requirements is essential before proceeding with a visa application.
Post-Vocational Education Work Stream
The Post-Vocational Education Work Stream is intended for international students who have completed:
- An associate degree.
- A diploma.
- A trade qualification.
The qualification must be relevant to an occupation listed on Australia’s skilled occupation list.
Benefits
Successful applicants can:
- Live in Australia.
- Work without restriction.
- Continue studying.
- Include eligible family members in their application.
Visa Duration
- Up to 18 months.
Hong Kong and British National (Overseas) passport holders may be eligible to stay for up to five years.
Visa Cost
Applications start from:
- AUD $5,750
Limited fee concessions are available for eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens.
Post-Higher Education Work Stream
The Post-Higher Education Work Stream is designed for international graduates who have completed a degree-level qualification from an Australian institution.
Eligible qualifications include:
- Bachelor’s degrees.
- Master’s degrees.
- Doctoral degrees.
The qualification must satisfy Australia’s Temporary Graduate visa study requirements.
Benefits
Applicants can:
- Work in Australia.
- Continue studying.
- Bring eligible family members.
Visa Duration
Successful applicants can generally stay:
- Between 2 and 3 years, depending on their qualification.
Hong Kong and British National (Overseas) passport holders may remain for up to five years.
Visa Cost
Applications start from:
- AUD $5,750
Eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens may qualify for reduced application fees.
Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream
The Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream is available for graduates who previously held:
- A Post-Higher Education Work visa.
- A Post-Study Work visa.
- A Replacement visa.
Applicants must have graduated from an Australian institution located in a designated regional area.
Benefits
Visa holders can:
- Continue living in Australia.
- Work full-time.
- Study further.
- Bring eligible family members.
Visa Duration
Applicants may receive an additional:
- 1 to 2 years, depending on:
- The regional location of the institution where they studied.
- The regional area where they currently reside.
Visa Cost
Applications begin from:
- AUD $2,265
Eligible applicants from Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste may receive fee concessions.
Family Members
Across the available streams, eligible applicants can include qualifying family members as part of their visa application, allowing families to live together in Australia during the visa period.
Processing Times
Processing times vary depending on:
- Individual circumstances.
- Application volumes.
- Completeness of submitted documentation.
Applicants can use the Australian Government’s Visa Processing Time Guide to view estimated processing times for recently finalized applications.
Why Apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa?
The Subclass 485 visa offers graduates the opportunity to:
- Gain valuable Australian work experience.
- Build professional networks.
- Enhance future skilled migration opportunities.
- Continue academic studies.
- Experience life and employment in Australia after graduation.
The programme serves as an important pathway for international graduates seeking practical experience before pursuing long-term migration or career opportunities.
Final Thoughts
The Australia Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) 2026–2027 provides international graduates with a valuable opportunity to remain in Australia after completing their studies. Whether applying through the Post-Vocational Education Work Stream, the Post-Higher Education Work Stream, or the Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream, eligible graduates can gain professional experience, continue their education, and enjoy the flexibility of living and working in Australia while planning their future careers.
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