Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)

Are you an international student who wants to stay in Australia after graduation? If so, you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485). This visa allows you to live, study, and work in Australia.

The 485 visa is a great way to gain valuable work experience in Australia, giving you the ability to work full-time or part-time. It can also provide a pathway to other visas, such Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) or Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190). It can also be a stepping stone to permanent residency. IDP can help you understand the benefits of the 485 visa and the application process. We can also provide guidance on preparing the necessary documentation and identifying potential job opportunities.

With IDP's support, you can make the most of your post-study experience in Australia and potentially secure a pathway to permanent residency. Contact us today to learn more.

The visa has 3 streams:

1. Post-Vocational Education Work stream (previously called Graduate Work stream)

2. Post-Higher Education Work stream (previously called Post-Study Work stream)

3. Second Post-Higher Education Work stream (previously called Second Post-Study Work stream)

The length of your stay and cost of the visa will depend on which stream you apply for.

The Australian Government has announced changes to the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) for Higher Education students, which will result in an extension of stay for eligible graduates by two years.

The extension will apply to graduates who hold select Bachelor and higher-level degrees in areas of skills shortage, as determined by a working group. The specific degrees and the effective date of these changes have not yet been disclosed. We will provide more information about these changes as it becomes available. Some additional notes can be found here regarding PSW extensions for selected degrees:

• All PhD qualifications are eligible for extensions, PSW will be extended from four years to six years

• Selected bachelor’s degree PSW extended from two years to four years

• Selected master’s degree PSW extended from three years to five years

• Nursing, allied health, teaching, Veterinary, engineering and IT are included, you can check your course CRICOS codes here (PDF file)

• The increase is in addition to regional PSW extension – meaning regional students are still eligible for additional 1-2 years depending on the campus location, e.g. for a selected master's degree done on campus in NT, the student could potentially get 5+2 years of PSW visa.

• If students who have completed a course on the specified list and already possess a 485 visa under the post-study work stream prior to July 2023 are ineligible for a regional extension or replacement visa, they have the option to apply for a separate extension.

More information around post-study work rights visas can be found here. *Disclaimer: This information is correct as of the release of this announcement on February 20, 2023, and is subject to change, speak to our migration agents to get the latest information. Explore top courses for international students in Australia

Who is eligible for the temporary graduate visa (subclass 485)?

To be eligible to apply for the temporary graduate visa (subclass 485) you must:

• be under 50 years of age

• hold an eligible visa

• have a recent qualification in a CRICOS-registered course

• meet additional requirements of the relevant stream

• Check the Department of Home Affairs for the list of basic eligibility

Do I need to complete an English test for a temporary graduate visa (subclass 485)?

You may require evidence of your English proficiency as part of your visa application. Take IELTS (The International English Language Testing System), an English language proficiency test for study, work and migration. The department accepts both IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. As IDP is the co-owner of the IELTS test, you can take an IELTS test at any one of our Australian IELTS test centres.

Will I need OSHC (overseas student health cover) to support my application for a temporary graduate visa (subclass 485)?

At the time of application, if you hold a valid Student visa, you'll already be covered under an Overseas Student Health Cover policy as a condition of your Student visa requirement. It is recommended to have your Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) start on the day your student visa expires and submit evidence of your OVHC when you apply for a 485 visa.

How to apply for a temporary graduate visa (subclass 485)?

Applications can be made online at the Department of Home Affairs. Have all you documents ready to complete the application and payment to ensure you visa application is valid.

Estimated fees and processing time

The cost of applying for the temporary graduate visa (subclass 485) varies for each type. The processing time will depend on your work stream. The estimated processing time for all student visas can be viewed here.

Checklist

The Department of Home Affairs has a complete checklist list of everything you will require when applying for the visa. We recommend that you read this information and contact us for assistance with your application.

How IDP can help?

IDP offers an array of services designed to take the stress and confusion out of the process of applying for a visa in Australia. Whether you prefer to manage your own application and just need some friendly advice or whether you need comprehensive migration advice and application assistance, IDP has the right level of help for you.

What is a 485 Visa?

The 485 Visa is for international students under the age of 50 who have completed a CRICOS registered course. There are three streams to this visa:

Post-Vocational Education Work stream

If you have recently graduated from a course related to an occupation that Australia needs. This visa allows international students to temporarily live, work and study in Australia.

• Usually up to 18 months (Temporarily increased to 24 months for visas granted from 1 December 2021)

• Requirement to obtain skills assessment has been temporarily waived until 30 June 2023

• Bring your family to Australia

• Processing time varies

Post-Higher Education Work stream

If you have recently graduated with a degree from an Australian institution. You can temporarily work and live in Australia with this visa.

• Work and Stay between 2 and 6 years in Australia, based on your qualification (from July 2023)

• Hold a recent degree from a CRICOS-registered course

• Bring your family to Australia

• Processing time varies

Second Post-Higher Education Work stream

If you are a Temporary Graduate Visa holder (post study work stream) who has graduated with a degree from an Australian institution located in a regional area. You can temporarily work and live in Australia with this visa. You remained in the regional areas to live, work or study during your 1st 485 visa, you can apply for the Second Post-Study Work Visa for 1-2 years depending on your study and living location.

• Work and Stay between 1 and 2 years in Australia, depending on study location (must be regional)

• Bring your family to Australia

• Processing time is unavailable

How can I check my occupation is on the list?

The Skilled Occupation List for each state changes annually. You can check the latest list on the Australian Government’s Immigration skilled list.

How to check if I am eligible for this Visa?

• Must have completed a course with an Australian institution

• Must satisfy the English language requirements in the form of IELTS, Pearson Tests, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge C1 Advanced test or Occupational English Test; or hold a valid passport from the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada, New Zealand or the Republic of Ireland

• Meet Australian Health conditions

• Skills assessment may also be required

• Have adequate health insurance

• Meet character requirement

Does Visa 485 also require a police check?

Yes, all primary applications need to submit an Australian police check.

Can I work full-time on 485 Visa?

If you are holding 485 temporary graduate working visa, you have full time work rights for the duration of your visa. If you want to continue to stay in Australia after your visa expires, you will need to apply for a new visa for a different subclass.

Which health insurance do I need for 485 Visa?

Student visa holders must provide evidence that you have arranged OVHC when you apply for the 485 visa. We can offer you the best possible offers from our industry leader partners.

When should I apply for the 485 Visa?

Applicants should apply for this Visa within 6 months after their course ends. You must hold a valid student visa or Bridging visa A/B when you apply for the 485 visa. If you are holding a bridging visa when you apply for the 485 visa, your last student visa must expire within 6 months.

Is 485 a migration visa?

No, the 485 visa is a temporary graduate work visa and it will give you working rights to gain onshore work experience. The 485 visa, will also let you live or study in Australia. With each visa type there are specific requirements for you to meet to be eligible to apply. As there's no one-size-fits-all solution, we recommend that you book an appointment to speak to one of our migration agents to understand which visa may suit you.

What is the cost of the visa?

The visa cost varies. Please check the Department of Home Affairs for more information.