Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)

Finishing your studies in Australia and unsure what comes next?

The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) allows international graduates to stay in Australia, gain full‑time work experience, and explore potential pathways toward skilled migration or permanent residency.

Whether you want to extend your stay, build your career, or eventually work towards PR, the 485 visa is one of the most important steps after graduation.

Important update: From 1 March 2026, visa application charges for the Temporary Graduate visa (TGV) have increased. Lower visa cost applies to eligible Pacific Island and Timor Leste citizens who lodge a valid TGV application. Please refer to the individual TGV streams for further details.​

What changed on 1 March 2026 for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) fee?

From 1 March 2026, the Australian Government increased the visa application charge for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). The fee for the main applicant went up from around $2,300 to $4,600. This affects you if you lodge your 485 visa application on or after 1 March 2026.

There are four fee scenarios in the new regulation, but most international students will fall under the standard fee.

For most students applying for the 485 visa for the first time

If you are finishing your studies and applying for the 485 visa for the first time, this is the fee you will most likely pay.

Visa application charge:

• Main applicant: $4,600

• Additional adult applicant: $2,300

• Child applicant: $1,160

This is the standard fee for most graduates moving from a Student visa (subclass 500) to a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485).

For applicants who already hold a 485 visa and are applying again

A different fee may apply if you already hold a 485 visa in the Post-Higher Education Work stream and are applying again under that stream.

The amount depends on your passport.

If you hold a passport from an eligible Pacific country or Timor-Leste, the lower fee is:

• Main applicant: $905

• Additional adult applicant: $455

• Child applicant: $230

If you do not hold one of these passports, the fee is:

• Main applicant: $1,810

• Additional adult applicant: $910

• Child applicant: $460

Eligible countries include Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga, and other Pacific countries listed in the regulation.

This usually applies in specific visa situations, such as a related follow-up or replacement application.

What this means for international graduates

If you are an international student planning to apply for a 485 visa after graduation, you will most likely pay the standard application fee of $4,600.

Because the cost is now much higher, early planning matters more than before.

Read what our migration expert has to say:

"This increase can place extra pressure on graduates who are already managing study costs, living expenses, and visa preparation at the same time. For some students, this means reviewing documents earlier, budgeting carefully, and considering other future pathways such as employer-sponsored visas, skilled migration, or further study if these better match long-term goals."

- Liping Helen Shan (MARN 0961842)

If you need help clarifying the fees that apply to you, or if you need guidance in submitting a strong 485 visa application, don’t hesitate to contact our migration experts.

The Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) is a temporary visa for international students who have completed their studies in Australia. It lets you stay in Australia to live, work and study after you finish your course.

Once your studies end, this visa is often the most straightforward way to stay in Australia.

Here is why:

• It is not points tested.

• You do not need an employer to sponsor you.

• It gives you full work rights, so you can gain local work experience.

• It allows you to stay in Australia legally while you plan your next move.

Many graduates use this visa to build skilled work experience, improve their English score, or complete skills assessments.

These steps can help if you decide to apply for a permanent skilled visa.

This is usually the part that confuses international students and skilled migrants the most.

You hear “485 visa” and assume it is just one visa. It is not.

The 485 visa has three main streams. The one you choose depends on the study level that you have completed.

Here is a simple comparison:

Post-Vocational Education Work stream

This stream is for graduates who completed an associate degree, diploma or trade qualification that is linked to an occupation on Australia’s skilled occupation list.

With this visa, you can:

• Live in Australia temporarily

• Work full-time

• Study further if you choose

• Include eligible family members

Key details:

• Stay period: Up to 18 months

• Skills assessment: Usually required

• Your qualification must relate to your nominated skilled occupation.

• Application cost: From AUD4,600.00 (increased from AUD 2,300)

• Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders may stay up to 5 years.

If you studied a trade or vocational course and your occupation is in demand, this is likely your stream.

Post-Higher Education Work Stream

This stream is for graduates who completed a Bachelor's degree, Master’s or PhD from a CRICOS-registered course in Australia.

With this visa, you can:

• Work full-time

• Gain professional experience

• Bring eligible family members

• Study further if needed

Key details:

• Stay period: 2 to 3 years, depending on your qualification.

• Skills assessment: Not required.

• You must meet the Australian study requirements.

• Application cost: From AUD4,600.00 (increased from AUD 2,300).

• Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders may stay up to 5 years.

If you completed a university degree, this is the stream most students apply for.

Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream

If you already hold a Post-Higher Education Work visa, and you completed your previous studies in a designated regional area, you may be able to apply for the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream to extend your stay.

With this visa, you can:

• Extend your stay in Australia

• Continue working full-time

• Continue living in a regional area

• Include eligible family members

Key details:

• Stay period: 1 to 2 additional years.

• Length depends on the regional location of your institution and where you live.

• Skills assessment: Not required.

• Application cost: From AUD1,810.00 (increased from AUD 905).

If you studied in regional Australia and you’re still living there, this stream can give you extra time to strengthen your PR pathway.

From 1 March 2026, eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens may pay a lower 485 visa fee across all streams.

Here are the general 485 requirements most applicants must meet when applying for any stream under the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485):

• Age limit

• Valid student visa

• Completed CRICOS course

• Australian Study Requirement

• English test requirement

• Health insurance

• Character requirements

These are the core conditions. But specific 485 visa requirements will vary depending on the stream you are applying for.

Post-Vocational Education Work stream requirements

You must:

• Be 35 years old or younger when you apply, unless an exception applies.

• Be in Australia at the time of application.

• Hold an eligible visa and have held a student visa in the last 6 months.

• Hold an associate degree, diploma or trade qualification linked to an occupation on the skilled occupation list.

• Apply for a skills assessment in your nominated occupation.

• Provide evidence of adequate health insurance for all applicants included in your application.

• Show proof that you have applied for an Australian Federal Police check.

• Meet the required IELTS score and submit valid test results.

Post-Higher Education Work stream requirements

You must:

• Be 35 years old or younger when you apply, unless an exception applies.

• Be in Australia at the time of application.

• Hold an eligible visa and have held a student visa in the last 6 months.

• Complete a CRICOS-registered course and meet the Australian Study Requirement.

• Provide evidence of adequate health insurance for all applicants.

• Show proof that you have applied for an Australian Federal Police check.

• Meet the required IELTS score and submit valid test results.

Second Post-Higher Education Work stream requirements

You must:

• Be 35 years old or younger when you apply, unless an exception applies.

• Be in Australia at the time of application.

• Currently hold a Temporary Graduate visa in the Post-Higher Education Work, Post-Study Work or Replacement stream, and have previously held one of these visas as the main applicant.

• Have completed a CRICOS-registered degree from an institution located in an eligible designated regional area, which led to your first Temporary Graduate visa.

• Have lived in an eligible designated regional area for at least 2 years immediately before applying for this second visa.

• Provide evidence of adequate health insurance for all applicants included in your application.

485 visa eligibility requirements – stream comparison

This visa comes with several benefits for international graduates, including:

• Work full-time with no hourly restrictions

• Gain Australian work experience, which can support future skilled visa applications

• Continue studying if you choose

• Include eligible family members in your application

• Build professional networks and improve your employability in Australia

For many graduates, the 485 visa becomes a bridge. It gives you time to move from student life into professional life, while also improving your eligibility for permanent or provisional skilled visas.

Processing times for the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) depend on the stream and individual circumstances. Based on the Department of Home Affairs visa processing time guide, timelines can vary significantly between streams.

For example, recent estimates show that:

• Post-Higher Education Work stream: 50% of applications may be processed in as little as around 8 days. 90% are finalised within 83 days.

• Post-Vocational Education Work stream: 50% of applications may take around 46 days. 90% may take up to about 4 months.

These figures are general guides only.

Actual processing times can be affected by application volumes and whether all required documents are submitted correctly.

To get the most accurate estimate, you can use the official visa processing time guide tool on the Department of Home Affairs website.

Before you lodge your Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) application, make sure your documents are ready. A complete application reduces the risk of delays and requests for additional information.

Most applicants will need:

Identity Documents

• Passport bio page showing your photo and personal details.

• National ID card (if applicable)

• Proof of any change of name (for example, marriage certificate or official name change document)

Study Documents

• Official completion letter from your education provider

• Academic transcripts

• Evidence your course was CRICOS-registered

• Confirmation of course start and end dates

• Evidence you met the Australian Study Requirement

English Language Evidence

• Valid English test result meeting the required score

• Test must be taken within the accepted validity period

• Retakes such as IELTS One Skill Retake must be completed before lodging

• Or proof of passport from an accepted English-speaking country (if applicable)

Health Insurance

• Evidence of adequate health insurance for you and any included family members

• Medicare card (if eligible), or confirmation letter from your insurer

Character Documents

• Proof you applied for an Australian Federal Police (AFP) check within the required timeframe

• Completed Form 80 (Personal particulars for character assessment)

• Completed Form 1221 (Additional personal particulars information)

• Overseas police certificates, if requested

• Military service records, if applicable

Partner and Family Documents (If Applicable)

• Identity documents for your partner and dependants

• Marriage certificate or proof of de facto relationship

• Evidence that your de facto relationship has existed for at least 12 months, unless registered

Stream-Specific Documents (If Applicable)

• Skills assessment or proof that you have applied for one (Post-Vocational Education Work stream)

• Evidence of studying and living in a designated regional area for at least 2 years (Second Post-Higher Education Work stream)

Before applying, check that your English test is still valid and that your completion letter clearly confirms your course end date. Small details matter. Preparing your documents early helps avoid unnecessary stress later.

Applying for the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) is done online, but preparation is key. Understanding the steps early can help you avoid last-minute stress.

Here is how the process usually works:

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Confirm that you meet the age requirement, Australian Study Requirement and visa conditions. Make sure your qualification and visa history match the stream you plan to apply under.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

Gather your completion letter, transcripts, English test results, health insurance and police check documents. If your stream requires a skills assessment, apply for it early.

Step 3: Apply for an AFP Police Check

You must apply for an Australian Federal Police check before lodging your visa. Keep proof of your application.

Step 4: Lodge Your Application Online

Submit your application through your ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website. Upload all required documents and pay the visa application fee.

Step 5: Complete Health Checks (If Required)

You may be asked to complete medical examinations after lodging. Follow the instructions carefully and complete them within the required timeframe.

Step 6: Wait for a Decision

Processing times vary depending on the stream and your individual case. If your Student visa expires while your 485 application is being processed, you may be granted a bridging visa that allows you to remain lawfully in Australia.

Applying early and submitting a complete application can make the process smoother. Planning ahead gives you more control and fewer surprises.

The fees, length of stay and visa conditions under the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) depend on which stream you apply for. While all streams allow you to live and work in Australia temporarily, the stay period and some requirements vary based on your qualification level and study location.

Post-Vocational Education Work stream

From 1 March 2026, visa application fee for specific streams for the Temporary Graduate visa (TGV) have increased.

• Visa application fee: AUD 4,600 (from AUD 2300)

• Stay period: Up to 18 months

• Work rights: Full-time work rights

• Skills assessment: Required in most cases

• Family members: Eligible dependents can be included

Post-Higher Education Work stream

• Visa application fee: AUD 4,600 (from AUD 2300)

• Stay period: Usually 2 to 3 years, depending on qualification level

• Work rights: Full-time work rights

• Skills assessment: Not required

• Family members: Eligible dependents can be included

Second Post-Higher Education Work stream

• Visa application fee: AUD 1800 (from AUD 905).

• Stay period: 1 to 2 additional years, depending on regional location

• Work rights: Full-time work rights

• Regional requirement: Must live and work in a designated regional area

• Family members: Eligible dependents can be included

Before applying, it is important to confirm the latest fees and stay periods on the Department of Home Affairs website, as government settings can change.

Many 485 visa refusals are not because someone is completely ineligible. They happen because of small mistakes that could have been avoided with better planning. Paying attention to detail is very important.

Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Applying too late – You must apply within the required timeframe after completing your course. Waiting too long can make you ineligible.

• Booking the English test too late – Your test must be valid at the time you apply. Leaving it to the last minute can delay your application.

• Choosing the wrong stream – Applying under the wrong stream can lead to refusal, especially if a skills assessment is required and not provided.

• Incomplete documents – Missing transcripts, completion letters or police check evidence can slow down processing.

• Not applying for the AFP check early enough – The police check must be applied for within the correct timeframe before lodgment.

• Assuming you qualify without checking – Age limits, visa history and study requirements must all be confirmed carefully.

The 485 visa may look straightforward, but small details matter. Reviewing your eligibility early and preparing your documents in advance can help avoid unnecessary stress.

The 485 visa is often more than just a temporary visa. It can be a bridge to work experience, skilled migration and long-term plans in Australia. Getting the timing and documents right makes a real difference.

IDP supports you at every step. Our education and migration experts can help you understand which stream applies to you, check your eligibility and prepare for English requirements if needed.

If your goal goes beyond the 485 visa, we can also guide you on PR pathways and future study options.

Get clear advice early. Speak to an IDP expert and move forward with confidence.

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