2025 Australia Graduate Work Visa: 485 Visa Application Guide and Tips

How do you apply for it?

To address the long-term manpower shortage, the Australian government has introduced the Temporary Graduate Visa - Subclass 485, which allows international students to stay and work in Australia after graduation. Graduates with this visa can not only accumulate work experience in Australia, but also attend vocational training programmes to improve their migration score and increase their chances of obtaining long-term residency status.

More reading: 【Australia Visa General Information】 Working Holiday, Student Visa, Employment Visa Application Details

485 Visa Categories

Australian Graduate Work Visa - There are two categories of 485 visas, Post-Higher Education Work Stream (PHEW) and Post-Vocational Education Work stream.

^{*From July 1, 2024, Post Study Work Stream (PSW) will be renamed as Post-Higher Education Work Stream (PHEW); Graduate Work Stream (GW) will be renamed as Post-Vocational Education Work Stream}

Eligibility of 485 Visa

To apply for the Australian 485 Graduate Work Visa, you must meet the following basic requirements:

• Be under 35 years of age

• Hold a valid Australian visa

• Have completed a CRICOS-registered course of at least two years, with a minimum of 16 months of actual study

• Achieve an overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no individual band lower than 5.5

• Apply within six months of completing the course

You can apply for the Post-Study Work Visa online through the website of the Australian Department of Home Affairs. Please prepare all required documents for the application and complete the payment to ensure your visa application is valid.

485 Visa Application Fee

As of the latest 2024 update, the application fee for the Australian Graduate Work Visa (485 Visa) is AUD 1,945.

485 Visa Processing Time

Processing times for the 485 visa vary depending on each individual case. It's recommended to apply as early as possible to avoid any impact on your right to remain in Australia. You can check the estimated processing times for all student visas on the official visa processing status tracking page.

Documents Required for 485 Visa Application
Please prepare the following documents in advance for your 485 visa application:

• Valid passport

• Academic documents/course completion certificate

• Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, etc.)

• Health insurance

• Partner documentation (if applicable)

The exact document requirements are based on the official guidelines provided on the Department of Home Affairs visa preparation page. You're also welcome to contact us for the latest information. If you're already in Australia, feel free to book an appointment with the IDP Australia team for assistance with your work visa application.

The validity of the Australian 485 Graduate Visa varies based on the level of qualification, typically ranging from 2 to 3 years. Students who studied in a regional (second-tier) city in Australia may apply for a second 485 visa, gaining an additional 1-year extension. Those who studied in remote (third-tier) regions may be eligible for a 2-year extension.

Effective from July 1, 2024, “Second Post-Study Work Stream” has been renamed to the “Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream.”

Australia 485 visa validity and second visa incentive for remote areas

1. Is proof of English language proficiency required to apply for the 485 visa?

Yes, applying for the Australian Graduate Work Visa usually requires providing an English language test result, such as IELTS, TOEFL, etc. You must achieve at least an overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no band lower than 5.5, to meet the basic requirement. IDP is one of the official IELTS test organizers, and you can register for the IELTS exam at any of our test centers worldwide.

2. Is OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) sufficient for the 485 visa application?

No, when applying for the 485 visa, you must purchase OVHC (Overseas Visitor Health Cover). Some students who only have OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) will not meet the health insurance requirement.

Australia Offers a Wide Range of Visas – IDP Provides Free Visa Consultation Services

Thinking about studying or traveling in Australia but feel overwhelmed by the many visa types and complex application processes? With IDP, not only can you enjoy free assistance with studying abroad applications, but we also offer free student visa consultation services—a one-stop solution for all your Australia study plans.

For the latest visa fees and application requirements, please refer to announcements from the Australian Department of Home Affairs.