Overview
The Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa lets recent international graduates of Australian institutions live, work and study in Australia temporarily after course completion. It has two streams — Post-Vocational Education Work and Post-Higher Education Work. Most applicants must be 35 or under at time of application, with higher age limits for research Masters and PhD graduates and certain Hong Kong/BNO passport holders.
The 485 is the bridge between finishing your Australian study and a longer-term visa. It gives recent graduates full work rights for a few years — the right time to gain experience and build toward skilled or employer-sponsored options.
The two streams
There are two streams. Post-Higher Education Work is for graduates of eligible degrees (Bachelor, Masters, PhD). Post-Vocational Education Work is for graduates of eligible trade and vocational qualifications in areas Australia needs. Your qualification determines which stream — and how long the visa lasts.
How long is the 485?
In the Post-Higher Education Work stream the length depends on your highest qualification: 2 years for a Bachelor or coursework Masters, 3 years for a research Masters, and 4 years for a PhD. The Post-Vocational Education Work stream is shorter (around 18 months). Graduates who studied and live in regional Australia may be eligible for an additional stay, and some nationalities have specific arrangements.
Age, English and timing
Most applicants must be 35 or under at application (up to 50 for research Masters/PhD graduates and eligible Hong Kong/BNO holders). You generally need an overall IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent) taken within the last year, must have held an eligible student visa, and must apply within 6 months of meeting your course requirements — usually while you’re in Australia.
Using the 485 to stay long-term
Treat the 485 as a runway, not a destination. Use it to gain skilled work experience, sit any required skills assessment, and build points for a Skilled Independent 189 or Skilled Nominated 190, or line up employer sponsorship. Planning this early — before the 485 clock runs down — is what turns a graduate visa into permanent residence.
Who is eligible
- Hold an eligible recent qualification from an Australian institution
- Generally be 35 years or under at time of application (up to 50 for research Masters/PhD and eligible HK/BNO holders)
- Apply within 6 months of meeting your course requirements
- Have held an eligible student visa
- Meet the English requirement (minimum IELTS 6.5 or equivalent, test taken within 1 year)
- Hold adequate health insurance and meet health and character requirements
Costs
Fees change with annual indexation. See the official Visa Pricing Estimator for the current figure.
Processing times
See the official global visa processing times .
How to apply
- Confirm your stream. Post-Vocational Education Work (eligible trade/vocational qualifications) or Post-Higher Education Work (eligible degrees).
- Gather evidence. Australian Federal Police check, health insurance, English test results and skills assessment if required.
- Apply within 6 months. Lodge within 6 months of completing your course requirements while onshore.
- Plan your next step. Use the 485 period to gain experience and prepare for a skilled or employer-sponsored pathway.
How it compares
| Highest qualification used | Post-Higher Education Work length |
|---|---|
| Bachelor degree (incl. Honours) | 2 years |
| Coursework Masters | 2 years |
| Research Masters | 3 years |
| Doctoral degree (PhD) | 4 years |
Frequently asked questions
What is the age limit for the 485 visa?
Most applicants must be 35 or under at the time of application. Graduates of a Masters by research or PhD, and certain Hong Kong and British National (Overseas) passport holders, can be older — up to 50.
How long is the 485 visa valid?
In the Post-Higher Education Work stream the length depends on your highest qualification: 2 years for a Bachelor or coursework Masters, 3 years for a research Masters and 4 years for a PhD. The Post-Vocational Education Work stream is shorter (around 18 months). Eligible graduates who studied and live in regional Australia may qualify for an additional stay, and some nationalities have specific arrangements.
When do I have to apply?
Within 6 months of meeting the requirements of your eligible Australian study, and you generally must be in Australia.
What English score do I need?
Generally an overall IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent in another accepted test), with the test taken within 1 year of applying. Some passport holders are exempt.