Temporary Graduate Visa, Subclass 485
The Temporary Graduate visa lets recent graduates of an Australian qualification live and work in Australia after study. It can be a useful bridge to employer sponsorship or skilled migration, but the rules, streams and deadlines are strict. We help you apply correctly and plan the step after.
The Temporary Graduate visa lets recent graduates of Australian study stay and work, and it can help you gain experience while planning a longer-term pathway. It is available in streams such as Post-Vocational Education Work and Post-Higher Education Work, and the right one depends on what you studied. There are time limits for applying after your course ends, so planning early matters.
- TypeTemporary
- ForRecent Australian graduates
- StreamsBy level of study
- TimingApply soon after finishing
The two streams
| Stream | Best for | Key point |
|---|---|---|
| Post-Vocational Education Work | Graduates with a vocational qualification that is relevant to an eligible skilled occupation | The qualification must be linked to the occupation list that applies, so check this before you choose the course |
| Post-Higher Education Work | Graduates of a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or doctorate | The period of stay depends on your qualification, and the settings have changed in recent years |
Overview
The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) lets recent graduates of an Australian qualification live and work in Australia after study.
- It can give you time to gain Australian work experience, which can help with employer sponsorship or skilled migration.
- There are two streams, and which one applies depends on your qualification.
- It is a temporary visa and does not lead directly to permanent residence, so planning the next step early matters.
Who this suits
International students who have completed, or are about to complete, an eligible Australian qualification
Graduates who want Australian work experience before moving to a sponsored or skilled visa
Applicants who still hold a substantive visa and are within the lodgement deadline
Graduates who have a clear idea of how they will use the visa period
Key facts
- Two streams: Post-Vocational Education Work and Post-Higher Education Work, depending on your qualification
- You cannot change streams after you lodge, so choose carefully
- Your study must meet the Australian study requirement
- You must apply within the deadline after finishing your course
- Age, English language, health, character and health insurance requirements apply
- Restrictions on including family members in Temporary Graduate visa applications are planned
Government application fees
Temporary Graduate (485), Post-Higher Education Work and Post-Vocational Education Work
Main applicant$5,750
Additional applicant 18+$2,875
Additional applicant under 18$1,450
Temporary Graduate (485), Second Post-Higher Education Work
Main applicant$2,265
Additional applicant 18+$1,140
Additional applicant under 18$575
These are the Department of Home Affairs charges only. They are indexed each 1 July, so confirm the current amount with the Department before you lodge. Other costs may apply, such as health examinations, police certificates, skills assessments and the Skilling Australians Fund levy. Our professional fees are separate.
What you need to qualify
- You must have completed a qualification that meets the Australian study requirement, usually through a CRICOS-registered course of the required length.
- Your qualification and course type decide which stream you can apply under, and the rules differ between them.
- You must lodge within the deadline after finishing your course, and this timing is strict.
- You must meet the English, age, health and character requirements that apply.
- You must hold adequate health insurance for your stay, and you should confirm the current rules on family members.
How the process works
- 01Confirm your qualification, course completion date and the stream that applies to you
- 02Check your eligibility, including the study requirement, English and age
- 03Collect your completion letter, results, identity documents and insurance
- 04Lodge the application within the deadline and respond to any department requests
- 05Plan your next step, such as sponsorship or skilled migration, well before the visa ends
Skills assessment
Skills assessment, with our help
Some streams of the 485 need a positive skills assessment in a nominated occupation.
Many applicants ask us to help with their skills assessment, because the assessing authority’s rules are strict and a weak application can cost months.
Ask about a skills assessmentAssessing authority fees are set by the authority and are separate from ours.
- The right authorityWe identify the assessing authority and the assessment that applies to your occupation.
- Eligibility firstWe review your qualifications and experience against the requirements before you pay any fees.
- Guidance on your evidenceWe explain what the authority expects, such as employment references and duties, and review what you have gathered before you submit.
- Support to the outcomeWe help you understand and respond to the authority’s requests until the outcome is issued.
Documents you will need
- Passport and identity documents
- Course completion letter, academic transcripts and evidence that the study requirement is met
- English language test results, if the stream requires them
- Evidence of adequate health insurance for the visa period
- Police certificates and health examination results when requested
After the visa is granted
- You can live and work in Australia for the visa period, which varies by stream and qualification.
- The 485 does not give permanent residence, so use the period to gain experience and prepare your next application.
- Common next steps include employer sponsorship, state nomination or an independent skilled visa.
- Do not let the visa expire before your next application is lodged, as a gap can limit your options.
How we help
- Confirm which stream and conditions apply to your qualification
- Check your eligibility and lodgement deadline
- Prepare and lodge the application
- Plan the move from graduate visa to employer sponsorship or skilled migration
Common pitfalls
- Missing the lodgement deadline after completing the course
- Letting the visa expire before the next step is lodged
- Choosing the wrong stream
- Not planning a pathway before the visa ends
Frequently asked questions
How long does the 485 last?
It depends on the stream and your qualification, and the settings have changed in recent years. Because the period can vary, Southern Stone confirms the current rules for your situation before you lodge. Please do not rely on general figures, as the permitted stay can differ between graduates.
Can I move to a work visa after graduating?
Often yes. Many graduates move to employer sponsorship or skilled migration, but each option has its own requirements. We plan this with you well before your graduate visa ends, so you are not left rushing at the last minute.
Which stream should I apply under?
There are two streams, Post-Vocational Education Work and Post-Higher Education Work, and the right one depends on your qualification. You cannot change streams after you lodge, so it is worth confirming the correct stream before you apply.
How soon after finishing my course do I need to apply?
There is a deadline that runs from the day you complete your course, and missing it can end your options. Plan to apply early and gather your documents while you are still studying. We can check your lodgement deadline for you.
What requirements apply besides my qualification?
Your study must meet the Australian study requirement, and age, English language, health, character and health insurance requirements also apply. The details can change, so we confirm the current requirements and check that you meet each one before lodging.
Can I include my family in a 485 application?
Restrictions on including family members in Temporary Graduate visa applications are planned, so the position may change. We confirm the current rules and any exemptions that apply when we review your circumstances. If family members are part of your plans, it is best to raise this early so that we can advise on the alternatives.