Temporary Graduate (subclass 485)

The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) lets international students who have recently completed eligible study in Australia stay on to live, work and gain professional experience. It is one of the most popular post-study options because it grants full, unrestricted work rights, allowing graduates to build the Australian work experience and skills points that strengthen later applications for skilled and employer-sponsored visas. For many students, the 485 is the bridge between graduation and permanent residence.

The visa has streams for different study backgrounds, including a Post-Higher Education Work stream for university graduates and a Post-Vocational Education Work stream for eligible vocational qualifications. To be eligible you must have recently completed a course registered on CRICOS that meets the Australian study requirement, hold an eligible student or other visa, meet the age limit, have competent English, and hold adequate health insurance. Recent policy changes have adjusted both the maximum age and the length of stay, so checking the current rules for your stream is important.

To qualify, your qualification must meet the Australian study requirement, generally at least two academic years of study in Australia in a CRICOS-registered course, completed in English. The Post-Higher Education Work stream is for those with a bachelor, master or doctoral degree, while the Post-Vocational Education Work stream is for eligible diploma and trade qualifications, often linked to occupations in demand.

The length of stay depends on your stream and qualification level, and recent reforms have streamlined these durations, with longer stays for higher-level degrees and, at times, extensions for graduates of regional institutions or in selected fields. Because the rules have changed, you should confirm the current stay period and age limit before applying. Choosing your course with the 485 in mind, ensuring it is CRICOS-registered and meets the study requirement, is a smart long-term strategy for students who hope to remain in Australia.

First, complete your eligible CRICOS course and obtain your completion documents, including academic transcripts and a completion letter. Apply within six months of completing your course while you still hold an eligible visa. You will need an approved English test result, evidence that you meet the Australian study requirement, health insurance, and a skills assessment or registration if your stream requires it.

You must also provide identity documents, health examinations and police certificates, and some applicants need to have applied for or obtained a skills assessment in their nominated occupation. Lodging while you still hold a valid visa and within the time limit after course completion is critical, because late applications are a common reason for ineligibility. Preparing your documents before your student visa expires ensures a smooth transition onto the 485.

The visa application charge for the primary applicant is in the low-to-mid thousands of Australian dollars, with additional charges for family members, plus the cost of English testing, health insurance, skills assessment where required, health examinations and police checks. Once granted, the 485 gives unrestricted work rights, so you can work full-time in any job and gain valuable Australian experience.

The real value of the 485 lies in how it positions you for permanent pathways. The Australian work experience, English improvement and any Professional Year you complete during the visa all add points for the skilled visas (189, 190 and 491) and help you qualify for employer-sponsored options (482 and 186). Treating the 485 as a strategic stepping stone, rather than just temporary work rights, is the key to converting your Australian education into long-term migration success.

Planning around the real numbers makes the Temporary Graduate far less stressful. On cost, From about AUD 2,235 (main applicant). On timing, Several months on average. Budget a little extra for document translation, certified or notarised copies, any required medical examination, photos to specification, and travel to a consulate or biometrics appointment. These smaller costs add up and are easy to overlook. Start gathering your documents early. Recent graduate of an eligible Australian qualification, under the age limit, with English, health insurance, and a relevant skills assessment for some streams. Lets graduates live and work temporarily. Beyond those specifics, almost every applicant needs a passport valid well beyond the intended stay, recent photographs, and proof of funds or income. Where papers are issued in another language, official translations and sometimes an apostille or legalisation are expected, so confirm the exact format before booking your appointment.

Approval hinges on three things: a genuine place at an approved institution, money to cover tuition and living costs, and credible study intent. Keep your acceptance or enrolment confirmation, proof of fees paid, and bank statements organised and recent. Be ready to explain how your course fits your goals. Know the work-hour limits attached to the visa and never breach them, and remember you must remain enrolled and maintain attendance to keep your status. Apply as early as your offer allows, because consular appointments and processing can be slow in peak intake seasons.