Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485): Post-Study Work Rights 2026
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) gives international graduates of Australian institutions the right to live and work in Australia after completing their studies. It has two main streams: the Graduate Work stream (18 months, for occupations on the skilled list) and the Post-Study Work stream (2–6 years, based on your qualification level). The base application cost is $1,895 AUD, though recent changes have significantly increased costs for some applicants.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Visa subclass | 485 |
| Cost | $1,895 (base) — higher rates apply from mid-2024 |
| Duration | 18 months – 6 years (depending on stream and qualification) |
| Work rights | Full, unrestricted work rights |
| Study rights | Unlimited |
| Apply from | Inside Australia |
| Age limit | Under 50 at time of application |
| Can include family | Yes |
The Two Streams Explained
The Subclass 485 has two distinct streams, each with different eligibility criteria and visa durations. Which stream you apply under depends on when you received your first student visa and what you studied.
Graduate Work Stream
Duration: 18 months
This stream is for graduates whose occupation appears on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). You must have completed a qualification that's closely related to a nominated occupation on this list, and you need a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority.
Key requirements:
- Completed an eligible qualification (minimum Certificate IV level, at least 2 academic years of study)
- Occupation on the MLTSSL
- Positive skills assessment for that occupation
- Competent English (IELTS 6.0 overall, minimum 5.0 in each band)
This stream suits graduates who studied trades, engineering, nursing, teaching, and other occupations with clear skills assessment pathways.
Post-Study Work Stream
Duration: 2–6 years (based on qualification)
This is the more popular stream and doesn't require a skills assessment or occupation on any list. You simply need to have completed an eligible Australian qualification.
Duration by qualification level:
| Qualification | Duration | Regional Bonus |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree | 2 years | +1–2 years |
| Bachelor's degree (honours) | 3 years | +1–2 years |
| Master's by coursework | 3 years | +1–2 years |
| Master's by research | 3 years | +1–2 years |
| PhD/Doctorate | 4 years | +1–2 years |
Regional study bonus: If you studied and lived in a designated regional area of Australia, you may be eligible for an additional 1–2 years on your 485 visa. This is a significant incentive for studying outside Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
Select qualification bonus: Graduates in certain fields — healthcare, teaching, engineering, IT, and agricultural sciences — may receive additional visa duration. Check the current priority qualification list on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Cost Changes in 2024–2026
The Subclass 485 has seen significant cost increases as part of the Australian government's migration reform agenda.
| Period | Base Cost |
|---|---|
| Before July 2024 | $1,895 |
| From July 2024 | $1,895 (main applicant) |
| Additional applicant (18+) | $960 |
| Additional applicant (under 18) | $480 |
There has been considerable discussion about doubling the 485 visa fee to around $3,790 to discourage applications from graduates who don't transition into skilled employment. Check the Department of Home Affairs website for the most current fee schedule when you're ready to apply.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for either stream of the Subclass 485, you must meet all of these criteria.
Australian study requirement: You must have completed at least 2 academic years of study (92 weeks of enrolled study completed in a minimum of 16 calendar months) in Australia on a student visa. Short courses, online-only courses, and RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) credits don't count toward this requirement.
CRICOS registration: Your course must have been registered on CRICOS and delivered by a registered institution.
English language proficiency: Minimum competent English — IELTS 6.0 overall with no band below 5.0 (or equivalent in PTE, TOEFL, or Cambridge). The Graduate Work stream and Post-Study Work stream have the same English requirements.
Age: You must be under 50 years old when you apply.
Health and character: Standard requirements — health examinations and police clearances.
Health insurance: You need adequate health insurance for the duration of the visa. This can be OSHC or another approved policy.
Apply in Australia: You must be physically in Australia when you apply and when the visa is granted.
Timing: You must apply within 6 months of completing your course (as indicated by your institution's completion letter or academic transcript).
How to Apply
Step 1: Confirm your eligibility. Check your qualification level, study duration, and English scores match the requirements. Get your skills assessment started early if you're applying for the Graduate Work stream — these can take 2–6 months.
Step 2: Gather your documents.
- Completion letter from your institution
- Academic transcript
- English test results (less than 3 years old)
- Skills assessment (Graduate Work stream only)
- Passport
- Health insurance policy
- Police clearances (from every country you've lived in for 12+ months in the last 10 years)
- Evidence of Australian study requirement (CoEs, enrolment records)
Step 3: Apply through ImmiAccount. Complete the online form and upload all documents.
Step 4: Pay the application fee. $1,895 for the main applicant plus fees for any family members.
Step 5: Health examinations. If you haven't had recent health examinations, you'll be asked to complete them at a Bupa Medical Visa Services clinic.
Step 6: Receive Bridging Visa. If your student visa is about to expire, you'll automatically receive a Bridging Visa A that allows you to work and study while your 485 is processed.
Processing Times
Processing times for the Subclass 485 have fluctuated significantly. As of early 2026:
- Graduate Work stream: 3–6 months
- Post-Study Work stream: 2–5 months
These are indicative. High-volume periods (December–March, when graduates complete their courses) see longer processing times. Some applicants report waiting 8+ months.
While you wait, your Bridging Visa A gives you the same work and study rights as the 485. You're not in limbo — you can work full-time while your application is processed.
Using the 485 as a Pathway to PR
The 485 is a temporary visa, but it's a critical stepping stone for international graduates pursuing permanent residency. During your 485 visa, you can build Australian work experience, improve your English scores, and accumulate points for skilled migration.
Common pathways from the 485:
-
Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent): Lodge an Expression of Interest in SkillSelect, accumulate 65+ points, and wait for an invitation. Full guide here.
-
Subclass 190 (State Nominated): Apply for state nomination — states have their own occupation lists and requirements. 5 bonus points for nomination. Full guide here.
-
Subclass 491 (Regional): Move to a regional area and apply for a regional provisional visa. 15 bonus points. Full guide here.
-
Subclass 482→186 (Employer Sponsored): Find an employer willing to sponsor you on a Skills in Demand visa (482), then transition to permanent residency through the 186 after 2 years.
For the complete breakdown, see our student visa to PR pathway guide.
Recent Policy Changes
The Subclass 485 has been a moving target since 2023. Key changes to be aware of:
Age limit reduction (2024): The age limit was lowered from 50 to 35 for some streams, then adjusted back. Check the current age requirements before applying.
Duration cuts for some qualifications (2024): Some coursework master's graduates saw their visa duration reduced from 3 to 2 years. This was part of a broader effort to tighten post-study work rights.
Genuine Graduate requirement: Similar to the Genuine Student requirement for the 500 visa, the 485 now has a Genuine Graduate criterion. You need to demonstrate that your study was genuine and that you intend to use your qualification productively — not just as a vehicle to stay in Australia.
Regional incentives expanded: Additional visa years for regional study and living continue to be a strong incentive. If you studied in Adelaide, Perth, Hobart, Canberra, or regional NSW/Victoria/Queensland, you may get 1–2 extra years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work full-time on a 485 visa?
Yes. The Subclass 485 grants unrestricted work rights. You can work full-time, part-time, casually, or self-employ. There are no hour limits. This is a significant upgrade from the 48-hour fortnightly cap on the student visa.
What happens when my 485 expires?
When your 485 expires, you need to either be on another visa or leave Australia. There is no second 485 visa — you can only hold one in your lifetime. Common next steps include applying for a skilled visa (189, 190, 491), an employer-sponsored visa (482, 186), or a partner visa if applicable.
Can I travel while on a 485?
Yes. The 485 is a multiple-entry visa. You can leave and re-enter Australia freely during its validity. However, time spent outside Australia still counts toward your visa duration — the clock doesn't pause when you travel.
Do I need a job offer to apply for a 485?
No. The 485 doesn't require a job offer, employment, or sponsorship. It's granted based on your completed qualification, not your employment status. You can use the visa period to job search, work, or even start a business.
Can I include my partner and children?
Yes. Your de facto partner or spouse and dependent children under 23 can be included in your application. Partners get full work rights and children get study rights. Additional application fees apply for each family member.
