If you recently completed a course in Australia, the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) This could be your next step to continue in the country. seen is aimed at recent graduates who wish to temporarily stay to work in Australia, gain professional experience, and possibly prepare for permanent residency.
As of July 1, 2024, the 485 visa has undergone significant changes. It now has three well-defined streams, each with specific requirements:
- Post-Vocational Education Work stream
- Post-Higher Education Work stream
- Second Post-Higher Education Work stream
In this guide, you will understand:
- What is the 485 visa?;
- What are the streams and their requirements?;
- How long of a visa can you get?;
- How to include your family;
- The most recent changes;
- How to use 485 to achieve bigger goals in Australia.
What is the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)?
O The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) is a temporary visa for international students that were completed in Australia. To be eligible for the 485 visa, you must have completed at least 2 academic years of study (92 weeks of course) over a minimum of 16 calendar months, in a CRICOS registered course, within the 6 months prior to your application.
It allows:
- Remain in the country for up to 18 months (or up to 5 years for Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders) in the case of the Post-Vocational Education Work stream, typically 2 to 3 years (or up to 5 years for Hong Kong and British National Overseas) in the case of the Post-Higher Education Work stream, and an additional 1 to 2 year duration for graduates who studied and lived in regional areas in the case of the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream;
- Work full-time;
- Gain professional experience in your field of study;
- Prepare for skilled work or permanent residency visas.
Before July 2024, the 485 visa had four streams, which caused confusion for many applicants. Now, it is divided into just three main streams:
- Post-Vocational Education Work stream – For those who have completed vocational courses;
- Post-Higher Education Work stream – For those with higher education degrees;
- Second Post-Higher Education Work stream – For temporary graduates who hold a Post-Higher Education Work, Post-Study Work or Replacement visa with a degree from an Australian institution located in a regional area.
PositionVocational Education Work Stream
Targeted at those who have completed vocational courses such as Certificates III and IV, Diplomas or Advanced Diplomas in Australia, this stream is ideal for those who want to quickly enter Job market in Australia with recognized qualifications.
Main requirements:
- Vocational course completed in Australia, with a minimum duration of 2 years;
- Course related to an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List;
- Positive skills assessment for the occupation;
- Student visa for the last 6 months;
- Age up to 35 years;
- Minimum IELTS English equivalent to 6.5 (no band below 5.5);
- Not having had another 485 visa before.
Visa duration:
Up to 18 months (or up to 5 years for Hong Kong passport holders and British National Overseas passport holders).
Post-Higher Education Work Stream
Aimed at those who have completed a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree in Australia. This stream focuses on graduates who want to expand opportunities in the local job market.
Main requirements:
- Completed university-level degree (Bachelor, Master, PhD);
- Student visa for the last 6 months;
- Age up to 35 years;
- Minimum English equivalent to IELTS 6.5 (minimum 5.5 in each band);
- Not having had another 485 visa before.
Visa duration:
Normally, 2 to 3 years (or up to 5 years for Hong Kong and British National Overseas).
Second Post-Higher Education Work stream
Aimed at those who already hold a 485 visa and have completed studies in regional areas of Australia, this stream is an extension for those who wish to remain in the country longer, working and living in designated regions.
Main requirements:
- Hold a valid Temporary Graduate (485) visa in the Post-Higher Education Work, Post-Study Work, or Replacement stream;
- Age up to 35 years at the time of applicationexceptions for Hong Kong and PhD);
- Having studied at an institution registered with CRICOS, located in a designated regional area;
- Verify that you have lived in a regional area for at least two years before applying;
- Ensure adequate health insurance for all applicants;
- Meet health and character requirements.
Visa duration:
1 to 2 additional years for graduates who studied and lived in regional areas.
Inclusion of family in the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)
The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) allows you to include family members as dependents, either in the initial application or later through Subsequent Entrants.
- Spouse/partner and children can work and study in the country.;
- It is necessary to meet the requirements and present all documentation correctly.
Key changes to the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)
- Mandatory Skills Assessment for vocational stream;
- Maximum age reduced to 35 years.;
- IELTS English requirement of 6.5;
- Regional visa duration rule adjustments.
The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) as a strategy for permanent residency
More than just a temporary visa, the 485 can be the first step towards permanent residency in Australia and can be key in your Australian migration process. During this period, you can:
- Gain relevant professional experience;
- Improve your English;
- Expand your network;
- Seek employer sponsorship for visas such as the 482, 186, or 190.
Do you want to apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)?
A Good Day Migration counts on Registered migration agent e offers full support to identify the ideal stream, gather documents, and conduct your application safely.
All information was taken from the official website of the Australian Department of Immigration. For any questions, check the official source.
See also:
- 820 Partner visa: partner visa to live in Australia with the one you love
- 482 Temporary Skill Shortage Visa: minimum salary, required experience, English and benefits
- How to work in Australia: salary, tips and visa options
- How to immigrate to Australia: everything you need to know
- University in Australia: find out how to study in the country
- Australia's best cities: find the ideal destination for your exchange program
- Cost of an exchange in Australia in 2025: see the main planning mistakes

