How International Students Can Apply for a 485 Subclass Visa in Australia

Completing your studies in Australia opens up a world of opportunities, especially if you wish to gain practical work experience in your field. One of the most popular visa pathways for international graduates is the Temporary Graduate Visa 485. This visa allows eligible students to live, work, and gain valuable experience in Australia after finishing their studies.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process of applying for the 485 Subclass Visa Australia, including eligibility, required documents, visa streams, and expert tips for a smooth application.

What Is the Temporary Graduate Visa 485?

The Graduate Visa Australia (Subclass 485) is designed for international students who have completed their studies from an Australian institution. It provides temporary residency that allows graduates to live and work in Australia while enhancing their professional skills.

This visa is an excellent opportunity to gain real-world experience, improve employability, and even build a pathway toward permanent residency.

There are two main streams under the 485 Subclass Visa Australia:

1. Post-Study Work Stream – for international students who have completed a higher education degree (bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate) from a CRICOS-registered Australian institution.

2. Graduate Work Stream – for students who have completed vocational education or training and whose qualifications relate to occupations on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL).
   
   

Who Can Apply for the 485 Subclass Visa Australia?

Before applying, it’s important to ensure you meet the eligibility requirements for the Temporary Graduate Visa 485. These include:

• Age requirement: You must be under 50 years of age.
  

• Visa status: You must hold an eligible student visa (or have held one within the past 6 months).
  

• Qualification: You must have completed an eligible course of study in Australia within the last 6 months.
  

• Duration of study: Your course must have been at least two academic years (92 weeks) and CRICOS-registered.
  

• English proficiency: You must demonstrate your English language ability through IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE results.
  

• Health and character: You must meet Australia’s health and character requirements and hold valid health insurance.
  
  

Streams of the Graduate Visa Australia

1. Post-Study Work Stream

The Post-Study Work Stream is ideal for graduates who have completed higher education degrees. It allows them to stay in Australia for:

• 2 to 4 years depending on their qualification level
  

• Up to 6 years for regional study areas
  

Eligible degrees include bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. This stream is not limited by occupation, making it a flexible option for university graduates.

2. Graduate Work Stream

The Graduate Work Stream is for students with qualifications closely related to occupations on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL).
It allows graduates to stay in Australia for up to 18 months (or longer for passport holders from Hong Kong).
This stream suits those completing diplomas, trade qualifications, or certificates.

Documents Required for 485 Subclass Visa Australia

Before you apply, gather all the necessary documents to avoid delays. Common requirements include:

• Passport and recent passport-sized photographs
  

• Academic transcripts and completion letter from your institution
  

• English language test results (IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE)
  

• Health insurance cover (Overseas Visitor Health Cover – OVHC)
  

• Police clearance certificates
  

• Evidence of skills assessment (for Graduate Work Stream applicants)
  

• Proof of health examination booking or completion
  
  

Ensure all documents are accurate and translated into English (if applicable).

Step-by-Step Process to Apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa 485

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Confirm that you meet all requirements related to your age, course, and visa history. Use the official Department of Home Affairs website to verify details before proceeding.

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents

Organise all necessary documents, including academic records, English test scores, and health insurance. Missing paperwork is one of the most common reasons for visa processing delays.

Step 3: Complete Skills Assessment (Graduate Work Stream)

If you’re applying through the Graduate Work Stream, ensure your occupation appears on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) and complete a skills assessment through the relevant assessing authority.

Step 4: Apply Online

You must apply online through the ImmiAccount portal on the Department of Home Affairs website. Double-check that all your information and attachments are correct before submission.

Step 5: Pay the Visa Application Fee

The application fee for the Temporary Graduate Visa 485 starts from around AUD 1,895 (subject to change). Additional charges may apply for dependents.

Step 6: Health Examination and Biometrics

You’ll be required to undergo a health check and may need to provide biometrics. Follow the instructions provided in your visa application acknowledgment letter.

Step 7: Wait for the Decision

Processing times vary depending on the visa stream:

• Post-Study Work Stream: typically 7–9 months
  

• Graduate Work Stream: typically 6–8 months
  

You can check your visa status anytime through your ImmiAccount.

How Long Can You Stay on a Graduate Visa Australia?

The stay period depends on your qualification and visa stream:

• Graduate Work Stream: up to 18 months
  

• Post-Study Work Stream:
  

• Bachelor’s Degree – 2 years
  

• Master’s by Coursework – 3 years
  

• Master’s by Research – 4 years
  

• Doctoral Degree – 4 years
  
  

Graduates from regional institutions can receive an additional 1–2 years of stay.

Benefits of the Temporary Graduate Visa 485

The 485 Subclass Visa Australia offers numerous benefits, including:

• Full work rights in Australia
  

• The ability to gain valuable Australian work experience
  

• Eligibility to bring family members (spouse and children)
  

• A potential pathway to permanent residency
  

• The opportunity to explore further education or professional growth
  

This visa gives graduates the freedom to plan their career or migration goals while living in Australia.

Tips for a Successful 485 Visa Application

1. Apply early: You must apply within 6 months of completing your course.
   

2. Double-check your documents: Missing or incorrect documents can delay your application.
   

3. Meet the English test requirements: Ensure your test results are valid and meet the minimum score.
   

4. Maintain health insurance: Continuous health cover is mandatory during the entire application process.
   

5. Consult a migration agent: If you are unsure, seek help from a registered migration agent to avoid mistakes.
   
   

What Happens After the 485 Visa Expires?

When your Temporary Graduate Visa 485 expires, you may explore other visa pathways such as:

• Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
  

• Employer-Sponsored Visa (Subclass 482)
  

• State Nomination Visa (Subclass 190)
  

• Regional Visa (Subclass 491)
  

Many graduates use the Graduate Visa Australia as a stepping stone toward permanent residency through skilled migration programs.

Conclusion

Applying for the 485 Subclass Visa Australia is an excellent way for international students to gain valuable post-study experience and start their professional journey. By understanding the eligibility criteria, preparing the right documents, and applying within deadlines, you can make your transition from student life to professional success in Australia smoother. Whether you choose the Post-Study Work Stream or the Graduate Work Stream, the Temporary Graduate Visa 485 can open doors to exciting career opportunities — and possibly a long-term future in Australia.