Temporary Graduate visa 485
Work in Australia after eligible Australian study, usually for 18 months to 3 years.
In force
Who it is for
International students who recently completed eligible study in Australia. Streams: Post-Higher Education Work (bachelor degree or higher) and Post-Vocational Education Work (diploma or trade qualification linked to an occupation on the list, with a skills assessment). A Second Post-Higher Education Work stream exists for some regional graduates.
Main requirements
- Age 35 or under when you apply (under 50 for research masters and PhD graduates, and Hong Kong and British National (Overseas) passport holders).
- Hold an eligible student visa, or have held one in the last 6 months.
- Completed your course in the 6 months before you apply, and met the Australian study requirement.
- English test taken in the 12 months before you apply.
- Adequate health insurance, health and character.
- Post-Vocational Education Work: a skills assessment applied for when you lodge.
- Not previously held a Temporary Graduate visa as the main applicant (except the second stream).
Where you apply from
Main applicants must be in Australia when they apply. A valid application usually gives a bridging visa while it is decided. Holders of a 485 cannot apply for a Student visa in Australia.
Streams
- Post-Higher Education Work
- Post-Vocational Education Work
- Second Post-Higher Education Work
Length of stay
| Bachelor and coursework masters | Up to 2 years |
|---|---|
| Research masters and PhD | Up to 3 years |
| Post-Vocational Education Work | 18 months |
| Indian nationals (trade agreement), bachelor | 2 years |
| Indian nationals, bachelor with first-class honours in STEM | 3 years |
| Indian nationals, masters | 3 years |
| Indian nationals, PhD | 4 years |
Your journey, step by step
From the first enquiry to the decision and after, with how a registered migration agent helps at each step. No step promises an outcome.
- First enquiry
You tell us your current visa, where you are, your family and any past refusals or cancellations.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent identifies your current visa, its conditions and expiry, and any early risk. - Check your windows
Confirm your course completion date, the 6-month window and your age.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent checks the dates and the right stream. - Service agreement
Before any personal advice or preparation, you receive a written service agreement and the OMARA Consumer Guide.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent sets out the work, the fee and the refund policy in writing. No money is taken for visa work before the agreement is signed. - Evidence
English test, completion letter and transcript, police certificates, health insurance and, for vocational graduates, the skills assessment application.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent checks that the study requirement and English evidence are in order. - Lodge in Australia
Lodge online in ImmiAccount and pay the charge.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent lodges before the 6-month window closes. - Health, police and biometrics
Health examinations, police certificates and biometrics when the Department asks.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent tracks every request and deadline so nothing lapses. - Decision and work
Work and study freely for the period of the visa.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent explains your stay period and conditions. - Plan the next step
The 485 does not lead directly to permanent residence. Plan employer sponsorship or a skilled visa.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent plans a realistic pathway, such as a 482, 186, 189, 190 or 491.
Government charges from 1 July 2026
Paid to the Department of Home Affairs, not to us.
| Applicant or item | Charge (A$) |
|---|---|
| Main applicant | A$5,750 |
| Family member 18 or over | A$2,875 |
| Family member under 18 | A$1,450 |
| Second Post-Higher Education Work, main applicant | A$2,265 |
Check every charge in the Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator.
Processing times
Home Affairs Global visa processing times. Read 22 October 2026. A guide only, not a promise.
| Post-Higher Education Work | 50% in 5 days, 90% in 55 days |
|---|---|
| Post-Vocational Education Work | 50% in 52 days, 90% in 5 months |
Common refusal reasons
- Applying more than 6 months after completing the course.
- Over the age limit.
- Study requirement not met.
- English test older than 12 months or below the score.
- No skills assessment applied for (vocational stream).
- No health insurance, or a previous 485 as main applicant.
Document checklist
Tick items as you gather them. Your ticks stay on this device only.
- Identity
- Study
- Requirements
Recent and upcoming changes
- 1 July 2024
New stream names, maximum age 35 for most applicants, and new stay periods.
- 1 July 2026
Main applicant charge rose to A$5,750.
Talk it through before you apply.
The first 15 minutes are free and general. Personal advice starts after a written service agreement.
Information checked 22 October 2026. General information only, not advice for your situation. Rules and charges change; check the official sources before you act.