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Temporary Graduate Subclass 485 Visa

Your guide to work opportunities after studying in Australia

Visa Overview

The Temporary Graduate subclass 485 visa is a work visa for international students who have completed at least two years of study in Australia. The visa duration ranges from 18 months to 4 years, depending on individual circumstances. This visa provides a valuable opportunity to extend your stay in Australia, enhancing your eligibility for a permanent or provisional skilled visa.

Key Requirements

  • The primary applicant must be in Australia at the time of application.
  • The applicant must have held an eligible student visa within six months prior to lodging the application.

Recent Changes to the 485 Visa

  • Age Limit Reduction: The age limit for the 485 visa has been reduced to 35 years or younger.
  • Extended Work Rights: Certain occupations and qualifications are now eligible for extended post-study work rights.
  • Regional Graduates: International graduates from regional institutions may receive an extra 1 or 2-year visa.
  • Secondary Applicants: Secondary applicants are now included in the 485 visa application.
  • Processing Time: The processing time for the 485 visa has been updated.

Available Streams

  • Graduate Work Stream
  • Post-Study Work Stream
  • Second Post-Study Work Stream (extension)
  • Visa Replacement Stream

Upcoming Changes (2024)

As part of Australia’s new migration strategy, significant changes will be introduced to the 485 visa, including:

  • Shortening the stay period for international graduates.
  • Restricting new graduate visa holders from returning to student visas.
  • Limiting the stay of graduates without in-demand skills.
  • Lowering the age eligibility from 50 to 35 years.

New English Language Requirements (effective from 23 March 2024):

  • Minimum IELTS score increased from 6.0 to 6.5, with no less than 5.5 in each component.
  • The test validity window has been reduced from three years to one year.
  • Passport holders from Hong Kong and British National Overseas (BNO) are exempt from these new requirements.

Pathway to Permanent Residency (PR):

  • Post-Study Work Stream (PSWS): For students who have recently graduated with a Bachelor’s degree or higher from an Australian institution.
  • Graduate Work Stream: For students with a diploma or higher qualifications relevant to specific occupations needed in Australia.

Common Criteria for Both Streams

  • Age: The main applicant must be under 50 at the time of lodgment.
  • English Proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through an accepted test or passport from an English-speaking country.
  • Australian Study Requirement: Applicants must meet the two-year study requirement and have completed qualifications within six months of applying.
  • Points Test: The 485 visa is not points-tested.

Including Family Members

You can include spouses, de facto partners, same-sex partners, and dependent children in your application. If you already hold a 485 visa, family members can apply to join you in Australia.

Visa Duration and Conditions

  • Graduate Work Stream: Visa valid for 18 months from the date of grant.
  • Post-Study Work Stream: Duration depends on your qualification and whether you studied in a regional area.
    • 2 years: Bachelor’s Degree, Bachelor with Honours, Master’s by Coursework, or Master’s (Extended).
    • 3 years: Master’s by Research.
    • 4 years: Doctorate.

Note: While on a 485 visa, you have unrestricted work rights in Australia, and you must maintain private health insurance.

English Requirements

For both streams, the English language requirements include:

  • An overall IELTS score of 6.0, with at least 5 in each band.
  • Equivalent scores from other recognized tests are also acceptable.

Fees

  • Application Fee: $1,920
  • Additional Applicant Charge (18+): $960
  • Additional Applicant Charge (Under 18): $485

Recent Government Announcements

The Australian Government will increase the duration of post-study work rights for degrees in areas of verified skill shortages:

  • From 2 to 4 years for select Bachelor’s degrees.
  • From 3 to 5 years for select Master’s degrees.
  • From 4 to 6 years for select PhDs.

Update (25 November 2023)

  • Online study requirements have returned to pre-COVID settings, but online study during the COVID concession period will still count towards the Australian Study Requirement (ASR).
  • Subclass 485 visas can now be granted regardless of the applicant’s location at the time of grant.