Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) | Wintr Consulting

Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)

Live, work, and build experience in Australia after completing your qualification.

The Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa provides opportunities for you to live, work and build experience in Australia after completing an Australian qualification and meet the study requirements.

Eligibility Criteria

You must be 35 years or younger at the time of application (higher age limits apply to HK/BNO passport holders and Masters (Research) or PhD graduates). You must have completed your Australian study requirement within the six months prior to applying.

The Three Streams

Graduate Work Stream

For graduates who have completed an eligible vocational, trade or diploma qualification in Australia and whose qualification is closely related to an occupation on the skilled occupation list.

Must complete eligible qualification from a CRICOS-registered provider.
Skills assessment required by the relevant assessing authority.
Maximum stay: Up to 18 months (up to 5 years for HK/BNO passport holders).
Must apply within 6 months of completing eligible qualification.

Post-Higher Education Work Stream

For graduates who have completed a Bachelor, Honours, Master or Doctoral degree from an Australian institution.

No nominated occupation or skills assessment required.
Bachelor (incl. Honours): Up to 2 years.
Master by coursework: Up to 2 years.
Master by research and Doctoral degree: Up to 3 years.
Special longer duration may apply to certain passport holders (e.g., HK/BNO) or Indian nationals under AI-ECTA.
Must lodge within 6 months of completing eligible qualification.

Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream

For those who have already held a Graduate visa under the Post-Higher Education Work stream and who studied and lived in a designated regional area.

Must currently hold a Graduate visa (PHEW stream) and apply as the main applicant.
Qualification must be from a campus located in a designated regional area.
Must have lived in a regional area for at least 2 years while holding the first visa.
Stay duration: 1 to 2 years depending on regional category.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Subclass 485 visa and how does it work?

The Subclass 485 visa allows international students who have recently completed eligible Australian study to stay temporarily in Australia, to live, work and study.

What English language test requirements apply for the Subclass 485 visa?

You must demonstrate English proficiency through an accepted test unless you hold a passport from an English-speaking country. New English language standards apply 7 August 2025; currently, both PVEW and PHEW streams require the IELTS equivalent score of 6.5 overall and 5.5 in each component.

What is CRICOS?

CRICOS stands for the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. It is an official Australian Government register that lists education providers and courses approved to enrol international students on student visas.

Can the Subclass 485 visa include my partner and children?

Yes. You can include your spouse or de facto partner and dependent children in your Subclass 485 visa application.

What are the work rights on a Subclass 485 visa?

You can work full-time without restriction. This visa allows you to gain Australian work experience and build eligibility for future skilled visas.

How does completing studies in a regional area affect my eligibility for the Subclass 485 visa?

Studying and living in a designated regional area may make you eligible for the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream, which can extend your stay by one to two years.

How does the Subclass 485 visa affect my pathway to permanent residence?

The Subclass 485 visa does not directly lead to permanent residence but provides work experience that can support applications for skilled or employer-sponsored visas later.

Can I travel outside Australia while I hold a Subclass 485 visa?

Yes. The visa allows multiple entries during its validity period. You can travel freely as long as your visa remains valid.

What are the common application mistakes for the Subclass 485 visa that I should avoid?

Common issues include applying under the wrong stream, missing the 6 month deadline, or failing to supply time of application documents.

Can I apply for more than one Subclass 485 visa or change streams once I’ve applied?

You cannot change streams after lodging your application. However, you may apply for the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream later if you meet regional study and residence criteria.

When will the Subclass 485 visa program rules change and how will upcoming changes affect me?

Visa conditions can change regularly. For example, the extended post-study work rights for certain degrees ended on 1 July 2024, and new English requirements apply from 2025. Always refer to the latest guidance from the Department of Home Affairs.