Difference Between Subclass 485 & Subclass 482: A Guide
Confused between the Temporary Graduate Visa and the Skills in Demand Visa? Explore our detailed comparison on eligibility, purposes, and ongoing conditions.
For many international graduates and skilled workers in Australia, choosing between the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) and the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)—now transitionining to the "Skills in Demand" visa—can be a pivotal decision for their migration journey.
While both visas allow you to live and work in Australia temporarily, they serve vastly different purposes and have distinct eligibility criteria. This guide breaks down the core differences to help you choose the right path.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Subclass 485 (Graduate) | Subclass 482/Skills in Demand |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | Post-study work and clinical experience. | Addressing critical labor shortages. |
| Sponsorship | Not Required | Employer Sponsor Required |
| Work Rights | Full rights, work for anyone. | Tied to the sponsoring employer. |
| Stay Duration | 1.5 – 5 years (varies by stream). | Typically 2 – 4 years. |
Subclass 485: The Graduate's Choice
The 485 visa is essentially a "reward" for completing your studies in Australia. It gives you the freedom to gain work experience in your field without needing an employer to sponsor you initially.
Benefits:
- Total flexibility to switch jobs or locations.
- Ideal for building the "one year of work experience" required for many PR points.
- No minimum salary requirements.
Subclass 482: The Skilled Worker's Choice
The 482 visa (and its successor, the Skills in Demand visa) is for those who already have a specific job offer from an Australian employer who is willing to sponsor them.
Requirements:
- Must have at least 2 years of relevant work experience.
- Must meet the TSMIT (Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold).
- Employer must undergo Labor Market Testing (LMT).
The Verdict: Which one for you?
If you are a fresh graduate with no significant prior experience, the Subclass 485 is almost always the superior choice because it doesn't tie you to a single employer and has a lower barrier to entry.
However, if you are nearing the end of your 485 visa and have found an employer willing to keep you long-term, transitioning to a Subclass 482 can be a strategic move to potentially access employer-sponsored PR pathways (like the Subclass 186).
Important Note on "Skills in Demand"
The Australian government is currently replacing the 482 visa with the new Skills in Demand Visa. This new model will offer more flexibility for workers to switch employers and a clearer path to PR. Consult with a migrateVerse agent to see how these brand-new 2026 regulations affect your specific case.
Need a Visa Strategy?
We can help you navigate the transition from a student visa to 485, 482, or PR.