Trusted Migration Agent for Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)

Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) lets international students across the world stay, work and get practical experience in Australia for a few years after completing their studies. At migrateVerse, MARA-agents provide detailed, compliant guidance in strict alignment with Australian Government immigration requirements today!

Quick Overview: 485 Visa Australia

Visa NameTemporary Graduate Visa (485 Subclass)
Visa TypeTemporary 
Purpose Permits recent international graduates who have completed qualifying studies—allow to gain post-work experience skills. 
Stay Duration18 months, and up to 5 years depending on the stream, for eligible passport holders and those with regional study.
Family Inclusion Yes. Eligible family members can be included in the application.
Work Rights Full work rights 

About Temporary Graduate Visa (485 Subclass) 

Temporary Graduate Visa 485

Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) helps international students who have recently completed an eligible course in Australia to stay, work, and get valuable professional experience in the country. This visa will let graduates to apply what they have learned, develop their career prospects and explore opportunities in Australia after completing their studies.

Applicants must meet certain criteria, which include having completed a CRICOS registered course and meeting health, character and English language requirements. 

At migrateVerse, our consultants assist you in every stage, from checking your eligibility to preparing and submitting a fully compliant visa application as per the Australian Government standards.

Important Things to Know About the 485 Visa

Here are some very important points that you need to understand before applying for a 485 Visa: 

  • Recent Australian Study: You must have undertaken an eligible course registered on CRICOS
  • Temporary Visa: It only gives limited rights to live, work and study for a period after graduation.
  • Apply on Time: You must apply within six months of completing your course.
  • Family Members Allowed: Qualified partners and children can be part of the visa application.
  • No points or sponsorship required: This visa does not require you to have a certain number of points, an employer sponsorship or a job offer.
  • No additional cost: No financial requirements at the time of visa application.
  • Visa cost & processing time: Costs and processing times differ based on the visa stream.

What Does the 485 Visa Offer?

These are the main benefits you can enjoy with a 485 Visa Australia:

  • Stay in Australia: This visa allows eligible international students to remain in Australia temporarily after completing their studies.
  • Work in Australia: Holders can work unrestricted hours in any sector while the visa is valid. 
  • Include Family Members: Holders can include eligible family members, like a partner and children, in this application. 
  • Get Experience & Learn Skills: Graduates can get professional experience, which is valuable and apply their studies in real work situations.
  • Live, Work & Study Flexibly: This visa lets you stay, work, and continue studying in Australia during its validity.

Types of Streams Available (485 Visa Australia) 

In this section, we have explained the available subclasses of the Temporary Graduate Visa (485 Subclass):

Post‑Vocational Education Work Stream 

It is targeted at overseas graduates who have vocational, diploma or trade qualifications in Australia linked to an occupation listed by the country. It allows graduates to remain temporarily, work and get hands-on experience in their field of study.

  • Stay temporarily to live, work or study in Australia.
  • Must have the relevant occupation on an occupation list.
  • Typically last for a maximum of 18 months.

Post‑Higher Education Work Stream 

This stream is for graduates who have finished a bachelor, masters or pHD degree from an Australian institution. It provides an opportunity for graduates to live and work temporarily in Australia, develop skills both personally and professionally, while using their education in the workplace.

  • Allows you to travel, work and train in Australia for a period of time.
  • Degree level qualification (bachelor, master, PhD). 
  • Duration allowed is different depending on your level and any changes in the official rules.

Second Post‑Higher Education Work Stream

This stream is for former holders of the Temporary Graduate Visa who have lived and worked in a regional area and have an eligible higher education qualification. It provides recent graduates the opportunity to remain in Australia temporarily, work and get additional specialised skills from an Australian organisation.

  • For those with a first 485 visa from higher education.
  • Allows you to be working, studying and living in Australia for a period of time.
  • The length of time is subject to regional study location and criteria.

Who Can Apply For 485 Visa: Eligibility Requirements 

There are specific requirements under the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) which applicants are required to meet. You need to fill out an application under the relevant visa stream, satisfy age and study requirements and submit all required documents at time of lodgement.

General Eligibility Requirements (All Streams)

  • Must previously have been on a Student Visa (Subclass 500) in the previous six months.
  • Must have studied a CRICOS-registered course in Australia.
  • Be aged 35 years or under when you apply. (Exceptions Apply) 
  • Must have met the Australian study requirement in six months before applying.
  • Must satisfy health, character and English language requirements.
  • Don’t apply for the wrong stream, as you can not switch streams after lodgement.

Post-Vocational Education Work Stream Eligibility

  • Must have completed an associate degree, diploma or trade qualification aligned with the Temporary Graduate study requirement.
  • Qualification has to be closely related to a nominated occupation on the Australian skilled occupation list.
  • Any other general eligibility criteria as listed above must also be met.

Post-Higher Education Work Stream Eligibility

  • Bachelor’s or higher degree from an Australian education provider.
  • The qualification must meet the Australian study requirements for this stream.
  • All general eligibility requirements above must be met.

Post-Higher Education Work Stream Eligibility

  • Must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher qualification from a regional education provider.
  • The qualification must satisfy the Australian regional study & living requirements for this stream.
  • Meet all general eligibility requirements at the time of applying.

Length of Stay and Work Rights: Temporary Graduate Visa (485 Subclass)

Visa StreamLength of StayWork Rights
Post-Vocational Education Work StreamUp to 18 months, Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders may stay for 5 years.Full-time work with no restrictions
Post-Higher Education Work Stream2 to 3 years (depends on qualification level), Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders may stay for 5 yearsFull-time work with no restrictions
Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream1 to 2 years (based on regional study location)Full-time work with no restrictions

⭐️All the details we post on our page are from credible sources only⭐️

How We Handle Your 485 Visa Application At migrateVerse? 

At migrateVerse, our MARA-Team processes your Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) accurately, transparently and with full compliance to the Australian Government rules, ensuring that your application is correct and at the right time. Here’s how we handle everything: 

1️⃣ Eligibility Assessment

Our team checks your eligibility, course duration, visa history and timing to ensure you choose the right 485 stream and are ready to apply.

2️⃣ Stream Selection Guidance

We assist you in selecting the right 485 visa stream as per your study levels, graduation details and if applicable, regional eligibility.

3️⃣ Document Preparation & Checks

We collect and verify all required documents, ensuring they meet Home Affairs standards and are consistent across your application.

4️⃣ Application Lodgement

Your visa application is prepared and lodged accurately, within deadlines, and in line with current immigration regulations.

5️⃣ Ongoing Updates & Support

We track your application, answer any requests from the Department and keep you informed until a decision.

Our way of working minimises mistakes, delays and refusals, helping our clients at every step on the 485 Visa pathway.

Fees & Processing Times: Everything You Should Know 

Visa StreamCostProcessing Time 
Post-Vocational Education Work StreamFrom AUD $2,300.00Processing times vary, but you can check out the visa processing time guide tool 
Post-Higher Education Work StreamFrom AUD 2,300.00Processing times vary visa processing time guide tool
Second Post-Higher Education Work StreamFrom AUD 905.00Processing times can be different for all, so check out visa processing time guide tool

Why Choose Us for a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)

The right choice of migration agent makes a difference, particularly for visas that are time-sensitive, such as the Temporary Graduate Visa. At migrateVerse, we are all about precision, transparency and ethics. Your application will perfectly align with what the Australian Government expects.

  • Stream-specific advice based on your qualification and when you’d graduate.
  • Transparent and open communication throughout your visa process.
  • MARA-registered expertise ensuring your 485 visa is handled carefully under current immigration law.
  • Compliance-first documentation checks to reduce refusals and processing delays.
  • Support after lodging until a decision is made by the Department.

Want to Apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)?

At migrateVerse, our migration agents provide you with correct eligibility advice, paperwork and full support aligned with Australian Government demands!

Apply Now

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

1. What is a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)?

Temporary Graduate visa allows overseas students who have finished eligible studies in Australia to live and work there temporarily after their studies.

2. When do I apply for a 485 visa after finishing my studies

You need to apply within 6 months of finishing your eligible Australian qualification and have held a valid Student Visa. 

3. Can I work full time on a 485 visa?

Yes, while the visa is valid, Subclass 485 visa holders have unrestricted work rights, that is, they can work full-time, part-time or casually in Australia.

4. Can I add my family to my application for a 485 visa?

Yes, provided they meet the visa criteria, eligible family members such as your partner and dependent children can be included in your 485 visa application.

5. Does a 485 visa lead to PR in Australia?

485 visa is a temporary one, although it may allow you to gain Australian work experience, which will be valuable if it can help make you eligible for alternative future permanent skilled migration pathways.

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NOTE

Department of Home Affairs, an official branch of the Australian government, is the source of all the information shown here. This information should only be used as broad guidance because immigration laws and personal conditions differ. We don’t promise or assert that a visa will be granted. Before moving on, applicants should independently verify the information. If you need assistance with your visa application, our team is here to help.