Services
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
Work full-time in Australia after completing eligible study here. The 485 is a key bridge from graduation to employer sponsorship, skilled migration, or other long-term pathways.
At a glance
- Recent graduatesFor eligible qualifications completed in Australia.
- Full work rightsGenerally unrestricted work while the visa is valid.
- Two main streamsPost-study work vs occupation-selected pathways.
- Next visaOften 482/186, points-tested PR, or partner routes.
Subclass 485
What the Temporary Graduate visa does
A structured work period after Australian study.
The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) lets eligible former students remain in Australia temporarily after finishing a course at an Australian institution. It is designed so you can gain experience, secure sponsorship, or prepare a skilled or family-based permanent application.
Policy settings—including maximum age at application, length of stay, and eligible courses—are set in legislation and updated from time to time. Your outcome depends on your stream, qualification level, where you studied, and when you apply.
Streams
Choosing the right 485 stream
Post-study work vs occupation-aligned pathways.
Most applicants fit one of two conceptual pathways: one centred on an eligible Australian qualification you have completed (commonly described as a post-study work style stream), and one where you nominate an occupation and meet skills assessment and list requirements (sometimes described as a graduate work or occupation-selected pathway).
- Post-study pathway: Tied to completing eligible degrees or other qualifying study in Australia. Stay length can vary by qualification type and whether extensions or regional study concessions apply.
- Occupation-selected pathway: Requires a nominated occupation, skills assessment where required, and meeting the relevant skilled occupation criteria at the time of application.
- Second 485 (replacement): In limited circumstances, a further temporary graduate visa may be available—eligibility is narrow and fact-specific.
Requirements
Typical eligibility themes
What the Department usually expects to see.
- Australian study: You must have met the Australian study requirement with an eligible CRICOS-registered course and acceptable completion timing.
- English language: Competent English (or higher, depending on stream and rules at lodgment).
- Health insurance: Appropriate cover for the whole stay (not OSHC—usually overseas visitor cover or equivalent as specified).
- Apply on time: You must lodge within prescribed periods after your course completion or award date, depending on stream.
- Character & other criteria: Police clearances and standard public interest criteria apply.
Strategy
After your 485: common permanent pathways
Use your work rights to build the next application.
Many graduates move from a 485 to employer-sponsored visas (such as the 482 or 186), points-tested skilled migration (189, 190, or 491), or partner or other family visas. Some also use the time to sit tests, gather skilled employment for points, or complete skills assessments.
- Employer-sponsored visas—when an Australian employer can nominate your role.
- Skilled migration (points-tested)—if you can reach the points threshold and secure an invitation or nomination.
- Family & partner visas—if an eligible relationship supports a further application.
Finishing your course soon or comparing 485 streams?
Book a consultation and we will check timing, stream choice, and your longer-term pathway before you lodge.