The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) allows recent international graduates from Australian institutions to live, study, and work in Australia temporarily. This visa is ideal for graduates who wish to gain professional work experience in their field after completing their studies. Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about eligibility, application steps, fees, and recent updates to the 485 visa program.
What is the 485 Post-Study Work (PSW) Visa?
The Post-Study Work stream of the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) is specifically for international students who have recently graduated from an Australian CRICOS-registered course. This visa lets graduates stay and work in Australia, allowing them to build on their education with practical experience.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) under the Post-Study Work stream, you must meet the following requirements:
- Age: You must be 35 years old or younger at the time of application.
- Recent Graduate: You must hold a recent qualification from a CRICOS-registered course.
- Eligible Visa Status: Applicants must hold an eligible visa and have held a Student visa within the past six months.
- Stream Selection: The Post-Study Work stream must be selected upon application submission, as changes cannot be made after submission.
- Documentation: All necessary documents must be attached at the time of application submission.
Note: Recent changes to the visa program, effective from 1 July 2024, have introduced new requirements aimed at supporting skilled graduates and reducing visa hopping.
How to Apply for the 485 Visa
- Gather Documents: Ensure all required documents are ready before starting your application. This includes proof of your recent CRICOS-registered qualification, passport, and health insurance.
- Meet Health and Character Requirements: As part of the application, you’ll need to undergo health checks and provide police clearances to meet the Australian government’s health and character requirements.
- Submit Online Application: Applications are submitted online through the portal, where you must select the Post-Study Work stream, as it cannot be changed later.
- Attach All Documents: All required evidence must be provided at the time of application submission. Missing documents may delay processing.
- Pay the Application Fee: The application fee starts from AUD $1,945 (see breakdown below).
- Await Outcome: Once submitted, processing times vary. You can check the status of your application via the portal.
Visa Duration and Work Rights
The duration of the 485 visa depends on the highest level of qualification completed:
- Bachelor’s Degree: Up to 2 years
- Master’s Degree: Up to 3 years
- Doctorate: Up to 4 years
This visa allows for full-time work rights, letting you gain valuable industry experience in Australia.
Visa Fees and Processing Times
The visa costs AUD 1945for the main applicant. Other changes map applies for each family member in your application and subsequent entrants may pay the full visa application charge.（Update date：2025.01）
Processing Times: Processing times can vary depending on the completeness of your application. It is advised to ensure all documents are in order to avoid delays.
- 50% of applications: 90 Days
- 90% of applications: 5 Months
（Update date：2025.01）
Benefits of the 485 Visa
- Work Experience: This visa provides a pathway to work in Australia, allowing you to build experience in your field and potentially meet criteria for other skilled migration visas.
- Pathway to Permanent Residency: Gaining professional experience in Australia can open pathways to other skilled migration visas, contributing to a stronger application for permanent residency.
- Post-Graduate Opportunities: You can explore opportunities for further study, skill development, or work sponsorship during your stay.
FAQs
What is the difference between the Post-Study Work and Graduate Work streams?
The Post-Study Work stream is for recent graduates of an Australian institution, whereas the Graduate Work stream is designed for international students with skills that relate to an occupation on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List.
Can I extend my 485 visa?
Extensions are generally not available for the 485 visa. Graduates seeking additional time in Australia may explore other visa options or pathways to permanent residency.
What are my work rights on the 485 visa?
Holders of the 485 visa (Post-Study Work stream) have full-time work rights in Australia, allowing them to gain valuable industry experience.
How often does the visa program update?
The visa program undergoes periodic updates. As of 1 July 2024, new eligibility criteria have been introduced to align with Australia’s Migration Strategy.
