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TEMPORARY GRADUATE VISA
Make your next move, minus the stress
You've finished study - now turn it into real-world experience. This visa lets recent graduates live and work in Australia while you plan what's next.
REAL AUSTRALIA EXPERIENCE
REAL AUSTRALIA EXPERIENCE
step from classroom to workplace and build your local CV.
work without the handbrake
work without the handbrake
generally unrestricted work hours on 485, so you can say yes to opportunity.
two clear streams
two clear streams
Post-higher Education Work (Bachelor, Master, PhD) and Post-Vocational Education Work (diploma, trade).
bring your people
bring your people
options for your partner and eligible dependent kids to join you.
stay with purpose
stay with purpose
typical stay: up to 18 months (post vocational) or 2-3 years (degree level, depending on qualification).
OVERVIEW
The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) gives recent graduates time in Australia to work, live and plan. From 14 Dec 2024, the program was reshaped: new stream names, adjusted stay lengths, and (for most) a maximum age of 35. The previous 2-year “select degree” extension has ended.
Why choose Australia
Why choose Australia
It converts your study into local experience, helps you test industries/regions, and keeps you mobile while you explore next steps (employment, skills assessments, or future visa options you choose to research).
Who this is for
Who this is for
Post-Higher Education Work: recent degree graduates (Bachelor, Master, phD) typical stay 2-3 years depending on level.
Post-Vocational Education Work: recent diploma/trade/associate degree graduates. Typical stay up to 18 months.
Most applicant must be 35 or under at lodgement (HK BNO passport holders have different settings).
WHAT THE DEPARTMENT EXPECTS FROM YOU
You're a recent graduate who:
OTHER KEY REQUIREMENTS AT A GLANCE
OTHER KEY REQUIREMENTS AT A GLANCE
Stream & qualification match – your highest Australian award aligns with the stream (degree vs vocational).
Apply in time – lodge within 6 months of your official course completion date.
English language – current 485 setting is higher than before (e.g., IELTS 6.5 overall with 5.5 each band, or equivalent – check accepted tests and new score mappings).
Age – generally 35 or under (different for HK/BNO).
Health cover – hold appropriate 485 visa health insurance (not OSHC) from lodgement through grant and stay.
Include family – partner and eligible dependent children can be added (or join later as subsequent entrants).
YOUR OBLIGATIONS AFTER GRANT
Work and travel freely while you comply with visa conditions, keep valid health insurance, and update details if things change. (If you later qualify for a second Post-Higher Education stream via regional study/stay, different rules and timings apply.)
WHAT YOU'LL WALK AWAY WITH
WHAT YOU'LL WALK AWAY WITH
A straightforward game plan for timelines and next steps
Confidence about what evidence/settings matter
Plain-English answers to common 485 questions
A calm, consistent point of contact (no run-around)
READY TO GET STARTED?
Get in touch now.
Tell us your finish date and qualification. We'll confirm what we can (and can't)
do, outline the plan, and get you moving.
FAQ - TEMPORARY GRADUATE VISA (Subclass 485)
FAQ - TEMPORARY GRADUATE VISA (Subclass 485)
What are the two streams – how do I choose?
What are the two streams – how do I choose?
Post-Higher Education Work: for degree holders (Bachelor/Master/PhD). Typical stay ~2–3 years depending on level.
Post-Vocational Education Work: for diploma/trade/associate degree. Typical stay up to 18 months.
Pick the stream that matches your highest eligible Australian qualification.
What’s the age limit now?
What’s the age limit now?
For most applicants, 35 or under at lodgement. HK/BNO passport holders have different age and stay settings.
How soon must I apply after finishing?
How soon must I apply after finishing?
Within 6 months of your official course completion date (not the ceremony).
What English score do I need?
What English score do I need?
Home Affairs increased the 485 threshold (e.g., IELTS 6.5 overall with 5.5 each band, or equivalent). Check current accepted tests/score conversions before you book.
Can I work full-time on 485?
Can I work full-time on 485?
Yes – unrestricted hours on this visa. Many graduates use 485 to secure skilled roles and references. Study Australia
HOW LONG CAN I STAY?
HOW LONG CAN I STAY?
• Post-Vocational: up to 18 months.
• Post-Higher Education: ~2–3 years by qualification (Bachelor up to 2 years; Masters up to
2; PhD up to 3). Some special settings apply for HK/BNO.
Can my family come with me?
Can my family come with me?
Yes – partner and eligible dependent children can be included or join later as subsequent entrants (they’ll need health/character checks and you must hold suitable health cover).
Do I need health insurance even after OSHC ends?
Do I need health insurance even after OSHC ends?
Yes – switch to 485-appropriate cover from lodgement through your stay. Your family must be covered too.
What about fees and processing time?
What about fees and processing time?
Fees change – use the current Visa Pricing Table before you pay. Processing varies with stream and individual factors; apply with complete, accurate information to avoid avoidable delays.
Can I get a “second” 485?
Can I get a “second” 485?
If you held Post-Higher Education (or earlier Post-Study/Replacement) and meet regional study/live requirements, the Second Post-Higher Education stream may allow an extra 1–2 years – rules depend on your uni’s regional location and where you live during 485.
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