Work in Australia after completing your studies with a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485). This visa allows recent graduates to live, work, and study in Australia temporarily, providing valuable work experience and a pathway to permanent residency.
Work in Australia after graduation
Pathway to work experience and permanent residency.
Temporary Graduate Visa in Australia, supporting international graduates in building their careers.
What is the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)?
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) is a temporary visa that allows recent graduates of Australian educational institutions to live, work, and study in Australia. This visa provides an opportunity to gain valuable work experience and can be a pathway to permanent residency through skilled migration.
There are different streams of the Subclass 485 visa, depending on your qualifications and circumstances. The visa length varies from 18 months to 4–6 years, depending on your qualifications and the stream you apply for.
Types of Subclass 485 Visa Streams
- Post-Higher Education Work Stream: For graduates of higher education (bachelor, master, or doctoral degree). Valid for 2–6 years depending on qualifications and location.
- Post-Vocational Education Work Stream: For graduates of VET courses (diploma, advanced diploma). Valid for 18 months to 4 years.
- Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream: For graduates who have completed a second qualification in a regional area. Valid for 1–2 years.
Subclass 485 Visa Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), you must:
Subclass 485 Visa Length and Validity
The length of your Subclass 485 visa depends on several factors:
- Post-Higher Education Work Stream: 2–6 years depending on your qualification level and whether you studied in a regional area
- Post-Vocational Education Work Stream: 18 months to 4 years depending on your qualification and location
- Regional Study Bonus: Additional 1–2 years if you completed your studies in a regional area
- Hong Kong Passport Holders: May be eligible for 5-year visas
Subclass 485 Visa Processing Times
Processing times for the Subclass 485 visa vary:
- 75% of applications: Processed within 2–3 months
- 90% of applications: Processed within 4–5 months
Note: Processing times can vary based on application completeness, current processing volumes, and the stream you apply for.
Subclass 485 Visa Costs
The Subclass 485 visa application fee is approximately $4,600 AUD (as of 2026).
Additional costs may include:
- Health insurance
- Medical examinations
- Police clearances
- English language tests (if required)
- Migration agent fees (if using professional assistance)
Note: Fees are subject to change. Always check current fees with the Department of Home Affairs.
Pathway to Permanent Residency
The Subclass 485 visa can be a pathway to permanent residency:
- Gain work experience in Australia during your 485 visa
- Improve your English language skills
- Complete additional studies if needed
- Apply for skilled migration visas (Subclass 189, 190, or 491)
- Meet points requirements and other eligibility criteria
Note: The 485 visa itself does not directly lead to permanent residency, but it provides time to gain experience and apply for permanent visas.
Let Us Help You Secure Your Temporary Graduate Visa
At Hays Migration, we understand that applying for a graduate visa is an important step in your career journey — but you don’t have to do it alone.
Our experienced team of MARA-registered agents and migration lawyers are here to guide you through every step, from assessing your eligibility and choosing the right stream to preparing your visa application and planning your pathway to permanent residency.
Contact us today and take the first step towards working in Australia after graduation.
