The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) lets international students who have recently finished study in Australia stay on to live, work and study. You find your own job, with no employer sponsorship. Many graduates use the 485 to gain the Australian work experience they need for a 482, 186 or points-tested visa.
The 485 visa charge is A$5,750 for the main applicant (from 1 July 2026, first application).
The Two Main Streams
| Post-Higher Education Work | Post-Vocational Education Work | |
|---|---|---|
| Qualification | Bachelor degree or higher (or eligible graduate diploma) | Associate degree, diploma or trade qualification linked to an occupation on the skilled list |
| Field of study | Any field | Must relate to an occupation on the skilled list |
| Skills assessment | Not required | Must have applied for one |
| Length of stay | 2 years (bachelor and coursework master's), 3 years (research master's and PhD) | 18 months |
| Age | 35 or under (under 50 for research master's and PhD graduates, and Hong Kong and BN(O) passport holders) | 35 or under (with the same passport exceptions) |
| Visa charge | A$5,750 | A$5,750 |
Hong Kong and British National (Overseas) passport holders can stay for 5 years. Indian nationals have stay periods set by the Australia–India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement. A Second Post-Higher Education Work stream gives some graduates who studied and lived in regional Australia extra time.
Who Can Get a 485 Visa
Home Affairs says you must:
- be in Australia when you apply
- hold an eligible visa and have held a Student visa in the last 6 months
- have completed an eligible qualification at a CRICOS-registered provider in the 6 months before you apply
- meet the Australian study requirement (at least 2 academic years of study in Australia)
- be 35 or under when you apply, unless an exception applies
- meet the English language requirement, or hold a passport from the UK, US, Canada, New Zealand or Ireland
- provide evidence of adequate health insurance for every applicant when you apply
- provide evidence that you have applied for an Australian Federal Police check when you apply
The health insurance, AFP check and English evidence must be attached when you lodge. A missing document can make the application invalid.
What the 485 Visa Costs
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Main applicant (first 485) | A$5,750 |
| Second Post-Higher Education Work stream | A$2,265 |
Family members who apply with you pay a further charge each. The 485 is exempt from the subsequent temporary application charge. Health checks, police certificates and biometrics are extra.
Living and Working on a 485 Visa
- You can work for any employer, in any job, full time.
- You can study and travel in and out of Australia while the visa is valid.
- Your partner and dependent children can be included if they are in Australia when you apply. Your children can be added until the visa is decided. Other family members can apply later as subsequent entrants.
- The 485 can't be extended, so plan your next visa well before it expires.
What Comes After the 485
| Next step | What you need |
|---|---|
| 482 Skills in Demand | An employer sponsor and 1 year of experience |
| 189 / 190 / 491 | Enough points, a skills assessment and an invitation |
| Partner visa | An Australian partner |
Australian study and work experience both earn points in the points test.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a 485 visa cost?
A$5,750 for the main applicant's first Temporary Graduate visa from 1 July 2026. The Second Post-Higher Education Work stream costs A$2,265.
What is the age limit for the 485?
35 or under when you apply. You can be under 50 if you are using a research master's or PhD, or if you hold a Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport.
Can I apply for a 485 from outside Australia?
No. The main applicant must be in Australia (but not in immigration clearance) when applying. Family members joining later can apply from outside Australia.
How long can I stay on a 485?
Usually 2 years after a bachelor or coursework master's degree, 3 years after a research master's or PhD, and 18 months in the Post-Vocational Education Work stream.
Get Help With a 485 Visa
The 485 has a strict 6-month window after you finish your course, and some documents must be attached at lodgement. A registered migration agent can check your eligibility and plan your next visa. Tell us your situation and we'll introduce you to registered migration agents near you. It's free to ask.
This page is general information, not immigration advice. Source: Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), Department of Home Affairs.