Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
Stay on and gain professional experience after finishing your Australian studies, across three eligible streams.
Registered Migration Agent, MARN 0965239About the Graduate Visa
Last reviewed 27 August 2026 by Jan Bejcek, Registered Migration Agent MARN 0965239.
Quick answer: the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) lets eligible graduates of an Australian institution live, work and study in Australia for between 18 months and 5 years, depending on stream and qualification. No job offer is required, work rights are unrestricted, and eligible family members can be included.
The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) lets recent graduates of eligible Australian qualifications live, work and study in Australia for a period after their course. It is a common bridge between study and a longer term skilled or employer sponsored pathway.
There are three streams, and the one that applies to you depends on your qualification: Post-Higher Education Work for degree graduates, Post-Vocational Education Work for associate degree, diploma or trade graduates, and Second Post-Higher Education Work for eligible graduates who studied and lived in a designated regional area. We map the graduate visa into your wider plan, so it moves you toward the outcome you want rather than being a dead end.
Which stream fits your qualification
You must apply for the correct stream the first time. It cannot be changed once your application is lodged, so getting this right matters.
Degree graduatesPost-Higher Education Work
For graduates of a bachelor, masters or doctoral degree from an Australian institution, completed within the last 6 months.
Vocational graduatesPost-Vocational Education Work
For graduates of an associate degree, diploma or trade qualification linked to an occupation on the skilled occupation list, with a positive skills assessment.
Regional graduatesSecond Post-Higher Education Work
For existing Temporary Graduate visa holders who studied and lived in a designated regional area, applying for a further period.
| Stream | Who it is for | Typical stay | Visa cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Post-Higher Education Work | Bachelor, masters or doctoral graduates | 2 to 3 years (up to 5 for HK/BNO passport holders) | From AUD 5,750 (confirm current fee) |
| Post-Vocational Education Work | Associate degree, diploma or trade graduates with a skills assessment | Up to 18 months (up to 5 for HK/BNO passport holders) | From AUD 5,750 (confirm current fee) |
| Second Post-Higher Education Work | Existing 485 holders who studied and lived in a designated regional area | 1 to 2 additional years | From AUD 2,265 (confirm current fee) |
The complete Temporary Graduate Visa guide
A plain language ebook covering all three subclass 485 streams: eligibility, stay periods, English requirements, document checklists and the step by step application process.
- All three streams explained side by side
- English language score tables and document checklists
- Step by step guide to applying through ImmiAccount
What is generally required
- An eligible degree, associate degree, diploma or trade qualification, awarded within about 6 months of applying
- Held a Student visa within the last 6 months, or a linked bridging visa
- Meet the English language requirement, unless you hold a passport from the UK, the US, Canada, New Zealand or Ireland
- Adequate health insurance for you and any family members included
- Meet health and character requirements, including an Australian Federal Police check
- Apply for the correct stream, since it cannot be changed after lodgement
Working with a registered migration agent
We start with a consultation to confirm your correct stream and to map the strongest version of your application. Then we prepare the evidence, complete the forms, and lodge and manage the application through to a decision, dealing with the Department of Home Affairs on your behalf.
All migration advice is provided under MARN 0965239 and bound by the MARA Code of Conduct. Fees, quotas and processing times are confirmed against the current Home Affairs requirements before you apply.