Subclass 485 Graduate Visa Complete Guide
What Is the Subclass 485 Visa?
The Temporary Graduate Visa allows international graduates to remain in Australia after completing their studies, providing valuable work experience and time to plan your future.
Full-Time Work Rights
Work for any employer in any field while you build your Australian career
PR Pathway
Strategic stepping stone toward permanent residency and skilled migration
Travel Freely
Multiple entry rights to travel in and out of Australia
Add Your Family
Include your partner and dependents in your visa application
Get Local Experience
Gain valuable Australian work experience to boost your career prospects
Study Further
Continue your education or upskill while on this visa
Choose Your Stream
Two pathways designed for different qualifications
🎓 Post-Higher Education Work Stream
For graduates with:
- Bachelor Degree
- Bachelor with Honours
- Master’s Degree (Coursework or Research)
- Doctoral Degree (PhD)
✓ No occupation list requirement
✓ No skills assessment needed
✓ Longer stay periods
✓ Flexible work options
🔧 Post-Vocational Education Work Stream
For graduates with:
- Certificate IV
- Diploma
- Advanced Diploma
- Trade qualifications
✓ Qualification must relate to skilled occupation list
✓ Skills assessment may be required
Popular occupations: Cookery, Childcare, Aged Care, Automotive, Carpentry, Joinery, Plumbing, Electrical Trades
Eligibility Requirements
Clear, simple requirements to qualify for your 485 visa
At least 2 academic years (92 CRICOS weeks) completed in Australia
Apply within 6 months of completing your course or student visa ending
Meet English language requirements (unless exempt)
Generally under 35 years old (you’re 35 until the day you turn 36)
Meet health and character requirements
Higher Ed: No occupation list | Vocational: Skills assessment may apply
How Long Can You Stay?
Visa duration based on your qualification level
| Qualification | Duration |
|---|---|
| Bachelor Degree | Up to 2 years |
| Master’s Degree (Coursework) | Up to 2 years (updated 2025) |
| Master’s Degree (Research) | Up to 3 years |
| Doctoral Degree (PhD) | Up to 4 years |
| Vocational Qualifications | Up to 18 months |
Why Graduates Choose the 485 Visa
Key benefits that make this visa essential for your career
Full-Time Work Rights
You can work in any field, for any employer
Build Australian Experience
Crucial for employer sponsorship and skilled migration
Flexibility
Study again, work, travel or upskill
Strategic PR Pathway
Use your time wisely to build points, gain experience, or secure sponsorship
Why Choose VisaTasker?
Expert guidance you can trust for your Graduate Visa application
Flat Fee: $500
Transparent pricing with no hidden costs
MARA Registered
Professional & ethical migration agent (MARN 2318017)
5-Star Rated
Trusted by clients with excellent Google reviews
100% Success
Perfect track record for partner, skilled & employer visas
Personalized Strategy
We plan your pathway beyond the 485 visa
Fully Compliant
Every requirement checked before application
Simple, Transparent Pricing
Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
Everything included. No surprises.
- Complete eligibility assessment
- Document checklist & review
- Application preparation & lodgment
- MARA-registered agent support
- Post-485 migration strategy
- Email support throughout
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for the 485 visa after completing a diploma?
Yes! Diploma and trade graduates can apply under the Post-Vocational Education Work stream, provided your qualification links to an occupation on the skilled occupation list.
Do I need a skills assessment?
It depends on your stream:
- Higher-education graduates (Bachelor, Master, PhD): No skills assessment required
- Vocational graduates: Often required, depending on the occupation
Can I include my partner in my 485 visa application?
Yes. Married and de facto partners can be included if they meet the requirements and are in Australia at the time of application.
What if my student visa expires before my 485 is granted?
You will receive a Bridging Visa that keeps you lawful while the application is being processed.
Does the 485 visa lead to permanent residency?
Not directly. However, it gives you valuable time and Australian work experience that help with skilled visas, employer-sponsored visas, and PR planning.
Can I lodge a 485 visa application without English test results?
No. English evidence is a time-of-application requirement. You must provide proof that you have:
- Taken the English test, AND
- Achieved the required score
Test results must be issued, not just undertaken. This was confirmed by the Federal Court in Shine v Minister for Immigration (2023).
Can an offshore dependent be included in a 485 application?
No. A secondary applicant must be onshore at the time of application. If your dependent is offshore, they must lodge a subsequent entrant application after the primary applicant’s visa is granted.
What does “35 years old or younger” mean for the age requirement?
You are considered “35” until the day you turn 36. This means:
- ✓ 35 years and 10 months old = eligible
- ✓ 35 years and 11 months old = eligible
- ✗ The day you turn 36 = no longer eligible
This applies to most applicants except Hong Kong passport holders and certain research-degree graduates.
Can the 2-year regional requirement for 485 extension be completed on any visa?
Some interpretations suggest time on a Student visa or other visas may count. Always check regulations 485.232 and 485.233, or seek professional advice.
Common Mistakes We Help You Avoid
Don’t let these errors derail your application
We ensure you choose the correct pathway for your qualification
We keep you on track with critical timeframes
We verify your occupation against current requirements
We identify when this is required for your case
We guide you to the right test and required scores
We provide comprehensive checklists and review
Start Your Graduate Visa Application with Confidence
Your next chapter in Australia starts here. Whether you’re just finishing your course or planning your long-term future, we’ll help you apply correctly and strategically.
Book Your Consultation
Reviewed by VisaTasker Migration Services
MARA Registered Migration Agent · MARN 2318017
This page is written and reviewed by VisaTasker Migration Services, a MARA-registered migration agency based in Australia. As registered agents, we are bound by the Migration Agents Code of Conduct and required to provide accurate, up-to-date advice based on Australian migration legislation. Information is reviewed against the latest Department of Home Affairs policy.