Student visas
Subclass 485
Temporary Graduate visa
Finished your studies in Australia? Stay, work and build experience for your next visa.
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About the Temporary Graduate visa
The 485 visa lets international students who recently completed an Australian qualification live and work here temporarily. There are separate streams for vocational and higher education graduates.
Strict timing applies. You generally need to apply within 6 months of completing your course, with your English test, health insurance and police checks ready.
Key requirements
- Recently completed an eligible Australian qualification (CRICOS-registered, at least 2 academic years)
- Applied within 6 months of course completion
- Held a Student visa in the last 6 months
- Meet the age limit (generally 35 or under)
- English test results at the required level
- Health insurance and an Australian Federal Police check
- Vocational stream: a relevant skills assessment and occupation
What this visa lets you do
- Work full-time for any employer
- Gain Australian work experience for points and employer sponsorship
- Study, and travel in and out of Australia
- Include your family
How to apply
- 01
Step 1
Confirm your stream and eligibility
- 02
Step 2
Book your English test and AFP check early
- 03
Step 3
Obtain your skills assessment (vocational stream)
- 04
Step 4
Lodge before the 6-month deadline
- 05
Step 5
Respond to requests; you'll usually hold a bridging visa while you wait
Common reasons applications fail
- Lodging after the 6-month deadline
- Course not eligible (too short, or not CRICOS-registered)
- English test results expired or too low
- Missing AFP check or health insurance at the time of lodging
Download PDF
Student visa checklist
Free PDF checklist. Print it or save it to your phone before your consultation.
Download PDFGovernment fees
What Home Affairs charges, current as at 1 July 2026. These are not our professional fees.
Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)
| Fee | Amount (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Main applicant | $5,750 |
| Each additional applicant aged 18 or over | $2,875 |
| Each additional applicant under 18 | $1,450 |
| Second Post-Higher Education Work stream | $2,265 |
Not sure which visa fits?
Book a consultation and we'll map out your options.
Frequently asked questions
When should I apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (485)?
Apply as soon as you are eligible, and within 6 months of completing your course. Your course must be registered on CRICOS and meet the Australian study requirement. Have your English test result and police checks ready, because missing documents are a common cause of delay.
Is there an age limit for the Temporary Graduate visa (485)?
Yes. Most applicants must be 35 or under when they apply. A higher age limit applies to some passport holders, such as Hong Kong and British National (Overseas) passport holders. If you are over the limit, we can look at employer-sponsored or other options.
Can I include my partner in my 485 visa?
Yes. Your partner and dependent children can usually be included, and they generally have full work rights. Including them when you apply is simpler than adding them later.
Can the 485 visa lead to permanent residency?
Not directly. The 485 gives you time to gain skilled work experience in Australia, which can count towards points for a skilled visa or support an employer-sponsored visa. Planning your next visa early makes the most of your 485.
General information only, not migration advice. Visa rules change often. We'll confirm what applies to you in a consultation. Last reviewed October 2026 by SavieMEC's registered migration agents.