Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)

The Subclass 485 visa is a temporary work visa designed for international students who have completed at least two years of study in Australia but may not yet meet the points requirement for permanent migration.

After obtaining the 485 visa, graduates can freely travel in and out of Australia and are allowed to work, study, travel, undertake a Professional Year, and gain valuable Australian work experience. This visa provides graduates with sufficient time to prepare for and meet migration requirements.

Streams of the 485 Visa

Post-Higher Education Work Stream

1. Eligibility: International students who have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degree in Australia

2. Visa duration: 2–3 years

   Hong Kong passport holders: up to 5 years

3. Visa application fee: AUD 2,300

Post-Vocational Education Work Stream

1. Eligibility: Applicants who have completed a VET (Vocational Education and Training) qualification in Australia, and whose occupation is on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)

2. Visa duration: Up to 18 months

   Hong Kong passport holders: up to 5 years

3. Visa application fee: AUD 2,300

Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream

1. Eligibility: Holders of the first Post-Higher Education Work visa who studied and currently live in a designated regional area

2. Visa duration: Up to 18 months

   Hong Kong passport holders: up to 5 years

3. Visa application fee: AUD 905

Basic Eligibility Requirements

• Age requirement:
       Must be under 35 years old at the time of application

• Hong Kong passport holders: under 50 years old

• Qualification requirement:
       Must have completed at least 2 academic years of a CRICOS-registered course in Australia

• Visa status:
       Must hold a valid Student Visa or Bridging Visa A/B at the time of application

• English language requirement:
       IELTS overall 6.5 (minimum 5.0 in each band), or equivalent scores in PTE, TOEFL, or C1 Advanced

• Health and character requirements:
       Must undertake a health examination and provide police clearance certificates

• Application time limit:
       Must apply within 6 months after course completion, with a completion letter and academic transcript

Important Notes

• The 485 visa is generally a once-in-a-lifetime visa

• Visa holders should activate the visa promptly and reside in Australia after grant

• The visa cannot be extended, but applicants may be eligible for the Second 485 visa or other migration pathways

• Some graduates may be eligible for a longer visa duration, for example, research-based Master’s degrees in STEM fields may qualify for 3–4 years

Summary

The Australian Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa is a key stepping stone for international students seeking work experience and migration opportunities in Australia. It allows graduates to gain valuable local work experience and strengthens future applications for permanent residence visas such as Subclass 189, 190, and 491.

With proper planning, timely application, and thorough preparation, graduates can successfully transition from study to professional development or permanent migration pathways.