Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) allows international students who have recently graduated from an Australian institution to live, study, and work in Australia temporarily. This visa is a crucial pathway for graduates aiming to gain valuable work experience, enhance their career prospects, and eventually apply for permanent residency.
There are two main streams under this visa:
Post-Study Work Stream – for international students who have completed a higher education degree such as a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degree from an Australian institution.
Graduate Work Stream – for graduates with qualifications and skills closely related to an occupation on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL).
The visa duration varies between 18 months to 5 years, depending on the qualification level and stream. Graduates of regional institutions may also be eligible for an extension.
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be under 50 years of age
- Hold an eligible student visa
- Meet English language proficiency requirements
- Have applied for a skills assessment (Graduate Work Stream)
- Hold adequate health insurance and meet health and character requirements
The 485 visa opens doors to full-time work rights and further study opportunities, making it an ideal bridge between education and permanent migration. It also allows graduates to gain Australian work experience, a key factor in skilled migration points-based assessments.
Our expert team assists you at every step—from eligibility assessment and documentation to visa lodgement and post-approval guidance. Whether you’re aiming to upskill, secure sponsorship, or apply for PR, we help you maximise the benefits of the 485 visa.
