If you’ve recently completed your studies in Australia, the 485 Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) could be your gateway to launching a career down under. In 2026, this visa remains one of the most popular post-study pathways for international graduates — offering real work experience and a potential stepping stone toward permanent residency. Here’s everything you need to know.
What Is the 485 Temporary Graduate Visa?
The Subclass 485 visa allows international students who have recently graduated from an Australian institution to live, work, and study in Australia temporarily. It bridges the gap between completing your degree and securing long-term residency. The visa is managed by the Department of Home Affairs and has two distinct streams:
- Graduate Work Stream – For graduates with skills in an occupation listed on a relevant skilled occupation list. This stream grants 18 months of stay.
- Post-Study Work Stream – For graduates of bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, or PhDs from Australian universities. Duration ranges from 2 to 4 years depending on qualification level.
Key Eligibility Requirements in 2026
To qualify for the 485 visa, you must satisfy the following conditions:
1. Educational Qualifications
You must have completed at least one eligible Australian qualification — a bachelor’s degree, diploma, trade qualification, or higher — from a registered institution. For the Post-Study Work Stream, the degree must be at least a bachelor’s level qualification and at least two academic years must have been completed in Australia.
2. English Language Proficiency
Functional English is a mandatory requirement. Most applicants meet this with an overall IELTS score of 5.0 (minimum 4.5 in each band) or equivalent in PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, or OET. Starting your IELTS or PTE preparation early is strongly recommended to meet this threshold comfortably.
3. Student Visa Compliance
You must have held a valid Subclass 500 student visa at some point during your studies and complied fully with its conditions — including attendance requirements and maintaining enrollment. Any breaches can affect your 485 eligibility.
4. Age Limit
Applicants must be under 50 years of age at the time of lodgement.
5. Health and Character
Standard Australian health requirements apply, including a medical examination by an approved panel physician. You must also provide police clearance certificates from any country you have lived in for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Our list of approved hospitals for the Australia visa medical can help you find an authorised panel physician near you.
How Long Is the 485 Visa Valid?
The validity period depends on the stream and qualification level:
- Graduate Work Stream: 18 months
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree (Post-Study Work): 2 years
- Master’s by research or doctoral degree: 3 to 4 years
Step-by-Step Application Process
Here’s how to apply for the 485 Temporary Graduate Visa in 2026:
- Create an ImmiAccount – Register at the Department of Home Affairs website and complete your application online through ImmiAccount.
- Gather supporting documents – This includes academic transcripts, degree certificate, passport, English test results, health examination evidence, and police clearance.
- Lodge within 6 months – You must apply within 6 months of receiving your final results notification. You must be in Australia at the time of lodgement.
- Pay the visa fee – The application fee in 2026 is approximately AUD 1,895 for the primary applicant.
- Track your application – Monitor your ImmiAccount for updates. Processing times vary from a few weeks to several months based on complexity.
Pathway to Permanent Residency
Many graduates use the 485 visa period to gain Australian work experience, which can then count toward skilled migration points. If you’re planning for PR, it’s worth exploring PR-pathway courses in Australia for 2026 to align your qualifications with high-demand occupations. However, be aware that competition has intensified — especially in tech sectors. Learn more about why IT professionals are finding Australian PR harder in 2026 and plan accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I include family members on my 485 visa?
Yes, eligible secondary applicants such as your spouse or de facto partner and dependent children can be included in your application.
Can I work full-time on the 485 visa?
Yes, the 485 visa places no restrictions on work hours. You can work full-time in any industry while your visa is valid.
Start Your 485 Visa Journey With Expert Guidance
Applying for the 485 Temporary Graduate Visa requires careful attention to documentation, timelines, and compliance. The IELTSNPTE team has helped hundreds of international graduates navigate this process successfully. Whether you need support with English language preparation or visa application guidance, our experienced counsellors are here to help every step of the way. Contact us today to get started.