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Temporary Graduate Visa · Subclass 485
Graduate Visa
Subclass 485
Subclass 485 rules differ by stream, qualification and individual circumstances. Check the current requirements before relying on a qualification, English standard or expected stay period.
MARN 2619317
485 Pathways
Check the Stream That Applies to Your Circumstances
Qualification type, study history, occupation and skills-assessment requirements, regional criteria and the rules in force at application can affect eligibility.
Higher Education
Post-Higher Education Work Stream
For eligible degree-level graduates and limited other qualifications where current rules allow
The Post-Higher Education Work stream is generally for international students who have recently completed an eligible Australian degree-level qualification. Eligibility depends on the subclass 485 rules applying at the date of application. A Graduate Diploma is not automatically eligible simply because it is a higher-education qualification; only limited circumstances may qualify under current rules and should be checked before relying on this pathway.
Key Features
- Temporary work and stay rights if the visa is granted
- No employer sponsorship requirement for the subclass itself
- Stay period depends on the qualification and rules applying at grant
- Time in Australia may help a graduate build lawful work experience
- Any later skilled migration pathway has separate eligibility requirements
General Requirements
- Completed an eligible Australian qualification for the relevant stream
- Meet the Australian study requirement and other subclass 485 study criteria
- Apply within the period allowed by the current subclass 485 rules
- Meet the visa-status requirements applying at the time of application
- Meet the applicable age requirement and any available exception
- Provide the English-language evidence specifically required for subclass 485 at the date of application
- Meet health, character and other applicable criteria
Stay period
- Stay periods depend on the qualification, passport and subclass 485 rules applying at the time
- Bachelor degree and honours graduates may have different stay periods from masters and doctoral graduates
- Research qualifications may attract different stay periods from coursework qualifications
- Some passport holders may have different arrangements under applicable international agreements
- Do not assume a Graduate Diploma has a default two-year stay period; check the current eligibility and stay rules for the exact qualification
📋 The visa starts on the date it is granted. Current stay periods and qualification rules should be checked on the Department of Home Affairs website before application.
Post-Vocational
Post-Vocational Education Work Stream
For eligible vocational graduates whose qualification relates to a nominated skilled occupation
The Post-Vocational Education Work stream is for eligible graduates who have completed a relevant vocational qualification and meet the occupation and skills-assessment requirements applying to this stream. A CRICOS qualification by itself is not enough.
Key Features
- Temporary work and stay rights if the visa is granted
- Opportunity to gain lawful Australian work experience
- No employer sponsorship requirement for the subclass itself
- Any later skilled or employer-sponsored pathway must be assessed separately
General Requirements
- Completed an eligible qualification for the Post-Vocational Education Work stream
- Nominate an eligible skilled occupation for the relevant pathway
- Qualification must be closely related to the nominated occupation as required by the current rules
- Have applied for or hold a suitable skills assessment where required
- Meet the Australian study requirement and visa-status requirements
- Meet the applicable age requirement and any available exception
- Provide the English-language evidence specifically required for subclass 485
- Meet health, character and other applicable criteria
📋 Stay periods and occupation settings for this stream can change. Check current Department of Home Affairs requirements and the relevant assessing authority before relying on a particular occupation or duration.
Regional second grant
Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream
For eligible graduates who meet the regional study and residence criteria for a second 485 grant
A second subclass 485 grant may be available to some eligible graduates who previously held the relevant subclass 485 stream and meet the regional study and residence requirements applying at the time. The length of any additional stay depends on the current rules and the regional category that applies.
Key Features
- Possible additional temporary stay if all second-grant criteria are met
- Recognises eligible regional study and residence under the subclass 485 rules
- Temporary work rights subject to the visa conditions applying at grant
- Time may be used to build experience, but does not itself guarantee eligibility for another visa
General Requirements
- Meet the first-grant and previous-visa requirements for the second subclass 485 grant
- Meet the regional study and residence requirements applying to the relevant category
- Be in the location required by the current application rules when applying
- Meet any age, English, health, character and other criteria that apply
📋 Regional-study points under the skilled migration points test are separate from the 15 points available for eligible subclass 491 state nomination or family sponsorship. Regional study does not automatically provide access to subclass 491.
After Your 485
Other Pathways Have Separate Requirements
A subclass 485 visa does not guarantee eligibility for permanent residence. Skilled, employer-sponsored and state-nominated pathways each have their own criteria and decision processes.
General information only. Subclass 485 settings change and individual eligibility depends on the law and policy applying to the application.
Last reviewed: September 2026 · Reviewed by Aftab Ali Khan – MARN 2619317.
Official source: Department of Home Affairs – Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485).
Need to Check Your Subclass 485 Options?
Book a migration consultation to discuss the stream, qualification, occupation, skills-assessment and current requirements relevant to your circumstances.