Australia Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) in 2025

If you’re an international student who just completed your studies in Australia, the Australia Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) might be your next big move – and possibly your smartest one yet. This visa isn’t just a paper permit; it’s a real opportunity. An opportunity to remain in Australia after graduation, to gain meaningful work experience, to test the waters of the Australian job market and even to plant permanent roots.

For many graduates, the journey doesn’t end with a degree – it starts with the Subclass 485 visa. Whether you’re looking to extend your stay, build a career or transition into permanent residency, this visa offers the legal foundation to make that vision real.

Let’s face it – after spending years studying, adjusting to life in Australia and probably falling in love with the country’s lifestyle, no one wants to pack up and leave immediately. The Australia Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) gives you breathing room. It’s your post-graduation runway, allowing you to stay temporarily while you work, explore opportunities and gather the qualifications and experience you need for more permanent pathways. And the best part? It’s designed specifically for international students. That means it’s not only accessible but built with your needs in mind.

You’d be surprised how many students waste this window of opportunity simply because they don’t understand what the Subclass 485 visa offers. Some assume they need employer sponsorship right away. Others think they have to jump into another student visa. But the truth is, the Australia Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) is the most flexible, low-barrier visa you can get right after completing your studies.

It allows you to work full-time, start a business, travel in and out of the country and even bring family members along. For anyone planning a long-term future in Australia, this visa is an essential first step.

Here’s what makes the Subclass 485 visa so powerful: it builds the perfect bridge between your academic journey and your career goals. Let’s say you just graduated with a Master’s in Data Science. Instead of racing back home or scrambling to find a loophole, you can stay, work in your field, earn Australian experience and then use that to strengthen your application for a Skilled Independent visa or even employer-sponsored permanent residency.

The Australian government is actively encouraging skilled graduates to remain and this visa is the invitation.

But don’t be fooled – just because it’s accessible doesn’t mean it’s automatic. The Australia Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) comes with clear eligibility criteria, required documentation and strict timeframes. Apply too late, miss a document or fail to meet English proficiency and you could lose out on a golden opportunity.

That’s why this guide is here. Whether you’re just finishing your studies or already holding your certificate, this breakdown of the Subclass 485 visa will give you everything you need to know – clearly, analytically and without the fluff.

Types of Australia Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)

The Subclass 485 visa is divided into multiple streams. Knowing the right stream to apply for is the first critical step.

Graduate Work Stream

This stream is for international students who’ve completed qualifications related to occupations listed on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL).

• Valid for up to 18 months (recently extended to 2 years in some cases)

• You must have completed a trade qualification or diploma

• Relevant skills assessment required

• English proficiency test mandatory

This stream suits tradespeople, technicians and vocational graduates looking to work in high-demand fields like plumbing, automotive and aged care.

Post-Study Work Stream

This is the most popular stream for university graduates. If you completed a Bachelor, Master’s or Doctoral degree in Australia, this stream is likely for you.

• Duration ranges from 2 to 5 years

• No occupation list required

• No skills assessment needed

• You must have held a student visa when you applied

This stream offers greater flexibility and time for graduates to explore various work options without needing to be tied to a specific job role.

Second Post-Study Work Stream

Introduced recently, this stream applies only to applicants who studied in regional Australia. It offers an additional 1 to 2 years of stay, making it even more attractive for those who didn’t study in major cities like Sydney or Melbourne.

• Regional study benefit

• Adds extra time to your Subclass 485 visa

• Helps meet residency requirements for permanent regional visas

Eligibility Requirements for Australia Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)

To secure the Australia Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), you must tick several boxes. Let’s run through the core eligibility checklist:

1. You Must Be Under 50 Years Old

Age matters. If you’re over 50, you won’t be eligible.

2. You Must Hold an Eligible Student Visa

The visa must be valid within the 6-month period prior to applying.

3. English Language Proficiency

You’ll need to prove your English skills through tests like IELTS, TOEFL or PTE.

4. Meet Australian Study Requirements

Your course must:

• Be CRICOS-registered

• Last at least 2 academic years

• Be completed within 6 months before applying

5. Health and Character Checks

You’ll need to provide:

• Police clearance certificates

• Medical examinations and insurance proof

6. No Previous Subclass 485 Visa

You cannot apply twice. The visa is granted once per person.

How Long Can You Stay with a Subclass 485 Visa?

The beauty of the Australia Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) lies in its flexibility:

• Graduate Work Stream: 18 months to 2 years

• Post-Study Work Stream:

  • Bachelor: 2 years

  • Master (Coursework): 3 years

  • Master (Research): 3 years

  • Doctorate (PhD): 4 years

• Second Post-Study Work Stream: 1–2 extra years in regional areas

Plus, some students in high-demand sectors like ICT, Engineering and Health may be granted up to 5 years.

That’s practically a half-decade to work, earn and build your life in Australia.

What You Can Do with the Australia Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)

This visa is full of freedom. Once granted, here’s what you can legally do:

• Work full-time (no limitations!)

• Bring family members (spouse, children)

• Travel in and out of Australia freely

• Study additional courses (optional)

• Apply for permanent residency pathways later on

The work rights alone make it a huge win. Employers know this visa comes with unrestricted work rights, which gives you a serious edge in the job market.

In-Demand Jobs You Can Target with the Subclass 485 Visa

Many graduates wonder, “What kind of jobs can I apply for on the Australia Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)?”

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Healthcare Sector

• Nursing

• Aged care

• Mental health support

Engineering & IT

• Software Developer

• Network Administrator

• Civil Engineer

Education & Childcare

• Early Childhood Educator

• Special Needs Assistant

Skilled Trades

• Electricians

• Carpenters

• Diesel Mechanics

Every job you hold on this visa counts toward skilled work experience, which later boosts your chances for a Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) or Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186).