If you’ve recently completed your studies in Australia and want to stay and gain work experience, the subclass 485 Graduate Visa could be your next step.
This temporary visa allows eligible international graduates to live, study, and work in Australia after finishing their course.
It’s designed to help you transition from student life to the workforce, and potentially towards permanent residency.
In this guide, you’ll learn who can apply, what’s required, and how to go through the application process smoothly.
Who Can Apply for the Subclass 485 Visa?
To be eligible for the subclass 485 visa, you must:
- Be under 50 years of age
- Hold an eligible student visa (or have held one recently)
- Have completed a qualification registered on CRICOS (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students)
- Meet English language requirements
- Apply within 6 months of your course completion
- Hold adequate health insurance
- Meet health and character requirements
There are two streams under this visa:
- Post-Study Work Stream – For international students who have completed a higher education degree (e.g., bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate) in Australia.
- Graduate Work Stream – For those with a diploma or trade qualification closely related to a skilled occupation on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List.
Key takeaway: Eligibility depends on your age, course level, recent visa status, and alignment with skilled occupations (for some applicants).
How Long Can You Stay?
The length of stay under a subclass 485 visa depends on your chosen stream and the level of your qualification:
- Post-Study Work Stream: 2 to 4 years, depending on your degree level. For example, a bachelor’s degree typically grants a 2-year visa, while a doctoral degree may allow up to 4 years.
- Graduate Work Stream: Generally valid for 18 months, although this may be extended temporarily in some circumstances.
Holders of this visa can live and work full-time, travel freely in and out of Australia, and include eligible family members in their application.
Key takeaway: Your visa duration depends on your qualification and stream. The duration tends to be longer for university degrees and shorter for trade-related qualifications.
What Documents Do You Need?
To prepare for your subclass 485 application, make sure you have:
- A valid passport
- Proof of English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS, PTE, TOEFL)
- Your academic transcript and completion letter
- A current health insurance policy
- Police clearance certificates
- Biometrics (if requested)
- Health exam results
- A skills assessment (only for Graduate Work Stream applicants)
Your documents must be accurate and submitted within the application window. If anything is missing or unclear, your visa could be delayed or refused.
Key takeaway: Prepare your documents early and double-check everything before submitting to avoid delays or rejection.
How to Apply for the Subclass 485 Visa
The application process is completed online through the Department of Home Affairs website. Here’s a step-by-step outline:
- Create or log into your ImmiAccount.
- Select the correct stream (Post-Study Work or Graduate Work).
- Complete the online application form.
- Upload all required supporting documents.
- Pay the visa application fee (starts at AUD 1,895).
- Submit your application and wait for confirmation.
You can stay in Australia on a bridging visa while your 485 visa is being processed, provided your application was lodged before your current visa expired.
Key takeaway: The application is online, but you need to act quickly after completing your studies to meet the 6-month deadline.
What Can You Do on a Subclass 485 Visa?
The subclass 485 visa is flexible and gives you the opportunity to:
- Gain Australian work experience
- Improve your chances of applying for permanent residency later
- Study additional short-term or vocational courses
- Travel freely within and outside of Australia
- Apply for jobs without the work restrictions tied to student visas
This time can also be used to meet eligibility for other visa options, such as employer-sponsored or skilled independent visas.
Key takeaway: This visa gives you the freedom to work, travel, and explore further migration opportunities in Australia.
The subclass 485 Graduate Visa is a valuable bridge between student life and longer-term opportunities in Australia.
Whether you’re planning to gain local work experience, explore future visa pathways, or simply enjoy more time in the country, this visa offers flexibility and a chance to plan your next move.
By understanding the requirements and preparing early, you’ll give yourself the best chance of a successful application.
