Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485-Vocational
Allows international students to live, work, and study in Australia after completing their studies. It’s a popular post-study visa providing valuable work experience and a pathway to permanent residency.
Overview
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) is a temporary visa for international students who have recently graduated from an Australian educational institution. This visa allows you to live, work, and study in Australia temporarily after completing your studies, providing valuable Australian work experience and a potential pathway to permanent residence.
The Subclass 485 offers three distinct streams to suit different qualifications and circumstances:
- Post-Vocational Education Work Stream: For graduates with associate degrees, diplomas, or trade qualifications relevant to occupations on the skilled occupation list (up to 18 months)
- Post-Higher Education Work Stream: For graduates with bachelor's degrees or higher from Australian institutions (2-3 years depending on qualification)
- Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream: For previous Subclass 485 holders who studied in regional Australia (additional 1-2 years)
Special provision: Hong Kong SAR and British National (Overseas) passport holders may stay for 5 years under eligible streams, providing extended opportunities to gain Australian work experience.
Do You Have What It Takes?
- ✔ Must have recently graduated from an Australian educational institution with eligible qualification
- ✔ Hold valid student visa or bridging visa at time of application
- ✔ Meet Australian study requirement (at least 2 years study in Australia in CRICOS-registered course)
- ✔ Apply within 6 months of course completion date
- ✔ Be under 35 years of age at time of application
- ✔ Hold adequate health insurance (Overseas Visitor Health Cover or equivalent) Demonstrate competent English (For the IELTS, the requirement is an overall band score of 6.5, with at least a 5.5 in each component.)
- ✔ Meet health and character requirements
- ✔ For Post-Vocational stream: hold skills assessment for nominated occupation on skilled occupation list
- ✔ For Second stream: previously held Subclass 485 and studied/lived in regional Australia
Why Choose This Path?
- Gain Australian work experience to increase points for permanent residence applications
- Work unlimited hours for any employer in any occupation across Australia
- Bring family members - include spouse/partner and dependent children in application
- Study further in Australia without restrictions on course type or duration
- Travel freely in and out of Australia during visa validity period
- Pathway to permanent residence through skilled migration programs (subclass 189, 190, 491)
- No sponsorship required - complete freedom to choose employers and change jobs Extended stay for Hong Kong/BN(O) passport holders, up to 5 years in eligible streams. Regional opportunities, second visa option for regional graduates (additional 1-2 years). Build professional networks and establish career in Australian job market.
Your Roadmap to Success
- Complete your Australian qualification and receive completion letter from institution
- Check eligibility - confirm qualification type, study requirement (2 years), and age (under 35)
- Obtain skills assessment (Post-Vocational stream only) from relevant assessing authority for nominated occupation
- Complete English language test - achieve competent English minimum (IELTS 6.5 each component or equivalent)
- Arrange health insurance - obtain Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) for visa duration Lodge visa application within 6 months of course completion date through ImmiAccount
- Complete health examinations with approved panel physicians and provide police certificates Upload all supporting documents - qualification certificates, transcripts, CoE, health insurance, English test results
- Receive visa grant notification and commence work/further study in Australia
Visa Duration
Initial Duration
Temporary
Visa Pathways
Pathway to Permanent Residence
Subclass 485 visa holders can use Australian work experience gained during this visa to apply for permanent residence through skilled migration programs (Subclass 189, 190, 491). Australian work experience adds significant points to skilled visa applications. Many graduates successfully transition to permanent residence after 1-3 years of skilled employment, improved English scores, and meeting state nomination requirements. This visa is specifically designed as a bridge to permanent residence.
Processing times
Costs
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Main Applicant | AUD 2,300 | Base visa application fee for primary applicant |
| Partner/Spouse (18+ years) | AUD 1,150 | Additional applicant fee |
| Dependent Child (under 18) | AUD 580 | Per child under 18 years |
Got Questions? We've Got Answers
1. What is the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)?
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) allows eligible international graduates to live, work, and study in Australia after completing a CRICOS-registered course.
2. How long can I stay in Australia on a 485 visa?
The stay duration depends on your stream and qualification — usually up to 18 months for vocational graduates, 2–3 years for higher education graduates, and up to 5 years for Hong Kong or British National Overseas passport holders.
3. Can I include family members in my 485 visa?
Yes, you can include your eligible partner and dependent children in your application. They must meet all health and character requirements.
4. Do I need a job offer to apply for a 485 visa?
No, you don’t need a job offer. This visa allows you to gain valuable post-study work experience in Australia without employer sponsorship.
5. Can I apply for permanent residency after a 485 visa?
Yes, the 485 visa provides a strong pathway toward Permanent Residency through skilled migration, regional sponsorship, or employer-sponsored visas.
6. Do I need health insurance for a 485 visa?
Yes, you must maintain adequate health insurance (Overseas Visitor Health Cover) during your entire stay in Australia.
1. What is the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)?
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) allows eligible international graduates to live, work, and study in Australia after completing a CRICOS-registered course.
2. How long can I stay in Australia on a 485 visa?
The stay duration depends on your stream and qualification — usually up to 18 months for vocational graduates, 2–3 years for higher education graduates, and up to 5 years for Hong Kong or British National Overseas passport holders.
3. Can I include family members in my 485 visa?
Yes, you can include your eligible partner and dependent children in your application. They must meet all health and character requirements.
4. Do I need a job offer to apply for a 485 visa?
No, you don’t need a job offer. This visa allows you to gain valuable post-study work experience in Australia without employer sponsorship.
5. Can I apply for permanent residency after a 485 visa?
Yes, the 485 visa provides a strong pathway toward Permanent Residency through skilled migration, regional sponsorship, or employer-sponsored visas.
6. Do I need health insurance for a 485 visa?
Yes, you must maintain adequate health insurance (Overseas Visitor Health Cover) during your entire stay in Australia.
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