The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) is a temporary visa designed for international students who have recently graduated from an Australian institution. It allows you to live, study, and work in Australia after completing your studies.
Basic Eligibility
To apply for the Temporary Graduate visa, you must:
Be aged 35 or under at the time of application (exceptions apply)
Hold an eligible visa
Have held a Student visa within the last 6 months
Possess a recent qualification in a CRICOS-registered course
Apply under the correct stream – you cannot change streams after applying
Submit all required evidence with your application
Note for Employers
If you’re an employer looking to hire a Temporary Graduate visa holder, see Explore options for employers on the Department of Home Affairs website.
For changes to the Temporary Graduate visa program from 1 July 2024, see Changes to the Temporary Graduate visa program.
Streams of the Temporary Graduate Visa
1. Post-Vocational Education Work Stream
This stream is for graduates with qualifications that match specific occupations listed on the Australian Skilled Occupation List.
It applies to those with associate degrees, diplomas, or trade qualifications.
Key Benefits:
Temporary permission to live, study, and work in Australia
Opportunity to bring family members with you
Qualification must match a nominated occupation on the Skilled Occupation List
Stay Duration:
Up to 18 months
Up to 5 years for Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders
Cost:
From AUD 2,235.00
2. Post-Higher Education Work Stream
This stream is suitable for international students who have recently completed a degree-level qualification or higher from an Australian institution.
Key Benefits:
Permission to live, work and study in Australia temporarily
Ability to bring family members
Qualification must be a recent degree-level or higher from a CRICOS-registered course
Stay Duration:
Between 2 and 3 years, depending on your qualification
Up to 5 years for Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders
Cost:
From AUD 2,235.00
3. Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream
This stream is for Temporary Graduate visa holders who previously held a Post-Higher Education Work, Post-Study Work or Replacement stream visa and studied in a regional area of Australia.
Key Benefits:
Continue to live, work, and study in Australia
Bring family members with you
Stay Duration:
Between 1 and 2 years, based on:
The regional location of your educational institution
The regional area where you lived during your previous graduate visa
Cost:
From AUD 880.00
How Widen Migration Experts Can Help You with the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
At Widen Migration, we understand the complexities of post-study migration pathways. Whether you’re seeking your first graduate visa or applying for a second visa based on regional study, our team is here to help.
Our services include:
Eligibility assessment and stream selection
Document preparation and application submission
Assistance with Skilled Occupation List alignment
Updates on recent policy changes affecting graduate visas
Support with regional pathway options for a second 485 visa
Guidance for bringing eligible family members
With years of experience and a deep understanding of Australia’s migration regulations, Widen Migration ensures your graduate visa process is smooth and compliant.
Contact us today to begin your Temporary Graduate visa application or to discuss your post-study options with an experienced migration consultant.