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:
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Be aged 35 or under at the time of application (exceptions apply)
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Hold an eligible visa
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Have held a Student visa within the last 6 months
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Possess a recent qualification in a CRICOS-registered course
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Apply under the correct stream – you cannot change streams after applying
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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:
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Temporary permission to live, study, and work in Australia
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Opportunity to bring family members with you
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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:
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Permission to live, work and study in Australia temporarily
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Ability to bring family members
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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:
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Continue to live, work, and study in Australia
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Bring family members with you
Stay Duration:
Between 1 and 2 years, based on:
Cost:
From AUD 880.00