Temporary Graduate visa · subclass 485

Key considerations

• Choose the correct stream for your qualification and circumstances: Post-Vocational Education Work, Post-Higher Education Work or the eligible second-stream pathway.
• The usual age limit is 35 or under at application. Exceptions are stream-specific, including certain research-degree graduates and Hong Kong or British National Overseas passport holders.
• Check course completion, visa history, application timing and required evidence early. A completed Australian course alone does not establish eligibility.

Match the qualification to the stream

For a first graduate application, the qualification used to meet the study requirement determines the stream. The Post-Vocational Education Work stream covers eligible associate degrees, diplomas and trade qualifications related to a nominated MLTSSL occupation. It requires the relevant skills-assessment process. The Post-Higher Education Work stream covers eligible degree-level study; a graduate diploma qualifies only under the specified linked-study rules.

The Second Post-Higher Education Work stream has its own qualifying visa, regional study and residence requirements. It is not an extension available to every graduate. Check previous 485 or 476 history before assuming another initial-stream application is possible.

Calculate the study and completion dates carefully

For the initial streams, eligible study generally needs at least two academic years, equivalent to 92 CRICOS-registered weeks, completed over at least sixteen calendar months in Australia. It must meet the English-instruction and study-permission requirements. Credits, overlapping courses and overseas study need individual checking.

The six-month application window runs from course completion, not the graduation ceremony. Obtain the completion letter and transcript, including course dates, campus, study mode and credits. Check any historical COVID study concession against its exact dates rather than assuming current offshore online study counts.

Prepare the documents needed at lodgement

For an initial-stream application, some evidence is required with the application. Do not leave these checks until the final day:

• Course completion and the qualification evidence relevant to your stream.
• The required English evidence or qualifying passport exemption. Check the current test table and applicable twelve-month test window; university admission evidence is not automatically sufficient.
• Evidence that each applicant aged sixteen or over applied for the required AFP check within the twelve months ending the day before visa lodgement. Applying for that check on visa-lodgement day is too late.
• Evidence of adequate health insurance for all applicants.
• For Post-Vocational Education Work, evidence of the required skills-assessment application and the completed outcome when available.

Know what stay period you are planning around

Post-Vocational Education Work normally provides eighteen months. Standard Post-Higher Education Work periods are two years for bachelor and coursework or extended masters degrees, and three years for research masters and doctoral degrees. Eligible graduate diplomas have separate linked-study considerations.

Different periods can apply to Indian nationals and Hong Kong or British National Overseas passport holders. Check your qualification and passport category. The former select-degree two-year extension has ended; it should not be confused with the separately assessed regional second-stream visa.

Location, lawful status and travel

An initial-stream primary applicant must be in Australia when applying and satisfy the eligible visa and recent Student visa requirements. Current rules allow a decision in or outside Australia. Family members and subsequent entrants need their own location and eligibility checks.

While waiting, follow the visa actually in effect. Check any bridging visa’s commencement, work conditions and travel rights before leaving Australia. A pending application is not permission to return after an overseas trip.

How we can help

We assess the appropriate stream and timing, review qualification and visa records, and help prepare the required evidence.

Questions to consider

Your next step

Discuss your circumstances with Ausdirect before making an application or committing to a pathway.