485 Visa Australia
485 Visa Australia – The Complete 2025 Guide for International Graduates
If you've recently graduated from an Australian institution and want to stay in the country to gain work experience, the 485 visa Australia is your perfect next step. Also known as the Temporary Graduate visa, this visa allows international students to live, study, and work in Australia after completing their studies.
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the 485 visa, including eligibility, streams, benefits, and how to apply in 2025.
What Is the 485 Visa Australia?
The 485 visa (subclass 485) is a temporary visa for international students who have completed a qualification in Australia. It gives you the chance to remain in Australia and gain valuable work experience—often acting as a pathway to permanent residency.
Streams Under the 485 Visa
There are two main streams for the 485 visa in Australia:
1. Graduate Work Stream
For students who completed a trade qualification or diploma
Your occupation must be on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
Valid for up to 18 months (extended to 24 months for some visa holders)
2. Post-Study Work Stream
For students who completed a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree
Available only to those who held a student visa on or after November 5, 2011
Valid for 2 to 4 years, depending on your qualification level
NEW in 2025: Some regional and in-demand degrees may qualify for extended post-study work rights under recent immigration updates.
Eligibility Requirements for the 485 Visa
To apply for the 485 visa Australia, you must:
Be under 50 years of age
Hold an eligible Australian qualification from a CRICOS-registered institution
Hold a valid visa, usually a student visa
Apply within 6 months of completing your course
Meet English language requirements (e.g., IELTS 6.0 overall)
Pass health and character checks
Have health insurance for the duration of your stay
For Graduate Work Stream: Have a relevant occupation and a positive skills assessment
How to Apply for a 485 Visa in Australia
Gather required documents, including proof of course completion and English proficiency
Apply for a skills assessment (Graduate Work Stream only)
Take an English language test (if needed)
Ensure you have adequate health insurance
Apply online through the Department of Home Affairs via ImmiAccount
Pay the application fee (from AUD $1,895 in 2025)
Wait for visa processing – usually 6 to 10 months
485 Visa Checklist
Australian qualification (completed within last 6 months)
Valid passport and visa
English language test results
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Skills assessment (Graduate Work Stream)
Police clearance & health checks
Can I Include Family Members?
Yes! You can include members of your family unit, such as:
Your spouse or de facto partner
Your or your partner’s dependent children
They will also be granted the same visa length and rights as the primary applicant.
Benefits of the 485 Visa Australia
Live and work in Australia temporarily
Gain post-study work experience
Opportunity to apply for permanent residency pathways (e.g., subclass 189, 190, 491)
Bring eligible family members
Travel freely in and out of Australia
What Happens After the 485 Visa?
Many 485 visa holders use this time to:
Gain skilled work experience to meet PR requirements
Improve English test scores
Obtain a skills assessment
Apply for state nomination or employer-sponsored visas
Final Thoughts
The 485 visa Australia is an excellent opportunity for international graduates to transition from student life to skilled work experience in Australia. Whether you aim to stay temporarily or eventually apply for permanent residency, the 485 visa is often a critical first step in your Australian journey.
Make sure to understand your stream, meet all requirements, and apply within the allowed timeframe to maximize your chances of success.
