485 visa Australia 2026: the Temporary Graduate visa is not just a way to stay in Australia after study. It is often the short window where graduates need to build work experience, improve their migration strategy, and prepare for the next visa pathway.
The 485 visa Australia allows eligible former student visa holders to live, study and work in Australia temporarily after completing an eligible Australian qualification. However, getting the 485 visa is only the first step. The bigger question is what you do with the time it gives you.
This guide explains 485 visa eligibility, common mistakes, processing issues, costs, documents, and how the visa may connect to skilled migration, employer sponsorship, regional pathways or other longer-term options.
Last updated for the 2026 migration program.
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485 Visa Australia: What Is the Temporary Graduate Visa?
The Temporary Graduate visa subclass 485 is designed for eligible international students who have recently completed an Australian qualification.
It may allow you to remain in Australia temporarily after study so you can work, gain experience, continue study, or prepare for another visa pathway.
You can check the official Department of Home Affairs 485 visa Australia page here: Temporary Graduate visa subclass 485.
485 Visa Streams in Australia
The 485 visa has different streams. The correct stream depends on the type of qualification you completed and your circumstances.
Post-Vocational Education Work Stream
This stream is generally for graduates with eligible vocational qualifications who nominate an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list.
Key issues usually include:
- your nominated occupation
- whether your qualification is closely related to that occupation
- whether a skills assessment is required
- whether your study meets the Australian study requirement
- whether you meet English, health and character requirements
Post-Higher Education Work Stream
This stream is generally for graduates who have completed an eligible higher education qualification in Australia, such as a bachelor degree, masters degree or doctoral degree.
Key issues usually include:
- the level of qualification completed
- whether the qualification is eligible
- the date of course completion
- whether you apply within the required timeframe
- whether you meet English, health and character requirements
Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream
This stream may be available to some graduates who studied and lived in a regional area and meet the additional requirements for a second temporary graduate visa.
Regional study can be important, but applicants should not assume that studying outside a major city automatically guarantees extra visa time. The specific eligibility rules still need to be checked carefully.
485 Visa Eligibility Requirements in 2026
The exact requirements depend on the stream, but most 485 visa applicants need to satisfy several core criteria.
- Meet the relevant age requirement
- Hold an eligible visa
- Have held a student visa within the required period
- Have completed an eligible CRICOS-registered course
- Meet the Australian study requirement
- Apply within the required timeframe after course completion
- Meet English language requirements unless exempt
- Meet health and character requirements
- Hold adequate health insurance
- Attach required evidence at the time of application
Home Affairs states that most Temporary Graduate visa applicants must be aged 35 years or under when applying, although exceptions may apply for some passport holders and certain research-level qualifications.
Why the 485 Visa Is a Transition Visa
The 485 visa should not be viewed as the final goal.
For many graduates, the 485 visa is a transition period. It gives time to build the next stage of a migration strategy.
Possible next steps may include:
- skilled migration pathways
- checking whether your occupation supports skilled migration
- state nomination through the 190 visa
- the 491 visa pathway
- employer sponsored visas
- partner visa pathways, if relevant
The key question is not simply whether you can get a 485 visa. The more important question is whether the 485 visa gives you enough time to build a realistic longer-term pathway.
Important: a 485 visa does not automatically lead to permanent residency.
Your long-term prospects depend on your occupation, points, work experience, English level, skills assessment options, employer opportunities, and visa timing.
Australian Study Requirement
The Australian study requirement is one of the most important parts of a 485 visa application.
In general terms, the study must usually involve an eligible CRICOS-registered course completed in Australia over the required period.
Common issues include:
- whether the course was CRICOS-registered
- whether the study was completed in Australia
- whether the course duration meets the requirement
- whether the completion date is correctly identified
- whether the qualification supports the stream you are applying under
You can review the Department’s information about the study requirement here: Temporary Graduate visa study requirement.
English Requirements for the 485 Visa
Most applicants need to provide an approved English test result unless an exemption applies.
English requirements can change, and test validity periods matter. Do not assume that an old English test used for study or admission will automatically work for a 485 visa application.
Common mistakes include:
- using an expired English test
- assuming university admission English is enough
- missing the required score in one component
- waiting until the student visa is nearly finished before sitting the test
- forgetting that the English result must be available for the visa application
485 Visa Costs
485 visa costs can include more than the government visa application charge.
Common costs may include:
- visa application charge
- English test fees
- Australian Federal Police check
- health examinations
- health insurance
- skills assessment fees, if required
- document translations
- professional fees, if you use a migration agent
Visa application charges can change, so always check the Department’s current pricing before lodging.
You can check official visa fees here: Fees and charges for visas.
Documents Usually Needed for a 485 Visa
A 485 visa application should be prepared carefully before lodgement.
Common documents may include:
- passport
- current visa details
- completion letter
- academic transcript
- evidence of CRICOS study
- English test result, if required
- Australian Federal Police check evidence
- health insurance evidence
- skills assessment evidence, if required
- identity documents for family members, if included
- relationship evidence, if including a partner
The Department may decide the application based on the evidence provided. Missing documents can create serious problems.
Common 485 Visa Mistakes
- Applying under the wrong stream
- Missing the application deadline after course completion
- Relying on the wrong completion date
- Assuming all Australian study qualifies
- Using an expired English test
- Forgetting health insurance requirements
- Not applying for an AFP check in time
- Choosing the wrong occupation for the vocational stream
- Assuming the 485 automatically leads to PR
- Waiting too long to plan the next visa pathway
485 Visa Processing Time
485 visa processing times vary depending on the stream, application volume, completeness of evidence, health checks, character checks and whether further information is required.
The official processing time tool should be treated as a guide only. It does not guarantee when your individual application will be finalised.
You can check official processing times here: Visa processing times.
Why 485 Visa Applications Are Delayed
- missing documents
- unclear course completion evidence
- English evidence problems
- health checks not completed
- AFP or character issues
- incorrect stream selection
- family members added with incomplete evidence
- Department workload
Can a 485 Visa Lead to Permanent Residency?
The 485 visa itself is temporary. It does not grant permanent residency.
However, it may give you time to build eligibility for another pathway.
Possible pathways after a 485 visa may include:
- 189 visa Australia
- 190 visa Australia
- 491 visa Australia
- employer sponsored visas
- partner visas, where relevant
For skilled migration, you may need to consider your occupation, skills assessment, work experience, English level and points score.
For employer sponsorship, you generally need an Australian employer willing and able to sponsor you for a genuine skilled role.
485 Visa and Skilled Migration Strategy
Many graduates use the 485 visa period to strengthen their skilled migration position.
This may involve:
- obtaining skilled employment in the nominated occupation
- preparing for a skills assessment
- improving English scores
- building Australian work experience
- targeting state nomination
- considering regional pathways
Before relying on skilled migration, you should check whether your occupation appears on the relevant skilled occupation list.
Read more here: Skilled Migrants List Australia.
485 Visa and Employer Sponsorship
Some graduates move from a 485 visa into employer sponsorship if they secure a suitable employer and role.
Employer sponsorship can be useful, but it is not automatic. The employer, occupation, salary, duties, applicant experience and nomination requirements must all align.
Useful guides include:
What Happens When a 485 Visa Is Running Out?
This is where many graduates get into difficulty.
If your 485 visa is close to expiring and you do not have a clear next pathway, your options may become limited.
Possible next steps may include:
- skilled migration, if your points and occupation strategy are strong enough
- state nomination, if you meet the criteria
- employer sponsorship, if you have a sponsor
- partner visa pathway, if you are in a genuine relationship with an eligible partner
- further study, if legally available and genuinely appropriate
- departing Australia before becoming unlawful
Do not wait until the final weeks of your visa to seek advice. Some pathways require English testing, skills assessments, state nomination, employer nomination or extensive evidence.
The 485 visa clock matters.
If you use the time poorly, you may reach the end of the visa without a realistic next pathway.
Can You Study Again After a 485 Visa?
Study may be possible in some circumstances, but it should not be treated as an automatic backup plan.
There are restrictions on some onshore student visa applications, and the Department will consider whether the proposed study is genuine and appropriate.
If you are considering further study, you should assess:
- whether you can lawfully apply
- whether the course makes sense
- whether the study improves your migration prospects
- whether the cost is justified
- whether another visa pathway is stronger
485 Visa Refusal Risk
A 485 visa can be refused if the application does not meet the legal requirements or the required evidence is missing.
Common refusal risks include:
- wrong stream
- late application
- course does not meet requirements
- English test problem
- AFP evidence problem
- health insurance problem
- skills assessment issue
- incorrect information in the application
If you are concerned about visa refusal risk, read this guide: Why Australian Visas Get Refused.
Related Graduate and Skilled Migration Guides
- Australia Skilled Migrant Pathways
- Skilled Migrants List Australia
- Australia Skilled Occupation List
- 189 Visa Australia
- 190 Visa Australia
- 491 Visa Australia
- Employer Sponsored Visas Australia
- Visa and Immigration Australia
485 Visa Australia FAQs
What is the 485 visa in Australia?
The 485 visa is a temporary graduate visa for eligible former student visa holders who have completed an eligible Australian qualification.
Can a 485 visa lead to PR?
The 485 visa itself does not grant permanent residency. However, it may give you time to build a pathway through skilled migration, state nomination, employer sponsorship or another visa option.
How long does a 485 visa last?
The length of the visa depends on the stream, qualification and individual circumstances. Always check the current Home Affairs rules before applying.
Can I work full-time on a 485 visa?
485 visa holders generally have work rights, but you should always check the conditions on your visa grant notice.
Do I need a skills assessment for a 485 visa?
Some streams may require a skills assessment or evidence that one has been applied for. This depends on the stream and occupation.
What happens if my 485 visa is refused?
You should read the refusal decision carefully before taking further action. Depending on the circumstances, you may need to consider review rights, another visa pathway, or departure from Australia before becoming unlawful.
Should I apply for the 485 visa myself?
Some straightforward applicants may lodge their own 485 visa. Professional advice is strongly worth considering where timing is tight, documents are incomplete, the stream is unclear, family members are included, or the next visa pathway needs to be planned carefully.
Ready to Plan Your 485 Visa and Next Pathway?
The 485 visa Australia pathway can be useful, but it should be planned carefully. The visa gives time, but time only helps if it is used strategically.
Your best next step depends on your qualification, age, English level, occupation, work experience, state nomination prospects, employer options and long-term goal.
If you want a clear strategy before your student visa or 485 visa runs out, start with a personalised eligibility assessment.
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