What are the costs for post graduate visa 485?

From AUD 905 to 2,300 for the primary applicant, plus additional fees for dependents and extras such as health checks.

Can I get PR after temporary graduate visa 485?

Yes, the 485 visa provides Australian work experience which earns points for skilled migration visas. Between 35 to 55 percent of holders transition to permanent residency.

What is graduate stream visa in South Australia?

South Australia's nomination stream for graduates requires SA study and work experience, leading to Subclass 190 or 491 visas for permanent residency.

Graduate Visa Australia

Discover Australia's graduate visa options, including the temporary graduate visa 485, designed for international students to work post-study. Learn about streams, eligibility, and benefits for a seamless transition to skilled migration pathways.

Why Choose Edvise Hub?

Expert Visa Consultation
Tailored Eligibility Check
Transparent Pricing

PR Pathway Planning
Free Initial Consultation

Admission

Expert support for Australian university admissions, ensuring you meet all requirements and deadlines.

Degree Assessment

Reliable degree assessments to align your credentials with Australian standards, boosting your academic or career prospects.

Visa Assistance

Simplified visa application support for students, guiding you through Australia’s visa requirements and procedures smoothly.

Migration Services

Strategic migration planning for Australia, ensuring compliance and aligning with your educational and career objectives.

Graduate visas in Australia provide international students with opportunities to extend their stay after completing studies, allowing them to gain valuable work experience. The primary option is the temporary graduate visa, also known as the 485 graduate visa, which falls under subclass 485. This post graduate visa enables holders to live, work, and study temporarily without restrictions, serving as a bridge to permanent residency for many. With Australia's migration strategy emphasizing skills in demand, the graduate visa Australia has become a popular choice for over 217,000 holders as of September 2025. This figure reflects a slight decline from the peak of 224,015 in March 2025, highlighting its ongoing appeal amid policy adjustments.

The temporary graduate visa 485 is divided into streams tailored to different qualification levels. Recent updates, effective from mid-2026, end the two-year pandemic extension, linking durations more closely to skills shortages in sectors like healthcare, IT, and engineering. This ensures the program aligns with national priorities, with no caps on places, making it accessible for eligible applicants.

Key Streams of the Temporary Graduate Visa

The temporary graduate visa offers three main streams: Post-Vocational Education Work, Post-Higher Education Work, and Second Post-Higher Education Work. Each caters to specific educational backgrounds and provides varying durations.

Post-Vocational Education Work Stream: Ideal for graduates with associate degrees, diplomas, or trade qualifications relevant to skilled occupations. This stream allows stays of up to 18 months, extendable to 5 years for Hong Kong or British National Overseas passport holders. No skills assessment is needed, but the qualification must align with the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List. For detailed guidance, visit Post-Vocational Education Work Stream 485 Visa.
Post-Higher Education Work Stream: Suited for those with bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degrees from CRICOS-registered courses. Durations range from 2 to 4 years based on the qualification—2 years for bachelor's, 3 for master's by coursework, and 4 for PhDs—with regional extensions adding 1-2 years. This stream supports unrestricted work rights and is a key pathway for PR, with 35-55% of holders transitioning within three years. Learn more at 485 Post-Study Work Stream Visa.
Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream: For previous 485 holders who studied in regional areas, offering 1-2 years additional stay depending on the region's category (e.g., 1 year for major centers like Perth, 2 for areas like Darwin). Applicants must prove two years of regional residence. Explore specifics at Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream Subclass 485.

For a comprehensive overview, check Graduate Temporary 485 Visa.

Fahad Shamim

Migration & Education Consultant

MARA Registered MARN 2619225

QEAC G12906

As a Migration & Education Consultant, I provide expert guidance on Australian visas and international education, helping clients navigate both with ease.

Phone +61 424 295 050

Email fahad@edvisehub.com

Contact on WhatsApp

Eligibility Criteria for Graduate Visa Australia

To qualify for the temporary graduate visa 485, applicants must be under 35 years old (exceptions up to 50 for research degrees or specific nationalities), hold a recent CRICOS-registered qualification completed in the last six months, and have held a student visa recently. English proficiency is crucial, with requirements updated from August 2025 to IELTS 6.5 overall (no band below 5.5) or equivalents like PTE 58. Health and character checks are mandatory, and applications must be lodged onshore.

Facts show that in 2024-25, grants ran about 10,000 ahead of the previous year for July-February, despite a 30,000 drop in applications. Processing times average 56 days for 50% of cases, with 90% completed in eight months. Costs start at AUD 2,300 for primary applicants in the first two streams, rising to AUD 3,500 including extras like health exams. The Second stream is cheaper at AUD 905.

Comparison of Graduate Visa Streams

Stream	Duration	Qualification Required	Key Eligibility	Cost (AUD)
Post-Vocational Education Work	Up to 18 months (5 years for HK/BNO)	Diploma/Trade (92 weeks CRICOS)	Under 35, Competent English, MLTSSL occupation	2,300
Post-Higher Education Work	2–4 years (regional extensions)	Degree or higher	Under 35 (exceptions), Recent student visa, No skills assessment	2,300
Second Post-Higher Education Work	1–2 years	Prior 485 + regional degree	Regional residence 2 years, Under 35	905

This table illustrates how the post graduate visa options vary, with regional incentives boosting durations by up to 2 years.

Expert Migration Services

Secure Your Future with Graduate Visa

Navigate the complexities of Australian migration with confidence. Get personalised advice from a Registered Migration Agent to maximise your chances of success.

MARN: 2619225

QEAC No: 12906

Book Zoom Consultation

✅ Secure payment via Calendly

Graduate Stream Visa SA: South Australia Opportunities

For those eyeing regional pathways, the graduate stream visa SA refers to South Australia's state nomination for skilled migration under visas like subclass 190 or 491. Eligible international graduates must have completed at least 46 CRICOS weeks in SA, resided there for one year during studies, and worked 20-30 hours weekly post-completion depending on the visa. This stream targets under-45s with occupations on SA's Skilled Occupation List, offering a route to PR with additional points. In 2025, SA nominated thousands, contributing to Australia's 190,000 skilled migration places. Combining it with the temporary graduate visa 485 enhances PR chances, as 35% of regional PR grants stem from former 485 holders.

Benefits and Pathways to Permanent Residency

The graduate visa Australia unlocks unrestricted work rights, with average starting salaries for vocational graduates at AUD 58,000-75,000. Holders can include family, with partners gaining full work access and children studying. Medicare eligibility adds value, covering healthcare needs.

As a stepping stone, the 485 graduate visa leads to PR via skilled migration (subclasses 189, 190, 491) or employer-sponsored options like 482 to 186. Data from 2022-2023 shows 66% of VET students in packages lasting 26 months, many progressing to 485 and then PR. With 98,000 student visa holders applying for 485 between 2018-2023, the pathway is well-trodden. In 2026, focus on skills-first approaches means aligning studies with shortages boosts success rates.

Application Process and Tips

Apply via ImmiAccount with documents like transcripts, English results, and police clearances. Success rates hover at 85-90% for complete applications. Common pitfalls include low English scores (28% refusals) or incomplete docs (42%). Use migration agents for complex cases.

In summary, the temporary graduate visa remains a vital tool for international graduates, with 2026 updates prioritizing genuine skilled contributions. Whether through the post graduate visa streams or graduate stream visa SA, it offers robust opportunities for career growth in Australia

Contact on WhatsApp

FAQs

What is the temporary graduate visa 485?

It's a post-study work visa allowing international graduates to stay in Australia for 18 months to 4 years, depending on the stream and qualification.