What Is the Subclass 485 Visa?
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) allows international students who have recently completed an Australian qualification to live and work in Australia after graduation. It serves as a critical bridge between study and permanent residence — giving graduates time to gain Australian work experience, build professional networks, and strengthen their skilled migration applications.
2–6Years visa duration (stream dependent)
FullWork rights — no restrictions
6 moApply within 6 months of completing studies
+5 ptsPoints for study in regional Australia (190/491)
485 Visa Streams — Which One Applies to You?
| Stream | Qualification | Duration | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate Work Stream | Diploma, trade or bachelor (2yr+) | 18 months | Occupation on MLTSSL + skills assessment |
| Post-Study Work Stream | Bachelor, masters or PhD | 2–4 years (degree dependent) | Degree from Australian institution |
| Extended (Regional) | Any eligible qualification from regional institution | +1–2 years extra | Studied and lived in regional Australia |
| Second 485 (from Nov 2023) | Eligible 485 holders | 2 years | Met Australia-wide study requirement |
485 Visa Requirements — 2026
Recent Australian Qualification
Must have completed an eligible Australian qualification within the last 2 years of applying (6 months for Graduate Work Stream).
English Proficiency
Minimum competent English — IELTS 6.0 overall (no band below 5.0) or equivalent in PTE/TOEFL/OET/Cambridge.
Health & Character
Standard Australian health examination and police clearance requirements apply as for most temporary visas.
Skills Assessment (Graduate Work Stream)
Your occupation must be on the MLTSSL and you must hold a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority.
485 Visa as a Pathway to Permanent Residence
The Subclass 485 is not just a working holiday — it is a strategic migration stepping stone. During your 485, you can:
- Accumulate the Australian work experience required for Subclass 189, 190 or 491 points
- Complete a skills assessment in your field to become points-eligible
- Gain employer support for Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand) sponsorship
- Achieve the 2-year work experience benchmark required by most states for 190 nomination
- Explore regional pathways (491) that attract additional points bonuses
📌 Important: From November 2023, a second 485 visa is available to eligible graduates who have already held a 485. This provides an additional 2 years of Australian residency and work rights. Ask us if you qualify.
Why You Need a Registered Agent for Your 485 Application
The 485 visa may seem straightforward — but stream selection errors, skills assessment timing issues, and CoE compliance requirements catch many graduates off guard. A MARA registered migration agent in Melbourne can ensure your application is correctly framed from the start.
Just Graduated? Let's Plan Your Next Step.
MARN 2619225 | QEAC G12906 | Melbourne, Australia | www.edvisehub.com | fahad@edvisehub.com
