The bridge from your studies in Australia to your professional career
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) is a crucial pathway for international students who have recently completed their studies in Australia, helping you transition from student life to professional work experience. It allows you to live, work and study in Australia on a temporary basis, so you can gain valuable experience in your field of study. This experience strengthens your resume and can support your plans if you intend to pursue permanent residence in Australia.
A Registered Migration Agent will review your enquiry and respond within one business day. If your matter is urgent, please call us on (08) 6555 7037.
Two streams, two graduate profiles
The Subclass 485 is divided into two streams, each suited to different graduates. Determining which is right for you is key to making the most of this visa.
Post-Vocational Education Work
Post-Vocational Education Work stream
For international students who have completed qualifications related to occupations on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), particularly those whose field is in demand in Australia. It lets you gain practical work experience in your field and, where the criteria are met, can provide a pathway to other visas, including permanent residence.
Post-Higher Education Work
Post-Higher Education Work stream
For international students who have graduated with a higher-education degree from an Australian institution, and it is not limited by your field of study, making it accessible to a broader range of graduates. It can offer a longer stay depending on the level of your highest qualification (bachelor's, master's or doctorate).
Eligibility criteria
A Subclass 485 application generally requires the following:
Age: You must generally be under 35 years of age at the time of application (exemptions may apply in certain cases).
Qualification: You must have completed a CRICOS-registered course in Australia lasting at least two academic years (92 weeks), conducted in English, and have held an eligible student visa in the last six months before applying.
English proficiency: You must demonstrate your English through an approved test, unless you are exempt due to citizenship from certain countries.
Australian Study Requirement: You must have completed your studies within the last six months; for the vocational stream, your qualification must be closely related to your nominated occupation.
Health, character and insurance: You must meet the health and character standards (medical examination and police clearance) and hold adequate health insurance during your stay, such as Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
Requirements change over time and are verified against current Department of Home Affairs sources before proceeding.
Key benefits of the Subclass 485
Work experience: Gain practical, hands-on experience in your field and become more competitive in the job market.
Flexibility: Work across different industries or start your own business.
Career value: Enhance your employability both in Australia and internationally through your Australian qualifications.
Pathway to further visas: Depending on your circumstances, it can strengthen your eligibility for other visas, including permanent residence.
These benefits are general in nature, and no visa outcome or transition to permanent residence is guaranteed.
How we manage your application, step by step
We assess your educational background, experience and goals, and determine the most suitable stream for you.
We clarify which stream (vocational or higher education) suits you and confirm the eligibility criteria.
We prepare all required documents, including academic transcripts, English test results, health insurance proof and evidence of the Australian Study Requirement.
We submit your application to the Department of Home Affairs accurately and completely, reducing the risk of delays or refusals.
We monitor progress, respond promptly to any requests for information and keep you informed throughout.
After your visa is granted, we continue to support you, including on pathways to permanent residence.
Frequently asked questions
Australian Migration Co is a private migration advisory firm. Immigration assistance is provided by a Registered Migration Agent (MARN 2418576) registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA). Australian Migration Co is not a government body and is not part of, or operated by, the Australian Government or the Department of Home Affairs. Visa applications can also be lodged directly with the Australian Government at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au, and some are free of charge; our services are provided for a fee. The information on this page is general in nature, does not constitute immigration advice and does not guarantee any visa outcome. Visa conditions, stream durations, eligibility criteria and processing times change over time and are verified against current sources before proceeding.