Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) Australia 2026

📌 Subclass 485 – Two Streams (Graduate Work & Post‑Study Work)

Official source: Department of Home Affairs – Subclass 485.

✅ Key Eligibility Requirements (Common to Both Streams)

• Australian study requirement: Completed at least 2 academic years (92 weeks) of study at a registered Australian institution while holding a student visa.
• Recent graduate: Must have completed the qualification within the last 6 months before applying.
• Age: Under 50 years old (for most applicants).
• English language: Minimum IELTS 6.0 overall with 5.0 in each band (or equivalent). Some countries exempt (UK, USA, Canada, NZ, Ireland).
• Health and character: Must meet health requirements and provide police certificates from countries where you have lived for 12+ months.
• Health insurance: Maintain adequate health insurance for the visa duration (Overseas Visitor Health Cover – OVHC).

📋 Graduate Work Stream – Additional Requirements

• Qualification: Your degree or diploma must be closely related to an occupation on the MLTSSL (Medium and Long‑term Strategic Skills List).
• Skills assessment: You must obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your nominated occupation (e.g., Trades Recognition Australia, Vetassess, ACS, Engineers Australia).
• Occupation relevance: The qualification must directly relate to the occupation (e.g., a cookery diploma for Chef).
• Valid for 18 months only.

🎓 Post‑Study Work Stream – Length of Stay (2026)

Second Post‑Study Work visa (regional): If you live, work, and study in a designated regional area during your first 485, you may be eligible for an additional 1‑2 year visa. Check the regional postcodes list.

🗣️ English Language Requirements

• Minimum score: IELTS 6.0 overall with at least 5.0 in each band (reading, writing, listening, speaking).
• Accepted tests: PTE Academic (overall 50, minimum 36 in each band), TOEFL iBT (overall 64, minimum 4 in reading, 14 in listening, 14 in speaking, 14 in writing), OET (B in each component).
• Exemptions: Holders of a passport from the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, or Ireland are exempt. Also, if you have completed a degree at a registered Australian institution where the language of instruction was English, you do not need a test.
• Test results must be from within 3 years of application.

📝 How to Apply – Step‑by‑Step

1. Complete your Australian qualification – Ensure you have met the 2‑year Australian study requirement.
2. Obtain a skills assessment (Graduate Work stream only) – Apply to the relevant assessing authority.
3. Take an English test (if required) – Book IELTS, PTE, or other approved test.
4. Prepare documents – Passport, course completion letter, academic transcript, English test results, skills assessment (if needed), health insurance (OVHC), police certificates.
5. Apply online via ImmiAccount – Complete the application within 6 months of course completion.
6. Pay the visa fee – AUD $1,895 for the main applicant (2026). Additional fees for family members.
7. Submit and wait for decision – 80% of applications processed within 3–5 months.

💰 Fees & Processing Times (2026)

• Visa application fee (main applicant): AUD $1,895.
• Additional fees: AUD $950 for an adult dependent, AUD $475 for a child.
• Skills assessment (Graduate Work stream only): AUD $300–$1,200.
• English test: £150–£200 (IELTS/PTE).
• Health examination: AUD $300–$500.
• Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC): Approximately AUD $500–$1,500 per year (depending on coverage).
• Processing time: 80% of applications finalised within 3–5 months.

🟢 Pathway to Permanent Residence – From 485 to PR

The 485 visa provides you with valuable Australian work experience, which can help you qualify for permanent residency through:

• Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) – if you achieve a high points score (usually 85+).
• Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) – state or territory nomination.
• Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) – if you find an employer sponsor during your 485 stay.
• Regional visa pathways (subclass 491 / 191) – if you live and work in a designated regional area.

👉 After 1‑2 years of Australian skilled work experience, your points score for subclass 189/190 can increase significantly (e.g., 5‑10 points for skilled employment).

❓ Frequently Asked Questions – Temporary Graduate Visa (485)

⚠️ Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

• Missing the 6‑month application deadline: You must apply within 6 months of completing your course. Many students miss this window. Set a reminder as soon as you finish.
• Incorrect qualification for the stream: Applying for the Post‑Study Work stream when your course is not a degree (e.g., diploma) will lead to refusal. Check stream eligibility carefully.
• Not having adequate health insurance (OVHC): You must maintain OVHC for the entire visa period. Failure to do so can result in visa cancellation.
• Using an expired English test: English test results are only valid for 3 years. Ensure your test is current.
• Overstaying the student visa: You must apply for the 485 before your student visa expires. If your student visa expires and you have not applied, you may become unlawful and may need to depart.