Looking to stay in Australia after graduation and build your career?
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) offers the perfect opportunity for international students to live, work, and gain valuable experience in Australia.
If you’re an international student exploring options after graduation, this visa might be your next move. It allows eligible graduates to remain in Australia temporarily and gain post-study work experience aligned with their qualifications.
But before you apply, it’s important to understand what’s involved. From choosing the right stream to knowing the 485 visa cost, every detail counts. This visa comes with its own set of eligibility rules, documentation requirements, and fees.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know before applying: eligibility criteria, visa streams, cost breakdown, and a step-by-step guide to ensure your application goes smoothly.
Please Note: This article serves as a general guide to help you understand the topic, with information accurate as of the publication date. We recommend consulting a registered migration agent or check The Department of Home Affairs for precise, up-to-date guidance tailored to your specific circumstances.
Understanding the 485 Visa
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) is designed for international students who have recently completed their studies in Australia. It allows them to remain in the country temporarily to gain work experience related to their qualifications.
There are two main streams under this visa, each catering to different types of graduates:
1. Graduate Work Stream
This stream is for international students who have completed a qualification related to an occupation listed on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL).
Eligibility:
- Must have completed a diploma or trade qualification
- Must nominate a skilled occupation and provide a positive skills assessment
- Typically suited for vocational education and training graduates
Duration: Up to 18 months (or 24 months for Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders)
2. Post-Study Work Stream
This stream is available to international students who have recently graduated with a higher education degree from an Australian institution.
Eligibility:
- Must hold an eligible Australian bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree
- Available only to students who applied for and were granted their first student visa on or after 5 November 2011
Duration:
- Bachelor’s degree: Up to 2 years
- Master’s by coursework: Up to 2 years
- Master’s by research: Up to 3 years
- Doctoral degree: Up to 4 years
Note: Graduates from regional institutions may be eligible for an additional 1 to 2 years of stay under the regional extension policy.
Choosing the correct stream is essential as it directly affects your stay duration and documentation requirements. Understanding the 485 visa cost helps you budget better for your application and avoid unexpected expenses.
485 Visa Cost Breakdown
Applying for the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) involves more than just submitting a form. It’s important to understand all the associated expenses to avoid surprises later. Here’s a clear breakdown of the 485 visa cost and related charges.
Visa Application Charges (as of 2025):
- Primary applicant: AUD $1,895
- Additional applicant (18 years and over): AUD $950
- Additional applicant (under 18 years): AUD $475
These charges are paid at the time of application through your ImmiAccount. They are non-refundable, even if the application is withdrawn or refused.
Other Potential Costs:
- Medical Examination: Required for all applicants. The cost varies depending on the clinic and location.
- Police Clearance Certificates: You’ll need to submit police checks for any country you’ve lived in for 12 months or more over the past 10 years. Fees differ by country.
- English Language Test: If you’re required to prove English proficiency, tests like IELTS or PTE will apply. Fees depend on the provider.
- Health Insurance (OVHC): You must maintain adequate health insurance throughout your stay. Prices vary based on duration, provider, and coverage level.
These costs can add up quickly, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead and keep receipts of all payments for record purposes.
Once you know the expenses involved, it’s time to check if you meet the eligibility criteria.
Eligibility Requirements for Subclass 485 Visa
To apply for the 485 visa, applicants must meet both general and stream-specific requirements. These ensure you’re eligible to remain in Australia temporarily after completing your studies.
General Eligibility Criteria
- Age: You must be under 50 years of age. However, only applicants holding a Hong Kong or British National Overseas passport are eligible between 35 and 50 years. All others must be under 35.
- Visa status: You should hold an eligible student visa or have held one within the past 6 months.
- English proficiency: You must meet English language requirements unless you’re from an exempt country.
- Health insurance: You must have adequate health cover (OVHC) at the time of application.
- Character and health checks: Mandatory police clearances and medical exams apply.
Stream-Specific Requirements
Graduate Work Stream:
- Your qualification must relate to an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
- A positive skills assessment is required for the nominated occupation.
Post-Study Work Stream:
- You must have completed a higher education degree (bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral) from an Australian institution.
- No occupation list or skills assessment is required for this stream.
Being clear about eligibility helps avoid delays or refusals later in the application cycle. Understanding these distinctions helps you choose the right stream and prepare your documentation accordingly.
Document Checklist for 485 Visa
Preparing the correct documents is essential for a smooth 485 visa application. Here’s a checklist based on what the Department of Home Affairs generally requires:
Identity Documents
- Passport bio-data page
- National ID card (if applicable)
- Birth certificate
Education-Related Documents
- Completion letter from your Australian education provider
- Academic transcripts
- CRICOS course confirmation
English Language Proof
- IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE results (unless exempt)
Skills Assessment (Graduate Work Stream only)
- Positive skills assessment from the relevant authority for your nominated occupation
Health and Character Documents
- Health examination results
- Police clearance certificates from countries lived in for 12+ months in the past 10 years (since age 16)
Health Insurance
- Proof of Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) from an approved provider
Relationship Evidence (if applying with family)
- Marriage certificate or proof of de facto relationship
- Dependents’ birth certificates
Ensure all documents are scanned clearly, translated (if not in English), and uploaded in the correct format through your ImmiAccount. Incomplete or inconsistent documentation is a common reason for application delays or refusals. Having the correct documents ready increases your chances of a successful visa outcome.
With your paperwork sorted, here’s a step-by-step walkthrough of the application process.
Application Process Step-by-Step
Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility and prepared your documents, here’s how to lodge your 485 visa application:
1. Prepare Your Documents
Before you begin, ensure all supporting documents such as your passport, qualification evidence, English proficiency test results, and health insurance policy are scanned and ready in the required format.
2. Access ImmiAccount
Head to the ImmiAccount portal and either create an account or log in to your existing one. This is where you will manage the entire application process.
3. Complete the Online Application
Select the appropriate 485 visa stream and fill out the form with your personal, educational, and contact details. Double-check for accuracy to avoid delays.
4. Upload Documents
Attach all required files in the correct categories. Missing documents can result in processing hold-ups, so ensure your uploads are complete and legible.
5. Make Payment
Pay the applicable visa fee via the secure payment options available within ImmiAccount. This step confirms your submission.
6. Track Application Progress
Use your ImmiAccount dashboard to monitor updates, receive notifications, and respond promptly to any requests from the Department of Home Affairs.
Timely responses and complete submissions help reduce processing delays and improve your chances of approval.
A good application can still go wrong, here are what you should avoid.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for the 485 Visa
Even eligible applicants sometimes face delays or rejections due to avoidable errors. Here are some of the most common mistakes:
1. Uploading Low-Quality or Incorrect File Formats
Documents must be clear, legible, and in accepted file types like PDF or JPEG. Blurry scans or wrong formats can lead to processing issues.
2. Missing Deadlines
The 485 visa must be lodged within the eligible timeframe, typically within six months of course completion. Late applications are not accepted under any circumstances.
3. Choosing the Wrong Stream
Selecting the incorrect stream (Graduate Work vs Post-Study Work) based on your course level or visa history can invalidate your application.
4. Not Maintaining Health Insurance
Maintaining Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) for the entire visa duration is mandatory. Applicants who cancel coverage too early risk visa cancellation.
5. Inconsistent Information Across Documents
Details like names, dates, and course information must be consistent across all supporting files. Mismatches raise red flags and delay processing.
6. Ignoring ImmiAccount Messages
Failing to respond to Department requests for further information or clarification can lead to application refusal.
Steering clear of these mistakes makes the difference between approval and delay. Here’s what you can expect after approval.
After Approval: What’s Next?
Once your 485 visa is granted, you gain access to several key opportunities that can shape your future in Australia:
1. Full Work Rights
You can work in any occupation and for any employer without restrictions. This flexibility allows you to gain local experience, build professional networks, and strengthen your future visa applications.
2. Pathways to Permanent Residency
The 485 visa can serve as a stepping stone to permanent visas such as the 189, 190, or 186, especially if you gain relevant work experience in a skilled occupation. Regional employment may also open doors to additional PR options under the 491 or 494 visas.
3. Further Study or Upskilling
You’re free to enrol in further education or vocational courses while on a 485 visa. Many graduates use this period to specialise in their field or meet criteria for skills assessments.
4. Regional Opportunities
Working or studying in designated regional areas can offer migration advantages, including additional PR points and access to region-specific visa streams.
Making the most of your 485 visa period is essential for long-term planning. Strategic choices during this time can significantly improve your chances of staying in Australia permanently. Now that you know what comes after approval, let’s wrap up with the big picture.
Final Thoughts
Applying for a post-study work visa is a critical step for international students looking to build their future in Australia. The 485 visa opens up real opportunities, whether that’s gaining local experience, exploring permanent residency, or taking the next step in your studies.
If you’re unsure which stream fits you best or need help navigating the application process, Knowbal is here to simplify it for you. Our migration experts can guide you through each step, helping you avoid delays and get it right the first time.
Need support with your 485 visa application?
Reach out to Knowbal today and let us help you stay in Australia with confidence.
