Apply for
Temporary Graduate Visa
Stay, Work & Build Your Future in Australia After Completing Your Studies
The 485 Graduate Visa allows international students to stay in Australia after completing their studies, gain post-study work experience, and explore their PR pathways with confidence.
At Knowbal Migration, we help you choose the right stream, check your eligibility, prepare your documents, and lodge a strong application — so you can focus on starting your career.
Get expert guidance on processing times, requirements, work rights, benefits, and PR options—so you can take your next big step after graduation with the right advice by your side.
STreams OF
SUBCLASS 485 VISA
| Feature | Post-Vocational Education Work (PVEW) | Post-Higher Education Work (PHEW) | Second Post-Higher Education Work |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main purpose | For VET / trade / diploma graduates whose skills are in demand. | For university graduates (Bachelor, Masters, PhD, Graduate Diploma if meet the requirements) to gain post-study work experience. | Extra time in Australia for eligible PHEW holders who studied in regional areas. |
| Linked to skilled occupation list | Yes – qualification must relate to an occupation on the skilled list. | No | No |
| Positive skills assessment | Required | No | No |
| Regional study requirement | Not required | Not required | Yes – degree must be from an eligible regional campus. |
| Stay period | Up to 18 months. Hong Kong and BNO passport holders may stay for 5 years. | Usually 2–3 years depending on qualification. HK/BNO may stay 5 years. for indian passport holder duration 2-4 years | 1–2 years, depending on study location + regional living. |
| Work rights | Full-time work rights | Full-time work rights | Full-time work rights |
| Study | Allowed | Allowed | Allowed |
| Age requirement | 35 or younger | 35 or younger, under 50 years of age when you apply if you: Masters (research) or Doctoral Degree (PhD), hold a Hong Kong or British National Overseas passport. | 35 or younger |
| English requirement | Must meet English test requirement for 485. | Same English requirement as PVEW. Exempt Nationals Citizens of (a) Canada; (b) New Zealand; (c) the Republic of Ireland; (d) the United Kingdom; (e) the United States of America. | Must still satisfy if required. |
| Health & character | Health check, police clearances, and insurance required. | Health check, police clearances, and insurance required. | Health Checks and Insurance is required, but Police Clearances are not a compulsion, should provide if asked |
| Family members | Can be included | Can be included | Can be included |
| When can you apply? | After completing an eligible VET qualification and meeting skilled occupation requirements. | After completing an eligible higher-education course. | While holding an eligible PHEW 485 visa. The applicant must have lived in a regional area for at least 2 years before applying for the second visa. |
Temporary Graduate Subsequent Entrant – Subclass 485
This visa is for eligible family members of a Temporary Graduate Visa holder who want to join or stay with them in Australia. It applies across all 485 visa streams and is used for subsequent entrants, not primary applicants.
The Knowbal Visa Application Process
Applying for the Temporary Graduate Visa can feel complicated, but Knowbal is here to support you at every stage. Here’s how we simplify the application process
Initial Consultation
We start by reviewing your study history, current visa status, and eligibility for the Temporary Graduate Visa. This personalised consultation helps us understand your situation and plan the best application approach for you.
Assigning an Expert Agent
Once we assess your case, you’ll be assigned a dedicated migration expert. This professional will be your main point of contact, guiding you through each step and answering your questions promptly.
Document Preparation
Gathering and organising your documents correctly is critical. Knowbal helps you prepare all necessary paperwork, including your Confirmation of Enrolment, academic transcripts, proof of completion, health insurance, and identity documents to avoid delays or errors.
Submitting the Application
We lodge your visa application on your behalf with the Department of Home Affairs, ensuring everything complies with visa requirements and your information is accurately presented.
Ongoing Updates
Throughout the processing period, Knowbal monitors your application and keeps you informed. Should the Department request additional information, we will assist you promptly to ensure a smooth process.
FAQs
The visa itself can’t be extended, but it can provide work experience that helps you qualify for other skilled visas or PR pathways. Graduates from Hong Kong with a 485 visa may have a PR pathway after five years.
The duration ranges from 18 months to 5 years, depending on the stream you apply for.
Processing typically takes between 2 weeks and 4 months, depending on the visa stream and individual case complexity.
Application fees start from AUD 2,235. Additional costs such as health checks, biometrics, and insurance may apply.
Only subsequent entrants can apply for this visa from outside Australia.
Primary applicants must lodge their application while they are inside Australia.
Yes, eligible family members can be included, allowing them to live and work in Australia during the visa period.
For IELTS Test Results:
Tests taken on or after 7 August 2025: IELTS results will be accepted with the One Skill Retake (OSR) for a Temporary Graduate visa application, provided that the OSR is completed before lodging your application.
Tests taken on or before 6 August 2025: No skill retake is allowed, unless the test taken is the Occupational English Test (OET).
Yes, you are. As per the law, you can apply up until you are 35 years and 364 days old.
Yes, you can include your partner as a dependent in your 485 visa application, even if they are currently in Australia on a visitor visa, as long as your partner meets the dependent criteria and satisfies visa conditions that allow them to apply onshore.
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