Temporary Graduate Visa 485 Extension Options

TL;DR

• The Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) lets international students stay in Australia after finishing their studies to work, study, and gain experience.
• There are three extension streams: Post-Vocational Education Work (diploma/trade), Post-Higher Education Work (degree or higher), and Second Post-Higher Education Work (regional graduates).
• Stay periods range from 18 months to 5 years, depending on your stream, qualification, and passport type (Hong Kong & BNO passport holders get longer).
• To apply, you need to meet eligibility requirements, prepare documents, apply via ImmiAccount, pay the fee, and check processing times on the Home Affairs website.
• If you don’t qualify for an extension, options include skilled migration visas, visitor visas, subclass 408, or partner/family visas.

Finished your studies in Australia but not ready to head back home yet? Many international students like you want to extend their stay, whether it’s to gain more work experience, apply for permanent residency, or simply enjoy life in Australia a little longer.

The good news is that the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) provides pathways to extend your time here. Depending on your qualifications and where you studied, there are different extension streams available.

In this article, we’ll explore these options in detail so you can understand which one may be right for you.

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 The Department of Home Affairs for precise, up-to-date guidance tailored to your specific circumstances.

What is the Temporary Graduate Visa 485?

The Temporary Graduate Visa 485 is meant for international students who have finished their studies in Australia and wish to stay on temporarily. It allows you to live, work, and study for a limited period after graduation.

There are different streams under this visa, each catering to different qualifications. The main focus here is on extension options, which give you extra time to build your career or prepare for your next visa application.

Let’s start with the Post-Vocational Education Work stream, designed for diploma, trade, and associate degree graduates.

1. Post-Vocational Education Work Stream

If you’ve completed a diploma, trade qualification, or associate degree, this stream is likely your first step. It’s intended for graduates whose qualifications relate to occupations on Australia’s skilled occupation list.

Key details you should know:

1. Stay duration: Up to 18 months. If you hold a Hong Kong or British National Overseas passport, you can stay for up to 5 years.
2. Cost: From AUD 2,300.
3. Rights: You can live, work, and study in Australia. You can also bring your family.
4. Requirement: Your qualification must be directly relevant to your nominated occupation on the skilled occupation list.

This stream is perfect if your career pathway is aligned with Australia’s workforce needs. It gives you time to gain practical experience and plan your next steps.

If your qualification is degree-level or higher, you will be eligible under the Post-Higher Education Work stream.

2. Post-Higher Education Work Stream

Graduates with a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree may be eligible for this stream. It’s widely chosen by international students who want to work in their professional field after finishing university.

Here’s what it offers:

1. Stay duration: Usually between 2 and 3 years, depending on your qualification. Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders can stay for 5 years.
2. Cost: From AUD 2,300.
3. Rights: You can work full-time, continue studying, and bring your family.
4. Requirement: Your degree must be from a CRICOS-registered course.

This stream gives you more time to secure skilled employment in your field and strengthen your pathway to permanent residency.

And if you’ve studied in a regional area, you may even qualify for more time under the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream.

3. Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream

This option is designed for graduates who studied in a regional Australian institution and already hold a Temporary Graduate visa in the Post-Higher Education Work, Post-Study Work, or Replacement stream.

Here’s what you should know:

1. Stay duration: Between 1 and 2 years. The exact length depends on the regional location of your institution and where you live as a graduate.
2. Cost: From AUD 905.
3. Rights: You can continue to work and bring your family with you.
4. Requirement: Your degree must be from an Australian institution located in a designated regional area.

This stream rewards international graduates who chose regional study locations. It’s also a great opportunity to live and work in areas that have growing demand for skilled workers.

Now that you know the different streams, let’s look at what you’ll need to qualify for them.

General Eligibility for Extensions

Regardless of the stream, there are some common requirements you’ll need to meet:

1. You must have completed an eligible qualification in Australia.
2. You must hold a substantive visa.
3. You’ll need adequate health insurance for your stay.
4. You need to meet the health and character requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs.
5. You should have held the right visa during your study period.

Meeting these requirements ensures your application goes smoothly. Next, let’s walk through the application process.

Application Process for Visa 485 Extensions

Applying for your Temporary Graduate Visa 485 extension isn’t as complicated as it may seem, but it’s important to follow each step carefully. 

Here’s a simple breakdown of how you can do it:

1. Confirm your eligibility

Start by checking which stream you qualify for: Post-Vocational, Post-Higher Education, or Second Post-Higher Education. Your eligibility depends on the level of your qualification and, in Second Post-Higher Education, the region where you studied.

2. Gather your documents

Before you apply, make sure you have all the required paperwork ready. This usually includes:

1. A valid passport
2. Your qualification certificate and academic transcripts
3. Proof of adequate health insurance for the duration of your stay
4. English language test results, if required
5. Health and character documents (medical checks and police certificates)

3. Apply through ImmiAccount

Applications are submitted online through your ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website. This is the official portal where you’ll upload documents, complete forms, and pay the application fee.

4. Pay the visa fee

The cost will depend on your chosen stream, currently from AUD 2,300 for Post-Vocational and Post-Higher Education, and from AUD 905 for the Second Post-Higher Education stream. Always check the Home Affairs website for updated fees before applying.

5. Wait for your visa to be processed

Processing times vary depending on the stream and the volume of applications. Instead of relying on estimates, you can use the processing time guide tool on the Home Affairs website to get the most recent updates.

Pro Tip: Apply before your current visa expires. This keeps your work rights safe while your extension application is being processed.

Once you’ve applied, you’ll receive a bridging visa if your current visa expires before a decision is made. This means you can legally stay and continue working in Australia while you wait.

If you find that you don’t qualify for one of these extension streams, you may still have other visa options available. Let’s go through those next.

What If You Don’t Qualify for an Extension?

Not everyone will meet the requirements for a Temporary Graduate Visa 485 extension, and that’s okay. There are still other visa pathways you can explore to remain in Australia. Here are some common alternatives:

1. Skilled Migration Visas

If your occupation is on the skilled occupation list, you may be eligible to apply for a skilled visa such as the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) or the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190). These visas are points-tested and could lead to permanent residency if you meet the requirements.

2. Employer-Sponsored Visas 

If you have a job offer from an Australian employer, you may be eligible for an employer-sponsored visa. The Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482), the Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186), and the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme Visa (Subclass 494) are options for skilled workers. These visas allow you to stay and work in Australia for your employer, with pathways to permanent residency in some cases.

3. Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)

If your goal is simply to spend more time in Australia without working or studying, you can consider applying for a visitor visa. This won’t give you work rights, but it allows you to stay legally for a shorter period.

4. Subclass 408 – Temporary Activity visa

This visa allows you to engage in short-term, temporary work activities, such as participating in events, working as a performer, or completing short-term projects. It provides flexibility for individuals who want to contribute to Australia’s workforce in specific sectors without pursuing long-term employment. It’s a great option for those looking to stay a little longer after their current visa expires, giving them the opportunity to gain experience or work on short-term assignments.

5. Partner or Family Visa

If you have a partner or family member who is an Australian PR or citizen, you may be eligible to apply for a partner visa or another family-related visa.

Important: Overstaying your visa can cause serious problems for future applications. Always apply for another visa before your current one expires.

Even if you’re not eligible for a 485 extension, you still have options to remain in Australia legally. This is where speaking with a professional migration agent can help you choose the right pathway for your goals.

Final Thoughts

Extending your stay in Australia through the Temporary Graduate Visa 485 gives you more time to work, study, and prepare for long-term plans. With three streams: Post-Vocational, Post-Higher Education, and Second Post-Higher Education, you have flexible options depending on your qualifications and study location.

If you’re unsure which stream applies to you or how to prepare your application, Knowbal Migration & Education is here to help. We can guide you through the entire process, making sure you choose the right pathway for your future in Australia.

Book a consultation with Knowbal today and find the best extension option for your stay.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I extend my Temporary Graduate Visa more than once?

Only under specific streams,  such as the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream, if you studied in a regional area.

2. Do all qualifications qualify for the Post-Vocational Education Work stream?

No, your qualification must be relevant to an occupation on the skilled occupation list.

3. Can my family stay with me under these extensions?

Yes, you can include eligible family members in all three streams.

4. How long does it take for my visa extension to be processed?

Processing times vary. Use the Department of Home Affairs processing time tool for the most recent updates.

5. What happens if I don’t apply before my visa expires?

You may lose your legal status in Australia and face restrictions. Always apply before expiry.

Have more questions? Contact Knowbal!