Australian Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) — General Overview
Let's Go Study Australia is not a registered migration agent and does not provide immigration assistance or migration advice as defined by the Migration Act 1958 (Cth). Information on this website is general in nature. For advice about your specific visa situation, consult a registered migration agent at mara.gov.au or an Australian legal practitioner. This page provides general information sourced from the Department of Home Affairs.
The Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa allows international students who have recently completed an eligible qualification at an Australian institution to remain in Australia temporarily after their studies. It provides work rights that allow graduates to gain professional experience in Australia. The information below is sourced from publicly available Department of Home Affairs guidance.
What Is the Subclass 485 Visa?
The Subclass 485 is a temporary visa — not a permanent residency visa. It is designed to give recent graduates the opportunity to live and work in Australia after completing their studies. The visa has two main streams, each with different eligibility criteria and durations. Eligibility is assessed by the Department of Home Affairs on a case-by-case basis — this is general information only. Consult a registered migration agent at mara.gov.au for advice on your personal situation.
Graduate Work Stream vs Post-Study Work Stream
Graduate Work Stream
For graduates with a qualification that relates to an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). Applicants generally need a skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority. This stream is typically 18 months in duration.
Post-Study Work Stream
For graduates with a higher education degree (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) from an Australian institution. No skills assessment is required. Duration varies by qualification level — see the table below.
Source: Department of Home Affairs. Stream eligibility criteria are determined by the Department on a case-by-case basis.
How Long Is the Subclass 485 Visa?
The duration of the Subclass 485 visa depends on your qualification level and the stream you apply under. The following table shows general durations as published by the Department of Home Affairs. Durations are subject to change — always check the current visa conditions at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
| Qualification | Stream | General Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree | Post-Study Work | 2 years |
| Bachelor's degree (honours) | Post-Study Work | 2 years |
| Master's by coursework | Post-Study Work | 3 years |
| Master's by research | Post-Study Work | 3 years |
| Doctoral degree (PhD) | Post-Study Work | 4 years |
| Trade qualification (on skilled occupation list) | Graduate Work | 18 months |
Graduates who studied and lived in a designated regional area may be eligible for additional time on the Subclass 485 — see Regional Study in Australia. Source: Department of Home Affairs. Durations are subject to policy changes.
What Can You Do on a Subclass 485 Visa?
The Subclass 485 generally provides the following rights, subject to the specific conditions attached to your visa by the Department of Home Affairs:
- Work full-time in Australia (no work hour restrictions)
- Study in Australia
- Travel in and out of Australia while the visa is valid
- Include eligible family members (partner and dependent children)
- Access Medicare (Australia's public health system) while on the visa
Visa conditions vary. The specific conditions attached to your visa are determined by the Department of Home Affairs. This is general information only.
What Comes After the Subclass 485?
The Subclass 485 is a temporary visa. Before it expires, you will need to either apply for another visa, leave Australia, or explore other options. Common pathways after the 485 include:
- General Skilled Migration — if your occupation is on the Skilled Occupation List and you meet the points test threshold, you may be eligible to apply for a skilled migration visa (e.g. Subclass 189 or 190).
- Employer-sponsored visa — if an Australian employer offers to sponsor you for a Subclass 482 or 494 visa.
- State/Territory nomination — some states and territories offer nomination pathways for graduates with skills in demand.
- Further study — enrolling in a higher-level qualification on a new student visa.
Permanent residency pathways are complex and depend on your individual circumstances, including your occupation, skills assessment, English proficiency, age, and work experience. For advice on your specific situation, consult a registered migration agent at mara.gov.au. For more information on courses that align with skilled occupations, see our Best Courses for PR Pathways guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
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