Visas
Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)
The 485 lets you stay and work in Australia after finishing an Australian qualification — full work rights, no sponsor. Streams, eligibility windows, and what trips people up.
Published 17 May 2026 · Last reviewed 17 May 2026
The 485 lets you stay and work in Australia after finishing an Australian qualification. It's not tied to a sponsor and gives full work rights. There are currently two main streams open to new applicants:
- Post-Higher Education Work stream — for bachelor / masters / PhD graduates. Length depends on your qualification (typically 2 years for a bachelor, longer for masters and PhDs). Verify current length brackets at the link below.
- Post-Vocational Education Work stream — for VET graduates with eligible occupations. Shorter (typically around 18 months).
There's also a Second Post-Higher Education Work stream for graduates of eligible regional study who want a second 485.
Eligibility (Post-Higher Education stream)
- You've held a student visa in the last 6 months.
- You meet the Australian Study Requirement — generally 2 academic years (92 weeks CRICOS) of study in Australia, completed in no less than 16 calendar months.
- You're under the age limit (verify current age cap — it's been adjusted in recent years).
- You meet the English requirement and have applied within 6 months of completing your course.
What you can do on a 485
- Work for any employer, full-time.
- Study (though you don't get OSHC concessions).
- Travel in and out of Australia.
Common gotchas
- The 6-month clock starts when your course is officially completed (the date on your completion letter), not when you graduate. Apply in time.
- Health insurance is still required for the 485 — Australian private health, not OSHC.
- Your nominated qualification must be CRICOS-registered and completed in Australia. Courses taken online from outside Australia don't count toward the Australian Study Requirement.
Where to read more
- Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485): https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/temporary-graduate-485 — main page.
- Post-Higher Education Work stream: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/temporary-graduate-485/post-higher-education-work
- Australian Study Requirement: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/temporary-graduate-485/australian-study-requirement