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Temporary Graduate Visa

Temporary Graduate Visa Australia (Subclass 485)

The Temporary Graduate Visa Australia (Subclass 485) is a popular pathway for international students who have recently graduated from an Australian institution. It allows you to live, work, and gain valuable experience in Australia after completing your studies.


Key Streams Under Subclass 485:

  • Post-Vocational Education Work Stream – For graduates with qualifications related to occupations on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
  • Post-Higher Education Work Stream – For graduates with higher education degrees (Bachelor, Masters, or Doctoral) from Australian institutions
  • Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream – For eligible holders of a first 485 visa who graduated from a regional institution and lived regionally

At Sidhu Immigration, we simplify the entire process—helping you understand eligibility, prepare documents, and submit a strong application for better approval chances.

Sidhu Immigration
Sidhu Immigration

Streams of the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa

The Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa includes three distinct streams tailored to qualification level and study location:

Post-Vocational Education Work Stream

For graduates with vocational qualifications closely related to an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). Requires a suitable skills assessment and grants a stay of up to 18 months (up to 5 years for Hong Kong passport holders).

Post-Higher Education Work Stream

For graduates of higher education degrees (Bachelor, Master, or Doctoral). Grants up to 2 years for Bachelor/Masters coursework, up to 3 years for Masters by research or PhD (subject to specific bilateral provisions and passport arrangements).

Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream

For holders of a first Post-Higher Education Work stream 485 visa who graduated from a regional campus and maintained continuous regional residence. Provides an additional 1 to 2 years stay.

Temporary Graduate Visa 485 Requirements

Understanding the 485 visa requirements is essential to ensure a smooth and successful application process.

Identity Documents

You must have a valid passport along with all required identity documents to prove your personal details and nationality.

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Academic Documents

Applicants must provide academic transcripts and a completion letter from an Australian institution confirming successful course completion.

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English Requirement

You must demonstrate English language proficiency through tests like IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL, meeting the required minimum scores.

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Health Insurance

You are required to hold valid health insurance such as OSHC or OVHC for the duration of your stay in Australia.

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Police Clearance

An Australian Federal Police (AFP) clearance certificate is required to meet character requirements.

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Skills Assessment

A skills assessment is required only for applicants applying under the Graduate Work Stream and must be relevant to your field of study.

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Sidhu Immigration
Sidhu Immigration

Subclass 485 Visa Eligibility

To apply for a 485 visa, you must meet specific eligibility criteria. These include:

  • You must be 35 years of age or under at time of application (exceptions apply up to 50 for Masters by research and Doctoral graduates, and Hong Kong / BNO passport holders)
  • Hold a valid student visa in the last 6 months
  • Completed a CRICOS-registered course in Australia
  • Meet the Australian study requirement
  • Provide proof of English language proficiency
  • Meet health and character requirements

Our experts at Sidhu Immigration carefully assess your profile to ensure you meet all 485 visa eligibility conditions before applying.


Benefits of Temporary Graduate Visa Australia

The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) allows international students to live and work in Australia after completing eligible qualifications. Duration depends on the stream and qualification level:

  • Up to 18 months for Post-Vocational Education Work stream (up to 5 years for Hong Kong passport holders)
  • Up to 2 years for Bachelor degree (coursework or honours)
  • Up to 2 years for Masters by coursework; up to 3 years for Masters by research
  • Up to 3 years for Doctoral degree (PhD) (special bilateral agreements apply for eligible Indian nationals under AI-ECTA, and up to 5 years for Hong Kong/BNO passport holders)
  • 1 to 2 additional years for regional study under the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream

To qualify, you must have completed one of the following in Australia:

  • Bachelor degree
  • Master’s degree (coursework or research)
  • Doctorate (PhD)

Diploma or trade-level qualifications are generally not eligible under this stream, although certain packaged degree programs with graduate certificates or diplomas may be considered.

Including Family Members

You can include eligible family members in your application, such as:

  • Spouse or de facto partner (including same-sex partner)
  • Dependent children

If you already hold a 485 visa, your family members can later apply to join you.

Where to Apply

The primary applicant must be in Australia at the time of application and must have held a valid student visa within the last 6 months. Family members can apply either from within Australia or overseas.

Sidhu Immigration

Common Questions Answered

FAQ
It depends on your qualification and stream, ranging from 18 months to up to 5 years.
Yes, the visa allows full-time work rights in Australia.
Yes, but only for the Graduate Work stream.
You must apply within 6 months of completing your course.
Yes, eligible family members can be included.

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