Stay Back & Gain Work Experience After Graduation
The Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa allows international students who have recently graduated from an Australian institution to live, work, and study in Australia temporarily. This visa helps graduates gain professional experience and improve their skills before applying for permanent residency.
Key Benefits of the Subclass 485 Visa
✅ Work full-time in Australia (no restrictions)
✅ Stay for 18 months to 3 years for most streams (up to 5 years for eligible Hong Kong and BNO passport holders)
✅ Bring eligible family members (partner & dependent children)
✅ Gain Australian work experience for future PR applications
✅ No employer sponsorship required
Eligibility Requirements
1. Recent Australian Study Requirement
✔ Completed a CRICOS-registered course (minimum 2 years of study in Australia) while on a student visa.
✔ Graduated with a:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree → usually 2 years
- Trade qualification (Diploma or Vocational Education) → up to 18 months
2. English Language Proficiency
✔ IELTS 6.5 overall with no band less than 5.5, or equivalent (PTE, TOEFL, OET)
3. Age Limit
✔ Must be 35 or under at application (exceptions apply, including Hong Kong and BNO passport holders)
4. Health & Character Checks
✔ Must meet health and police clearance requirements
5. Visa Application Timing
✔ Must apply within 6 months of completing studies
Two Streams of the 485 Visa
1. Post-Vocational Education Work Stream
✔ For trade or diploma graduates
✔ Must have an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL)
✔ Must obtain a positive skills assessment
2. Post-Higher Education Work Stream
✔ For Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD graduates
✔ No skills assessment required
✔ Visa length depends on qualification:
- Bachelor’s/Master’s (Coursework): 2 years
- Master’s (Research): 3 years
(Hong Kong and BNO passport holders may be granted 5 years)
How the 485 Visa Process Works
- Complete Your Studies – Ensure your course is CRICOS-registered
- Check Eligibility – Choose the right stream (Post-Vocational or Post-Higher Education Work)
- Gather Documents – Academic transcripts, English test results, passport
- Lodge Application – Online via ImmiAccount
- Visa Grant – processing times vary; check the Home Affairs processing time guide
Why Choose the 485 Visa?
🔹 No employer sponsorship needed
🔹 Extra time to gain work experience for PR (e.g., Subclass 189/190/491)
🔹 Flexibility to work in any job (not restricted to your field of study)
🔹 Opportunity to improve English & skills for future visa applications
How Immigrad Can Help
✅ Eligibility Check – Confirm your best visa stream
✅ Skills Assessment Support (for the Post-Vocational Education Work stream)
✅ Application Preparation – Avoid delays & refusals
✅ Post-Visa Guidance – Next steps for permanent residency
Start Your Regional Visa Journey Today
Book a Free Consultation
Official Resources
Home Affairs – 485 Visa
CRICOS-Registered Courses
Note: Immigration regulations change frequently. While we maintain current knowledge, we recommend verifying information with the Department of Home Affairs or consulting a registered migration agent.