Introduction – Why the Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485 Visa Matters

One of the most important visas for international students who have just finished their studies in Australia is the temporary graduate visa subclass 485. This visa lets graduates stay in Australia after they finish their degree and get valuable work experience that can help them build a strong career and look for long-term opportunities.

There are two main parts to this visa: the Graduate Work Stream and the Post-Study Work Stream. Each one is meant to help a different kind of graduate. The temporary graduate visa in Australia lets students work, travel, and even start the process of becoming a permanent resident.

The Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485 Visa, is a way for many students to reach their career goals while living in Australia. It is very important to know what the Australia 485 visa 2025 requirements are so that your application goes smoothly. If you leave out important information, your application could be delayed or denied.

We help students through the whole process at the Global Education Counselling Centre (GECC). We make sure they meet all the requirements and know their rights under the 485 visa Australia. This visa is more than just permission for you to stay there; rather it is a chance for you to gain real-world experience, enhance your skills, and create a pathway for your future in Australia like getting PR there.

What Is the Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485?

The temporary graduate visa subclass 485 is a special visa for international students who have just finished their studies in Australia. This visa lets graduates stay in Australia temporarily for a short time after they finish their course. This gives them the chance to get real work experience, improve their skills, and look into job opportunities in their field. This visa is an important step for many students who want to start a professional career in Australia and even apply for permanent residency later.

There are two main streams for temporary graduate visa subclass 485, and each one is for a different type of graduate:

• Graduate Work Stream
  • This stream is for students whose qualifications are related to occupations in demand in Australia.
  • It is usually given for 18 months, which is enough time for students to get work experience in their field.
• Post-Study Work Stream
  • This stream is for students who have already earned a higher education degree in Australia, like a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD.
  • The duration depends on the level of the qualification:
    • Bachelor’s or Master’s (coursework): up to 2 years
    • Master’s (research): up to 3 years
    • PhD: up to 4 years
  • This stream lets graduates work full-time in any job, so they can get professional experience and make money after they finish their studies.

The Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485 in Australia also allows graduates to:

• Come and go from Australia freely during the visa period.
• Get real-world work experience in their field, which can help them move up in their careers.
• Make connections and networks with Australian employers.
• Prepare for a pathway to permanent residency (PR) if they meet the requirements.

The temporary graduate visa subclass 485, is more than just a way for international students to stay in the country. It's a chance to make the switch from being a student to being a professional in Australia. It's very important to know what the requirements are for the Australia 485 visa in 2025. If you plan ahead, your application will go smoothly and you won't have to wait or be turned down.

Eligibility Criteria for Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485

The temporary graduate visa subclass 485 lets international students stay in Australia and work after they finish their studies. But not every student automatically meets the requirements. You must meet certain requirements in order to apply successfully. Understanding these requirements carefully can help you avoid visa rejection and make the most of your post-study opportunities.

Basic Eligibility Requirements:

1. Completed an Eligible Course in Australia
    
   • You need to have finished a course that is registered with CRICOS in Australia.
   • Your qualification must be related to a job on Australia's skilled occupation list in order to be eligible for the Graduate Work Stream.
   • You need to have finished a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD degree in Australia to be able to work after studying.
2. Age Limit
   • You have to be less than 50 years old when you apply.
3. English Language Proficiency
   • Depending on your nationality and stream, you may need to show that you know how to speak English. IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE Academic are some of the most common tests.
4. Student Visa Compliance
   • You had to have a valid student visa while you were studying in Australia.
   • You should have finished your course not too long ago (usually within six months of finishing it).
5. Health and Character Requirements
   • If necessary, applicants must pass medical exams and police checks to show that they are healthy and have good character in Australia.
6. Health Insurance
   • You must have enough health insurance for the duration of your stay under the 485 visa.

Additional Notes:

• Applications for the temporary graduate visa in Australia must be submitted while your student visa is still valid.
• It's important to find out which stream applies to your qualification because each one (Graduate Work or Post-Study Work) has slightly different requirements.

Global Education Counseling Center (GECC) helps students understand the eligibility requirements and make sure all the paperwork is in order. This makes it more likely that your 485 visa application for Australia will be approved.

How to Apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485 Visa

It might seem like a lot of work to apply for the temporary graduate visa subclass 485 at first, but if you follow the right steps, it will be easy and manageable. After international students finish their studies, this visa lets them live, work, and get experience in Australia.

Step-by-Step Application Process:

1. Check Your Eligibility
   • Make sure you meet all the requirements:
     • Finished a course in Australia that met the requirements.
     • Less than 50 years old.
     • Have a valid student visa.
     • Fulfill the requirements for English proficiency, health, and character.
2. Choose the Right Stream
   • Graduate Work Stream – For students whose qualifications match an occupation on the skilled occupation list.
   • Post-Study Work Stream – For students who completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Australia.
3. Prepare Required Documents
   • Passport (valid for the entire visa period).
   • Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) or proof of course completion.
   • English proficiency test results (if required).
   • Health insurance proof.
   • Police clearance certificates.
   • Skills assessment (if applying for the Graduate Work Stream).
4. Apply Online via ImmiAccount
   • Go to the Australian Government's Department of Home Affairs website and make an ImmiAccount or sign in.
   • Carefully fill out the application for a temporary graduate visa.
   • Make sure to upload all of the supporting documents in the right format.
5. Pay the Visa Fee
   • Pay the required visa application fee online.
   • Keep the payment confirmation as proof.
6. Biometrics and Health Checks
   • You may need to give biometrics depending on where you are from.
   • Follow the instructions and finish any medical tests that are required.
7. Wait for Visa Outcome
   • Processing times vary depending on your stream and circumstances.
   • You may receive bridging visa approval while your application is being processed.
8. Receive Your Visa
   • If approved, you can live and work in Australia under the temporary graduate visa conditions.

International students can successfully apply for the 485 visa Australia, get valuable work experience, and plan their future career or path to PR by following these steps closely.

Benefits of the Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485 Visa

The temporary graduate visa subclass 485 is an important visa for international students who have finished their studies in Australia. It lets you live and work in Australia temporarily, get some work experience there, and plan for a future permanent residency. This visa is meant to make it easier for graduates to move from studying to working in their field.

Key Benefits:

1. Work Opportunities in Your Field
   • You can work full-time in any part of Australia.
   • Get useful experience in your field of study, which employers really value..
2. Flexible Visa Streams
   • Graduate Work Stream: For students with qualifications in skilled occupations.
   • Post-Study Work Stream: For Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD graduates, with longer visa durations.
3. Duration of Stay
   • Bachelor’s or Master’s (Coursework) – up to 2 years
   • Master’s (Research) – up to 3 years
   • PhD – up to 4 years
4. Pathway to Permanent Residency (PR)
   • Work experience gained while on this visa can help you meet the points-based PR requirements.
   • Makes it easier to apply for long-term residency in Australia.
5. Flexibility and Family Inclusion
   • You can work for any company and live anywhere in Australia.
   • Some people who apply can bring family members who can also work or go to school while they are on the visa.
6. Professional Networking and Growth
   • Make connections with Australian professionals and employers.
   • Getting experience in your area will make your resume stronger and help you get a better job in the future.

The temporary graduate visa subclass 485 is more than just a work visa for international students in Australia. It opens the door to professional growth, local experience, and permanent residency.

Duration, Conditions, and PR Pathways.

The temporary graduate visa subclass 485 lets international students live and work in Australia after they finish their studies. However, it is important to know how long it lasts, what the conditions are, and how to get permanent residency.

Duration:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s (Coursework): Up to 2 years
• Master’s (Research): Up to 3 years
• PhD Graduates: Up to 4 years
  The duration depends on the level of your qualification and the stream you apply under (Graduate Work Stream or Post-Study Work Stream).

Conditions:

• You must hold a valid student visa when applying.
• Work is allowed full-time, giving you the opportunity to gain valuable local experience along with the valuable chance to earn more.
• You need to meet English language and health requirements.
• The visa can include family members, who may also work or study in Australia.
• You must apply within six months of completing your course.

PR Pathways:

• Work experience gained on this visa is recognized for points in the General Skilled Migration (GSM) system.
• Certain occupations allow you to apply for Skilled Migration after gaining work experience.

You can get the most out of the 485 visa, get work experience, and make it easier to get permanent residency in Australia by knowing these time frames, requirements, and PR pathways.

Conclusion

The temporary graduate visa subclass 485 is a great chance for international students who have finished their studies in Australia. It lets you get work experience in your area, look into your career options, and plan for permanent residency (PR). To get the most out of this visa, you need to know the requirements, how to apply, how long it lasts, and what the conditions are.

You can get the most out of the 485 visa by following the rules, applying on time, and making the most of your time in Australia. If you work smart while on this visa, you can build your career, improve your resume, and make it more likely that you will be able to get PR in the future.

For more personalized guidance and support, consider consulting us Global Education Counselling Centre (GECC), we will be sure to help you navigate the application process, avoid common mistakes, and plan your pathway toward PR confidently.