Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485): Stay and Work in Australia After Studies

Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485): Stay and Work in Australia After Studies

Completing your studies in Australia is an exciting milestone, but what comes next? For many international students, the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) is the perfect next step. This visa allows graduates to live, study, and work in Australia temporarily, opening the door to career opportunities and future permanent residency pathways.

Key Benefits of the 485 Visa

• Stay in Australia for 2–4 years depending on your qualification.

• Gain valuable work experience in your field of study.

• Include your partner and dependent children in the application.

• Pathway to permanent visas like Skilled Migration (Subclass 189/190) or Employer-Sponsored visas.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, you must:

• Be under 50 years of age.

• Hold an eligible visa at the time of application.

• Have completed a course registered on CRICOS (minimum 2 years).

• Meet English language requirements (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL).

• Have health insurance and clear health & character checks.

Streams of the 485 Visa

There are two main streams:

1. Graduate Work Stream – For students with skills in demand on the Skilled Occupation List. Valid for up to 18 months.

2. Post-Study Work Stream – For graduates of higher education (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD). Valid for 2–4 years depending on the qualification.

Why Choose This Visa?

The Temporary Graduate Visa gives you time to build your career, secure employer sponsorship, or prepare for a skilled migration visa application. It’s an essential stepping stone for students who want to transition from studying in Australia to living here permanently.