Complete Guide to the 485 Visa (Temporary Graduate Visa) Australia

The Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) is one of the most valuable opportunities and one of the most attractive factors that attract thousands of international students coming to study in Australia each year. If you’re looking to gain full-time work rights, improve your chances for permanent residency, or basically extend your stay after having completed your 18 months Vocational Education or 2 years of Higher Education in Australia, then applying for a 485 visa is your perfect option. 

Generally, you must meet the below criteria to be eligible for a 485 visa:  

• Be under 35 years old at the time of application. Please note that Hong Kong & BNO passport holders are exempted from this requirement as they can apply before they turn 50 years old year. 

• Hold an eligible Australian qualification: You are required to complete at least one associate degree, diploma, trade qualification or higher education degree in Australia  

• Have completed at least 2 years of study in Australia in the last 6 months: This means you must have completed a full-time study in Australia and your study must be at least 2 years 

• Meet the English language requirement: You must obtain an IELTS (or equivalent) 6.5 overall, with no band score under 5.5, and your English certificate must be issued less than 1 year at the time of application 

• Have adequate health insurance 

• Have applied for a skills assessment (if applicable): You must provide your valid skills assessment with your application. If you don’t have a skills assessment, you must provide evidence that you have applied for one. 

If you meet all the requirements, you can apply for a 485, and this visa will bring you with a range of benefits: 

• Full work rights – You have a right to work full-time in Australia. No employer sponsorship needed 

• Stay in Australia for up to 5 years 

• 18 months if you have completed a Vocational qualification such as a Diploma/Advanced Diploma or Trade qualification 

• 2 years if you have completed a Bachelor’s or Master’s coursework degree 

• 3 years if you have completed a Master’s research or a PhD degree 

• 5 years if you are holding a Hong Kong/BNO passport 

• Up to 4 years for Indian students under AIECTA (STEM/First-class honours) 

• If you study a higher education in an approved regional area and live in this area during your study, you will be eligible for “Second Post – Higher Education Work” stream. This mean that you can stay in Australia for another one or two years after your first “Post-Higher Education Work” visa expires. In particular, if you study and live in the Regional area Category 1, you can stay one more year while if you study and live in the Regional area Category 2, you can stay additionally 2 years in Australia.  

• Pathway to Permanent Residency (PR) – While holding a 485 visa, you will have more time to prepare for your PR application. Some of popular options are employer sponsorship, state nomination (190, 491) or skilled independent visa (189) 

• Travel in and out of Australia freely for as many times as you want 

• Option to study again: While under a visa 485, you are eligible to apply for another course in Australia to enhance your skills.  

You must apply within 6 months of completing your course in Australia. 

• Your student visa must be valid when you lodge your 485 visa application. 

• You must provide completion letters and transcripts to prove that you already complete your enrolled course. 

• Your English language test must have been taken within the last 1 year (reduced from 3 years as of 2024). 

Here’s a checklist of the key documents you’ll need: 

Personal & Identity 

• Valid passport 

• Birth certificate (if applicable) 

• National ID card (if applicable) 

• Marriage certificate (if applicable) 

Education 

• Completion letter from your Australian institution 

• Official academic transcript 

• CRICOS course code confirmation 

Health & Insurance 

• Health insurance (OVHC) for the length of stay 

• Health examination (as directed by the Department) 

English Language 

• IELTS score: 6.5 overall and no band below 5.5
  (or equivalent PTE, TOEFL, OET)
  Test must be less than 12 months old at time of application 

Skills Assessment 

• Required only for vocational stream or migration pathway planning 

• Can be in progress at the time of application 

Additional 

• AFP police clearance (must be applied for before lodging) 

• Visa application fee payment receipt 

Final Tips Before You Apply 

• Double-check your visa expiry date and avoid applying too late. 

• Book your English test early if your last result is more than 12 months old. 

• Keep copies of completion letters and transcripts ready. 

• Start planning your career or migration options early—the 485 visa is a time-limited opportunity! 

At SOL Edu and Migration, one of the best agencies in Brisbane, we help students prepare strong 485 visa applications, check eligibility, and guide them toward PR options. Contact us today at 07 3003 1899 or hello@solmigration.com for a consultation.