Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) Guide
Graduate visa guide: eligibility, streams, documents, costs & processing times.
This guide covers the key information you need to know about the subclass 485 visa, including eligibility requirements, visa streams, required documents, visa costs, processing times and the application process. It also explains how Turner-Rowe Migration can assist you throughout your application.
At Turner-Rowe Migration, we provide professional advice and personalised guidance to help you understand your visa options and assess your circumstances, with support available in both English and Spanish.
Graduate visa overview:
What is the official visa name → Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)
Who can apply to this visa → Eligible international students who have completed vocational education or higher education studies in Australia
How long can you stay in Australia with this visa → Depending on your qualification level, you may be able to stay in Australia for between 2 and 5 years
Can applicants work under this visa → Yes, applicants have work rights anywhere in Australia
Can applicants study under this visa → Yes, applicants have study rights anywhere in Australia
Can I include family members in the visa application → Yes, applicants can include eligible family members in their application
Does this visa lead to Permanent Residency → Potentially yes, through an Employer-Sponsored visa or Skilled Migration visa
Are you eligible for a Graduate visa?
To be eligible, applicants generally must meet the following requirements:
Be 35 or under at lodgement (*Exceptions apply)
Be in Australia when you apply for the Visa
Hold an eligible Visa
Have held a student visa in the last 6 months
Have relevant qualifications to an occupation on the skilled occupation list (PVEW stream)
Have a relevant skills assessment (PVEW stream)
Hold adequate health insurance
A valid Australian Federal Police check
Meet English language requirements
Eligibility requirements may vary depending on your personal circumstances.
For detailed eligibility information, visit the Department of Home Affairs pages for the PVEW stream or PHEW stream eligibility page.
What are the Graduate visa streams?
The Temporary Graduate visa currently includes two main streams for eligible graduates:
A) Post-Vocational Education Work Stream (PVEW):
The Post-Vocational Education Work Stream is designed for international students who completed vocational education qualifications in Australia.
Eligible qualifications may include:
Diploma
Advanced Diploma
Trade qualifications
Associate Degree
Applicants must nominate an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) related to their qualification and obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority before applying.
This stream is popular among graduates in trade and vocational industries seeking Australian work experience.
B) Post-Higher Education Work Stream (PHEW):
The Post-Higher Education Work Stream is available to international students who completed higher education qualifications in Australia, including:
Bachelor’s degree
Bachelor Honours degree
Master’s degree
Doctoral degree (PhD)
This stream usually provides longer post-study work rights and does not generally require applicants to nominate an occupation or complete a skills assessment.
Some graduates may also qualify for additional post-study work rights depending on regional study or eligible qualifications
What documents do you need to apply?
The common documents required for a subclass 485 visa application include:
Passport
National ID Card
Completion letter
Academic transcripts
English test results
Skills Assessment documents (PVEW stream)
Health insurance documents
Character requirement documents
Partner documents (if applicable)
Providing complete and accurate documentation may help reduce delays in visa processing.
For detailed information on documents required, please visit the Department of Home Affairs pages for the PVEW stream or PHEW stream step by step page.
How much will the Graduate visa cost you?
The cost depends on the number of applicants included in the visa application.
Primary Applicant: $5,750 AUD
Additional Applicant Charge 18+: $2,875 AUD
Additional Applicant Charge U18: $1,450 AUD
Costs are subject to change and may vary depending on your individual circumstances and any additional charges, such as our Registered Migration Agent Fees.
For detailed information on visa costs, please visit the Department of Home Affairs visa pricing estimator page.
How do you apply for a Graduate visa?
The process generally includes the following steps:
Meet eligibility criteria
Gather all your documents
Lodge the visa application online
Attach more information (if asked)
Decision from the Department of Home Affairs
Turner-Rowe Migration can support you at every stage of your application in English and Spanish.
For detailed information on how to apply, please visit the Department of Home Affairs pages for the PVEW stream or PHEW stream step by step page.
How long will you wait for the visa to be processed?
Post-Higher Education stream current processing times (guide only):
50% of applications are processed within 56 days
90% of applications are processed within 4 months
Post-Vocational Education stream current processing times (guide only):
50% of applications are processed within 80 days
90% of applications are processed within 3 months
Processing times are subject to change and may vary depending on individual circumstances and the completeness of your application.
For the latest information on Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) processing times, please visit the Department of Home Affairs visa processing times page.
What happens after your visa is lodged?
After your subclass 485 visa is lodged, the Department of Home Affairs assesses your application and may request additional information before making a decision.
As part of our services, we provide ongoing post-lodgement support, including:
Responding to Department of Home Affairs requests
Keeping you informed of application updates
Providing guidance throughout the processing period
The final step is the Department's decision on your application.
How can Turner-Rowe Migration help you?
Our Registered Migration Agent helps you with:
Professional advice & personalised guidance
Understanding eligibility requirements
Documentation support & avoiding application mistakes
Improving the quality of your application
Preparing and lodging your visa application
Post-lodgement support & updates
Responding to department requests
Contact us today whether you're exploring your visa options, seeking guidance or advice, or ready to begin your Australian visa application, our Registered Migration Agent provides migration and visa services in English and Spanish, with personalised support based on your goals and individual circumstances.
Ready to start your Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) application?
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general information purposes only and is based on information published by the Australian Government and the Department of Home Affairs. Australian visa requirements, policies, fees, processing times and eligibility criteria may change. For the latest and most accurate information, applicants should refer to the Department of Home Affairs and the relevant visa subclass requirements.