Graduate Visa Australia: A complete guide to the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485).
Live, Work & Study in Australia!
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) allows international students who have recently graduated from an Australian institution to live, work, and study in Australia temporarily after completing their studies.
Our Registered Migration Agent provides expert guidance on 485 visa requirements, eligibility, and the application process to help maximise your chances of success.
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), also known as the 485 visa Australia or post-study work visa, is designed to help some graduates obtain work experience in Australia after finishing an eligible qualification.
The 485 Visa allows you to work in Australia without restrictions, study if you choose, travel freely in and out of the country, and include eligible family members in your application. This makes it a popular option for international students looking to apply for a 485 visa and gain local work experience.
There are two main streams under the 485 Visa:
The Post-Vocational Education Work Stream (PVEW) is for graduates who have completed vocational qualifications such as a Diploma, Advanced Diploma, trade qualification, or Associate Degree.
The Post-Higher Education Work Stream (PHEW)* is designed for graduates who have completed higher education degrees, including a Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, or Doctoral (PhD) degree.
*Some graduates are allowed to extend their graduate visa for 1 or 2 more years.
Why Apply with a Registered Migration Agent?
Applying for a Graduate Visa Australia requires meeting eligibility requirements.
A Registered Migration Agent can help you:
Understand Graduate Visa requirements clearly
Navigate the Graduate Visa application process
Avoid common mistakes or delays
Improve your chances of a successful outcome
Apply for a Graduate Visa Australia
Applying for a Graduate Visa in Australia is an important step towards working and living in Australia.
Start your Graduate Visa Australia application today and take the next step towards your future in Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the Graduate Visa in Australia?
The Australian Graduate Visa is officially known as the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). It allows international students who have recently graduated from an Australian institution to live, work, and gain experience in Australia temporarily after finishing their studies.
2. Who is eligible to apply?
You may be eligible if you:
Have recently completed a qualification in Australia (usually CRICOS-registered course)
Hold an eligible student visa in the last 6 months
Meet English language requirements
Apply within the required timeframe after graduation
Are under 35 years of age at the time of application (this is the general rule for most applicants under the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)).
3. How long can I stay on a Graduate Visa?
The length of stay depends on your qualification:
2 years (most bachelor’s degrees)
3 years (some bachelor’s with honours / select degrees)
3–5 years (higher qualifications or regional study may extend duration)
4. Can I include my family members?
Yes. You can include:
Your partner (spouse or de facto)
Dependent children
They will have the right to live, study, and (in most cases) work in Australia during your visa period.
5. Does the Graduate Visa lead to Permanent Residency (PR)?
Not directly, but it is often a key pathway to PR. It gives you:
Time to gain skilled work experience
Opportunity to apply for employer-sponsored visas
Chance to qualify for skilled migration programs later