What is a Temporary Graduate 485 Visa?
The Subclass 485 visa is tailored for international students who have recently completed a qualification from an Australian institution, giving the opportunity to live, work, and study further in Australia.
The visa offers a pathway for graduates to enter the Australian workforce and gain experience in their chosen field, opening up further opportunities for General Skilled or Employer-Sponsored migration.
All applicants must meet the Australian study requirement, demonstrate sufficient English language ability, and pass health and character tests.
What is the Australian Study Requirement?
Students must demonstrate that they have been awarded at least one degree, diploma or trade qualification and:
- it was a CRICOS-registered course
- all course requirements have been successfully completed
- study was in English
- the course required at least two academic years (92) weeks study
- the course was completed in Australia in not less than 16 calendar months
- the applicant held a valid Student visa.
Timeline of key changes – 485 visa
7 August 2025
- New English language tests accepted for 485 visa applications
1 July 2024
- Maximum age for most applicants reduced to 35 years old
- No longer possible to apply for a Student visa from a 485 visa while onshore
- Post-Study Work stream renamed to Post-Higher Education Work Stream (PHEW Stream)
- Graduate Work stream renamed to Post-Vocational Education Work Stream (PVEW Stream)
- End of 2-year extension program
23 March 2024
- English language test requirements increased for all except Hong Kong SAR and British National Overseas passport holders
1 July 2023
- Introduction of 2-year extension for 485 graduates who completed specified courses in medicine, health care, engineering, or information technology
1 July 2022
- Introduction of Replacement Stream to allow former and current 485 visa holders who lost time in Australia due to COVID-19 travel restrictions to apply for a new visa of the same duration as their original
23 March 2013
- Renamed the Temporary Graduate visa, with two streams: the Graduate Work stream and the Post-Study Work stream.
- Post-Study Work stream no longer linked to an occupation list
- Post-Study Work stream allows a stay of 2 to 4 years depending on course of studies completed
- Graduate Work stream remains an 18-month visa
2007
- Skilled – Graduate visa replaces the Graduate – Skilled visa (subclass 497)
- All applicants must nominate an occupation from a Skilled Occupation List in their 485 application
- Visas valid for 18 months
Post-Higher Education Work Stream (PHEW Stream)
This stream is available for students who have completed at least a Bachelor degree or higher in Australia.
The length of visa granted depends on the course undertaken:
- Bachelor degree (including honours) – up to 2 years
- Masters (coursework and extended) – up to 2 years
- Masters (research) and doctoral degree (PhD) – up to 3 years
Applicants in this stream must be 35 years of age or under, unless they completed a Masters by research or doctoral degree (PhD), or are a Hong Kong passport holder. This cohort can be up to 50 years of age.
A Second PHEW Stream 485 visa is available to applicants who completed their studies in regional Australia and have lived in a designated regional area of Australia for at least 2 years before applying. The length of the second visa will depend on the designated regional area, which is set by postcode.
Post-Vocational Education Work Stream (PVEW Stream)
This stream is available for students who have completed at least an associate degree, diploma or trade qualification in Australia.
Applicants must:
- be 35 years of age or younger, or under 50 years of age if a Hong Kong passport holder
- nominate an occupation on the Medium Long Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) that is closely related to their qualification
- obtain a positive skill assessment in their nominated occupation – evidence of applying for the skill assessment must be provided at the time of lodgement
The Post-Vocational Education stream visa is granted for a period of 18 months. Hong Kong passport holders may be able to stay for up to 5 years.
How much does a 485 visa application cost?
As of 1 July 2025, the government application fees are as follows:
Visa Application – Main Applicant – $2,300
Visa Application – Dependent Applicant over 18yrs of age (each) – $1,150
Visa Application – Dependent Applicant under 18yrs of age (each) – $580
Second PHEW Visa Application – Main Applicant – $905
Second PHEW Visa Application – Dependent Applicant over 18yrs of age (each) – $455
Second PHEW Visa Application – Dependent Applicant under 18yrs of age (each) – $230
How long does a 485 take to process?
As of 29 July 2025, Immigration advises the current processing times are as follows:
| Application Type | 50% processed within | 90% processed within |
| Post-Higher Education | 8 days | 3 months |
| Post-Vocational Education | 48 days | 4 months |
Why Choose AVIE for Immigration Services?
Personalized Guidance – Every migration journey is unique, and we provide tailored advice to match your circumstances and goals.
Expert Problem-Solving – Our team has extensive experience handling complex visa situations and finding tailored solutions to meet client needs.
Dedicated Support – We intentionally cap our agents’ caseloads to ensure you receive the time, care, and dedication you deserve. You’re never just a number with us.
Avoid Mistakes – Avoid costly delays and reapplications—our expertise ensures visa applications are done right the first time.
Stress-Free Process – We handle the complexities of visa applications, so you can focus on planning your new life in Australia.
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Temporary Graduate 485 PVEW Stream – Skill Assessment
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IMMEDIATE changes to English Requirements for Graduate Visas
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can Graduate Visas be extended?
It is only possible to be the primary holder of a 485 visa once in a lifetime, unless eligible for a Second Post-Higher Education Work stream visa which acts as an ‘extension’ of the first visa. The applicant must have completed their studies in regional Australia and have lived in regional Australia for at least 2 years before applying. The Second PHEW visa is valid for 1 or 2 years, depending on the course of study complete.
Can I apply for a 485 visa before graduation?
It is possible to apply for the Graduate visa before you have attended your graduation ceremony, provided your school or college has confirmed that you have met the course requirements and completed your course of study.
Applicants are generally provided a ‘letter of completion’ which confirms course enrolment dates and that the student has met course requirements for conferral of the degree, diploma, or trade qualification.