Australia’s Graduate visa (Subclass 485) is one of the most important visas for international students who want to stay in Australia after finishing their studies. It gives graduates valuable time to work, gain experience, and plan their next steps, whether that’s skilled migration, employer sponsorship, or permanent residency.
If you’re preparing to apply for a 485 visa, getting organised early is critical. Many applications are refused simply because documents are missing, English test results are out of date, or the application is lodged too late. Understanding the requirements ahead of time allows you to plan properly, avoid last-minute stress, and give yourself the best chance of approval.
This guide walks you through the key things to prepare for a Subclass 485 Graduate visa, including recent English language changes, visa streams, costs, timelines, and what to do next.
What Is the Subclass 485 Graduate Visa?
The Graduate visa (Subclass 485) allows international students who have recently completed an eligible qualification in Australia to live, work, and gain experience in Australia after graduation.
It is commonly used by graduates who want to:
- Gain Australian work experience
- Improve their English and professional skills
- Build points for skilled migration
- Transition into employer sponsorship or permanent residency
To apply, you must meet the Australian study requirements, English language requirements, and health and character checks, and you must apply while you are in Australia.
What Are the Main Streams of the 485 Visa?
What Is the Post-Higher Education Work Stream (PHEW)?
This stream is for students who completed a Bachelor degree or higher in Australia.
Typical visa length:
Bachelor degree: up to 2 years
Masters (coursework): up to 2 years
Masters by research or PhD: up to 3 years
Most applicants must be under 35 years of age, with some exceptions for higher degrees and Hong Kong passport holders.
A second 485 visa may be available if you studied and lived in regional Australia.
What Is the Post-Vocational Education Work Stream (PVEW)?
This stream is for graduates with an associate degree, diploma, or trade qualification.
Applicants must:
- Be 35 or under (higher age limit for Hong Kong passport holders)
- Nominate an occupation on the skilled list
- Apply for a skills assessment related to their qualification
This visa is usually granted for 18 months.
What Is the Australian Study Requirement?
To qualify for a 485 visa, you must have:
- Completed a CRICOS-registered course
- Studied for at least 92 academic weeks
- Completed your studies in at least 16 calendar months
- Studied in Australia, in English
- Held a valid Student visa
Your completion letter and transcripts are key documents for this requirement.
What English Scores Do I Need for a 485 Visa?
Most applicants must meet Competent English, for example:
- IELTS: 6.5 overall, with at least 5.5 in each band
- PTE Academic: 55 overall, with minimum scores in each skill
- TOEFL iBT: 81 overall
Lower score requirements apply if you hold a Hong Kong or British National Overseas passport.
If you sat an English test before 7 August 2025 and met the old requirements at the time, those results can generally still be used.
What Are the Key Eligibility Rules for the 485 Visa in 2026?
To apply, you must:
- Be under 35 years of age (with limited exceptions)
- Apply within 6 months of completing your course
- Be in Australia when you apply
- Meet English, health, and character requirements
- Hold appropriate health insurance
If you are applying under the Post-Vocational stream, you must also have applied for a skills assessment.
How Much Does a 485 Visa Cost?
As of 1 July 2025:
Main applicant: $2,300
Additional adult family member: $1,150
Child: $580
A second Post-Higher Education Work visa has a lower application fee.
How Long Does a 485 Visa Take to Process?
Current processing times (as a guide).
- Post-Higher Education Work: around 1–2 months
- Post-Vocational Education Work: up to 3 months
Processing times can vary depending on application quality and demand.
What Are Common Mistakes Students Make?
Some of the most common issues include:
- Applying after the 6-month deadline
- Using an expired English test
- Choosing the wrong visa stream
- Missing documents from the university
- Delaying health or police checks
These mistakes are often avoidable with early planning.
What Can You Do After a 485 Visa?
The 485 visa is often a stepping stone to:
- Skilled migration visas (Subclass 189 or 190)
- Employer sponsorship (Subclass 482 or 186)
- Regional visas (Subclass 491)
The work experience you gain during your 485 visa can make a huge difference to your future visa options.
How Can AVIE Help With Your 485 Visa?
Australian Visa and Immigration Experts (AVIE) helps graduates:
- Check eligibility and choose the right stream
- Prepare documents correctly and on time
- Navigate English test changes
- Plan pathways from the 485 visa to permanent residency
Thinking about applying for a Subclass 485 visa?
Speak with AVIE to make sure your application is compliant, on time, and aligned with your long-term plans in Australia.