Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485): Stay After You Study

The Subclass 485 visa lets you stay in Australia and work after completing your studies. For many international students, it is the bridge between studying and securing permanent residency through skilled migration.

Two streams

Post-Study Work stream

For graduates of a bachelor's degree or higher from an Australian institution. The visa duration depends on your qualification:

| Qualification | Visa duration | |--------------|---------------| | Bachelor's degree | 2 years | | Master's (coursework) | 3 years | | Master's (research) | 3 years | | PhD | 4 years |

Graduates who studied in a regional area may be eligible for an additional 1 to 2 years.

Graduate Work stream

For graduates whose qualification relates to an occupation on the MLTSSL. You need a positive skills assessment. The visa is granted for 18 months.

Requirements

• You must have held a student visa in the last 6 months
• Your qualification must be from a CRICOS-registered institution
• You must have completed at least 2 years of study (92 weeks of a registered course, completed in at least 16 calendar months)
• You must meet English requirements (IELTS 6.0 in each band, or equivalent)
• You must be under 50 years old
• You must have health insurance

Cost

Application fee: AUD 1,895 (main applicant)

How to use the 485 strategically

The 485 is not just a gap year. Use it to build your case for permanent residency:

Gain Australian work experience. Every year of skilled work in Australia adds points to your score for the 189/190/491. Two years of full-time work in your nominated occupation can add 5 to 10 points.

Improve your English. Use the time to resit your English test and aim for Superior (IELTS 8+). That is worth 20 points.

Get a skills assessment. If you have not already, get assessed by the relevant authority for your ANZSCO occupation.

Build your EOI score. By the time your 485 expires, you should have a competitive points score and be ready to submit an Expression of Interest or secure employer sponsorship.

Consider regional work. Working in a regional area during your 485 can qualify you for the regional graduate extension and gives you additional points for the 491 visa.