The Australian Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) — Complete 2026 Guide

What is the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa?

The Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) allows international students who have recently graduated from an Australian educational institution to remain in Australia temporarily to gain work experience, improve their skills, or pursue further study. This visa serves as a crucial stepping stone for many graduates seeking to establish their careers in Australia and potentially transition to permanent residency.

The visa operates under two streams: the Graduate Work stream for graduates with skills and qualifications that relate to specific occupations on Australia's skilled occupation lists, and the Post-Study Work stream for graduates who have completed higher education qualifications regardless of their field of study.

Who is this visa for?

This visa is designed for international students who have recently completed their studies at an eligible Australian educational institution. Applicants must be under 50 years of age and hold a qualifying visa with study rights when they completed their course.

Graduate Work stream applicants need qualifications that relate to an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list and must have completed at least two years of study in Australia. The maximum visa duration is typically 18 months.

Post-Study Work stream applicants must hold a bachelor's degree or higher qualification from an Australian institution and have completed at least two years of study. Visa durations vary based on qualification level and study location, ranging from two to six years for degrees completed by 2026.

Key requirements

General requirements for both streams: - Be under 50 years of age when applying - Hold adequate health insurance - Meet health and character requirements - Have completed at least two academic years of study in Australia - Apply within six months of completing your course or having your current visa expire - Meet English language requirements (usually demonstrated through your previous studies in English)

Graduate Work stream specific requirements: - Skills assessment for your nominated occupation - Qualification must relate to an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list - Complete an occupation-specific skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority

Post-Study Work stream specific requirements: - Hold a bachelor's degree or higher qualification - Have undertaken study in English - First application for this visa type

Exploring your longer-term options? The Visafold pathway checker can help you understand potential permanent residency pathways from the Subclass 485 visa.

Typical documents required

Core documents for all applicants: - Valid passport - Academic transcripts and completion letters - Certificate of qualification - Health insurance evidence (OVHC or equivalent) - Character documents (police certificates if required) - Passport-style photographs - Evidence of English language proficiency - Form 80 (Personal Particulars for Assessment)

Additional documents for Graduate Work stream: - Skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority - Evidence linking qualifications to nominated occupation

Additional documents for Post-Study Work stream: - Degree certificate or official completion letter - Academic transcript showing grades and subjects

The specific documents required can vary based on individual circumstances. Using the Visafold document checklist can help ensure you have everything organised before submitting your application.

Processing time

Processing times for Subclass 485 visas can vary significantly based on application volume, completeness of applications, and individual circumstances. As of 2026, processing times generally range from several months to over a year for some applications.

Factors that may affect processing time include: - Application stream (Graduate Work vs Post-Study Work) - Completeness of documentation - Need for additional health or character checks - Country of passport - Time of year (peak application periods)

For current processing times, always check the Department of Home Affairs website, as these can change frequently. The Visafold processing time tracker can help you monitor trends and stay informed about processing updates.

How to track and organise your application

Once submitted, you can track your application progress through your ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website. Key steps include:

1. Application submitted: Initial acknowledgment and reference number provided 2. Under assessment: Case officer reviewing your application 3. Additional information requested: If more documents needed 4. Decision made: Final outcome notification

To stay organised during the process: - Keep copies of all submitted documents - Respond promptly to any requests for additional information - Monitor your email and ImmiAccount regularly - Maintain your health insurance and visa conditions

Frequently asked questions

Can I travel outside Australia while my application is being processed? If you hold a bridging visa, check its conditions. Some bridging visas allow travel, while others require you to apply for a Bridging visa B if you need to travel.

Can I include family members in my application? Yes, you can include your partner and dependent children, provided they meet health and character requirements and you have adequate health insurance for all applicants.

What happens if my visa is refused? You may be able to apply for a review through the Administrative Appeals Tribunal or seek advice from a registered migration agent about other options.

Can I study while on this visa? Yes, there are generally no restrictions on study while holding a Subclass 485 visa.

Ready to get organised for your application? Track your application on Visafold to stay on top of deadlines and requirements.

--- Information only, not migration advice. Visafold is an independent information and organisation platform and is not affiliated with the Australian Department of Home Affairs, OMARA, or the Australian Government. Always verify visa requirements directly with Home Affairs or speak with a registered migration agent before making decisions.