Temporary Graduate Visa – Sub Class 485 - Maven Consulting Group

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Visa Types

Temporary Graduate Visa – Sub Class 485

If you’ve recently completed your studies in Australia and want to gain valuable work experience, the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) could be the perfect next step. This visa is designed for international students who have graduated from an Australian institution, allowing them to live, study, and work in Australia temporarily after completing their course.

What Is the Temporary Graduate Visa -Subclass 485?

The Subclass 485 visa provides graduates with the chance to extend their stay in Australia while building skills and experience that can strengthen future visa or migration applications. Depending on your qualification, the visa can allow you to remain in Australia for between 18 months and 5 years.

This visa has two main streams:

Graduate Work Stream – For students who have completed a qualification closely related to an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List.

Post-Study Work Stream – For students who have completed a higher education degree (bachelor, masters, or doctorate) from an Australian institution.

Who Can Apply — Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the Subclass 485 visa, you must:

Hold a valid student visa in the past 6 months.

Have recently completed a CRICOS-registered course in Australia.

Meet the English language requirement (e.g., IELTS, PTE, or equivalent test).

Be under 50 years of age.

Hold adequate health insurance (Overseas Student Health Cover or equivalent).

Meet the health and character requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs.

Choose the correct stream that matches your qualification and career goals.

Key Benefits of the Subclass 485 Visa

Work Full-Time in Australia: Gain hands-on experience in your chosen field.

Pathway to Permanent Residency(PR): Build points and experience towards skilled migration visas.

Study Further: Enrol in additional courses to strengthen your career prospects.

Bring Your Family: Eligible family members can be included in your application.

Stay Longer in Australia: Depending on your stream and qualification, you could stay for up to 5 years.

Documents You’ll Need

When applying for the Temporary Graduate Visa, you’ll need to prepare:

Passport and identification documents

Proof of your recent graduation (certificate and transcript)

Confirmation that your course was CRICOS-registered

English language test results (if required)

Health insurance details

Evidence of meeting health and character requirements

How Maven Consulting Group Melbourne Can Help

We provide:

Step-by-step guidance on choosing the right stream (Graduate Work or Post-Study Work).

Assistance with gathering and preparing all required documents.

Professional advice on how this visa can fit into your long-term migration pathway.

Ongoing support to ensure you comply with visa conditions.

With us, you gain more than just visa assistance—you gain a trusted partner who is committed to helping you make the most of your education and career opportunities in Australia.

FAQs

How long can I stay in Australia on a Subclass 485 visa?

The length of your stay depends on which stream you apply for and your qualification. Graduate Work stream visas are usually granted for up to 18 months, while Post-Study Work stream visas can last between 2 and 5 years, depending on your degree level.
2. Can I work full-time on this visa?

Yes! Unlike the Student Visa, which limits your work hours, the 485 visa allows you to work full-time for any employer in Australia. This is one of the biggest advantages of this visa.
Can I include my family in the application?

Yes. You can include eligible family members, such as your partner and dependent children, in your 485 visa application. They will also have work and study rights while in Australia.
Do I need health insurance for this visa?

Yes. You must have adequate health insurance for yourself and your family members while holding the Temporary Graduate Visa. OSHC (if still active) or other suitable health cover is required.
What if I want to apply for permanent residency later?

The 485 visa is often seen as a pathway to permanent residency. Many graduates use the work experience gained on this visa to apply for skilled migration visas such as Subclass 189, 190, or 491.
How soon should I apply after graduation?

You must apply within 6 months of completing your course. If you delay beyond this period, you may no longer be eligible.
Do I need to take another English test if I already studied in Australia?

In most cases, yes. You’ll need to provide evidence of English proficiency through an accepted test such as IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL, unless you are from an exempt country.