Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)

Step-by-Step Guide to Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa

You’ve worked hard, completed your degree in Australia, and now hold an international qualification. From world-class courses and generous scholarships to a safe, welcoming environment, there have been countless reasons to fall in love with the “Land of Kangaroos.”

But now, with your student visa nearing expiry, you might be wondering — can I stay longer? Well, good news — you can! With the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), you can extend your stay and gain valuable work experience in Australia.

Apply with Apical Immigration Experts and take the next step towards living, working, and exploring Australia after your studies.

Why Choose the Temporary Graduate Visa?

The Temporary Graduate Visa is designed for recent international graduates who have completed at least two years of study at an Australian institution. It’s an excellent option for students who want to remain in Australia after graduation, but remember — you can only hold one Subclass 485 visa as a primary applicant in your lifetime.

Streams of the Temporary Graduate Visa

1. Post-Vocational Education Work Stream
   Valid for 18 months
   For graduates who have:
   • Completed 2 years of study in Australia
   • An occupation listed on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
   • A positive skills assessment in that occupation
2. Post-Higher Education Work Stream
   Valid for up to 4 years
   For graduates who:
   • Held an Australian student visa on or after 5th November 2011
   • Have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate degree from an Australian education provider (any field of study)
3. Replacement Stream
   Allows eligible Subclass 485 visa holders in the Replacement Stream to apply for a second visa under the Post-Study Work Stream, provided they live in regional Australia on their current visa.

Benefits of the Temporary Graduate Visa

• Include eligible family members in your application
• Freedom to live, work, and study in Australia
• Unlimited travel in and out of Australia for the duration of your visa

Eligibility Criteria

• Be 35 years old or younger (or under 50 if you hold a Hong Kong or British National Overseas passport)
• Be inside Australia when applying
• Meet the Australian study requirement
• Apply within 6 months of receiving your course results
• Satisfy the specific criteria of your chosen stream
• Have valid health insurance for your stay
• Demonstrate competent English
• Apply only once as a primary applicant in your lifetime

Study Requirements

You meet the Australian study requirement if your course(s):

• Are registered on the CRICOS (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students)
• Were conducted in English
• Had a duration of at least 92 weeks or 16 calendar months
• Were completed while holding a valid student visa in Australia
• Were not related to English language proficiency or enabling programs

Health & Character Requirements

• You and any dependents must undergo medical examinations
• You must provide proof of an Australian Federal Police (AFP) check (valid for 12 months) before lodging your application

Health Insurance Requirements

• You must hold adequate health insurance for yourself and any included family members for the entire stay
• Insurance can be from an Australian or overseas provider
• If you still hold a student visa, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is acceptable at lodgement
• If you no longer hold a student visa (or are on a bridging visa), OSHC will not be accepted — you’ll need Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) instead

No Outstanding Debts

You must not owe money to the Australian Government at the time your visa is granted.

Who You Can Include in Your Application

• Your spouse or partner
• Your child or your partner’s child (including stepchildren)