Registered Migration Team | MARN 1911875 | MARN 2418424 | MARN 2518812
Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485 | Stay, Work, and Build Your Future
Registered Migration Team | MARN 1911875 | MARN 2418424 | MARN 2518812
Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485 | Stay, Work, and Build Your Future
ABOUT THIS VISA
Post-Study Work Rights in Australia
The Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa allows recent international graduates of Australian institutions to live, work, and study in Australia temporarily after completing their studies.
Graduate
Work Stream
For graduates whose qualifications are closely related to an occupation on a relevant skilled occupation list. Requires a positive skills assessment. Grants up to 2 years of work rights.
Post-Study
Work Stream
For recent graduates of Australian bachelor, masters, or doctoral degrees. Duration ranges from 2-4 years depending on your qualification level & the state or territory where you studied.
HOW LONG WILL YOU GET?
485 Visa Duration by Qualification Level
Duration grants are subject to change based on government policy. Career Launchers provides up-to-date advice at the time of your application.
Bachelor degree:
2 years
Bachelor degree with honours: 2 years
Masters degree coursework: 3 years
Doctoral degree PhD:
4 years
Bachelor degree: 2 years
Bachelor degree with honours: 2 years
Masters degree coursework: 3 years
Doctoral degree PhD: 4 years
Studied in regional Australia: additional 1 to 2 years may apply
Completed nursing degree: additional time may apply
Studied in regional Australia:
additional 1 to 2 years may apply
Completed nursing degree:
additional time may apply
CRITICAL DEADLINE
You Have 6 Months.
Do Not Miss It.
Important: You must apply for the Subclass 485 visa within 6 months of receiving your final results notification. Missing this window means you cannot apply for this visa at all. There is no extension. Contact Career Launchers as soon as your final results are released.
Most students do not track this deadline carefully enough. Your final results letter, not your graduation ceremony, starts the 6-month clock. Career Launchers monitors your timeline from the moment you engage us and alerts you when your application window opens.
MIGRATION STRATEGY
The 485 Is a Launchpad, Not a Stopgap
Too many graduates treat the 485 as just more time in Australia. The smartest graduates use it as a foundation for permanent residency. Here is what you can achieve during your 485 period:
Build Your
Points Score
Australian work experience earns you up to 5 migration points. The more skilled employment you accumulate, the stronger your SkillSelect Expression of Interest becomes.
Complete the Professional Year
Find Employer Sponsorship
Improve Your English Score
Higher IELTS or PTE scores earn additional migration points and open doors to more skilled occupation lists. The 485 period gives you time to sit and resit tests.
Build Your Points
Score
Complete the Professional Year
Find Employer
Sponsorship
Improve Your English
Score
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for the 485 if I studied partly online?
Post-COVID policy changes introduced flexibility around the requirement for studying in Australia. The current rules require that you completed at least one academic year of your course in Australia. Career Launchers assesses your specific study history and advises on your eligibility.
Do I need a skills assessment for the 485?
It depends on which stream you are applying under. The Post-Study Work Stream does not require a skills assessment. The Graduate Work Stream does. We assess your qualification and recommend the correct stream for your situation.
Can my partner work in Australia if I have a 485 visa?
Yes. If your spouse or partner is listed as a secondary applicant on your 485 visa, they will generally receive unrestricted work rights in Australia as well.
What happens when my 485 visa expires?
You will need to either depart Australia or apply for another visa before your 485 expires. Career Launchers begins advising on your next visa step well before your current visa expires so you are never caught off guard.
Can I travel outside Australia on a 485 visa?
Yes. The Subclass 485 visa allows multiple entries to Australia during its validity period. You can travel overseas and return as many times as you like while the visa is current.
What if I missed the 6-month application window?
Unfortunately, the 6-month window is a hard legislative requirement and there are very limited circumstances in which it can be extended. If you believe you may have missed the window, contact Career Launchers immediately. There may still be alternative visa pathways available to you.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Book a free, no-obligation consultation with our registered migration agent. We will assess your situation, explain your options, and give you an honest picture of your prospects.