Australia 485 Visa, Australia continues to be one of the most attractive destinations for international students who want to gain post-study work experience. The Australia 485 Visa, officially known as the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), allows recent graduates from Australian institutions to live, work, and gain professional experience in Australia after completing their studies.
In this fully SEO-optimized, high CPC guide, we will explain the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) process for 2026, eligibility criteria, streams, required documents, application steps, costs, work rights, and pathways to permanent residency (PR).
What Is Australia 485 Visa (Temporary Graduate Visa)?
The Subclass 485 visa is a temporary visa designed for international students who have recently graduated from an Australian educational institution. It allows them to remain in Australia temporarily to work full-time, gain skilled experience, and improve their chances of qualifying for permanent visas.
The 485 visa is one of the most searched post-study work visas, making it highly valuable for students planning long-term careers in Australia.
Streams Under Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) – 2026
In 2026, the Subclass 485 visa primarily includes two main streams:
1. Post-Study Work Stream
This stream is for students who have completed a Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, or Doctoral degree in Australia.
Key features:
- No occupation list requirement
- Full-time work rights
- Duration depends on qualification level
2. Graduate Work Stream
This stream is for graduates with diploma or trade qualifications linked to an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
Key features:
- Requires skills assessment
- Occupation must be in demand
- Shorter visa duration
Australia 485 Visa Duration in 2026
The length of stay depends on your qualification:
- Bachelor’s Degree: Up to 2 years
- Master’s Degree (Coursework): Up to 3 years
- Master’s Degree (Research): Up to 3 years
- Doctoral Degree (PhD): Up to 4 years
- Graduate Work Stream: Up to 18 months
Note: Visa durations are subject to policy updates by the Department of Home Affairs.
Eligibility Criteria for Australia 485 Visa (2026)
To apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be under 50 years of age
- Hold an eligible Australian qualification
- Have studied in Australia for at least 2 academic years
- Apply within 6 months of course completion
- Hold an eligible student visa in the last 6 months
- Meet English language requirements
- Have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) or appropriate health insurance
- Meet health and character requirements
English Language Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through approved tests:
- IELTS: Overall 6.5 (minimum 5.5 in each band)
- PTE Academic: Overall 57
- TOEFL iBT: Equivalent accepted scores
- Cambridge C1 Advanced: Accepted
English test results must usually be valid at the time of application.
Required Documents for Subclass 485 Visa
When applying for the Australia 485 visa, you must prepare the following documents:
- Passport (valid)
- Completion letter from Australian institution
- Academic transcripts
- English test results
- Overseas Health Insurance policy
- Australian Federal Police (AFP) clearance
- Skills assessment (Graduate Work Stream only)
- Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement (if required)
- Recent photographs
Providing accurate documentation significantly improves approval chances.
Australia 485 Visa Application Process 2026 (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Confirm your qualification, age, English level, and study duration meet the Subclass 485 requirements.
Step 2: Gather Documents
Collect academic records, English test results, health insurance, and police clearance.
Step 3: Create ImmiAccount
Register or log in to your ImmiAccount on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website.
Step 4: Lodge Online Application
Select Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), choose the correct stream, and upload documents.
Step 5: Pay Visa Fee
Pay the applicable visa application charge online.
Step 6: Biometrics & Health Checks
Complete medical examinations and biometrics if requested.
Step 7: Wait for Decision
Processing times vary, but most applications are finalized within a few months.
Australia 485 Visa Cost in 2026
The estimated visa cost is:
- Main applicant: AUD 1,895
- Additional applicant (18+): Extra fee
- Additional applicant (under 18): Reduced fee
Additional costs may include:
- English tests
- Medical exams
- Police clearance certificates
Work Rights on Temporary Graduate Visa
One of the biggest advantages of the Subclass 485 visa is unrestricted work rights. Visa holders can:
- Work full-time in any occupation
- Change employers freely
- Gain Australian work experience
- Start their own business (subject to laws)
Pathway From 485 Visa to Australia PR
The Australia 485 visa is a popular stepping stone toward permanent residency. Common PR pathways include:
- Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
- Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
- Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)
- Employer Sponsored Visas (Subclass 482 / 186)
Gaining local work experience during your 485 visa significantly boosts your migration points.
Why Apply for Australia 485 Visa in 2026?
- High demand for skilled graduates
- Excellent post-study work opportunities
- Pathway to permanent residency
- Globally recognized Australian work experience
- Competitive salaries and strong labor market
Final Thoughts
The Australia 485 Visa | Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) Process 2026 offers international graduates an outstanding opportunity to build a professional career in Australia. With full work rights, flexible streams, and clear PR pathways, this visa remains one of the most valuable post-study options globally.
If you are completing your studies in Australia or planning ahead, applying for the Subclass 485 visa in 2026 could be your gateway to long-term success in Australia.