Australia•Oceania

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485 — Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485)

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed Remote Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

6 days – 5 months

Estimated Cost

A$4,600 AUD

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

18 months

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote work OK

Apply Now Official Information

Living in Australia

Cost of Living

1% cheaper than United States

Avg SalaryA$67,200

Quality of Life

190/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

Post-study work visa for international graduates of Australian institutions. Graduate Work stream (18 months) or Post-Study Work stream (2–4 years depending on qualification).

The Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) is an Australian post-study work visa for international graduates of CRICOS-registered institutions. It lets recent graduates live and work in Australia temporarily — with open work rights for any employer — bridging study and skilled migration.

Stay ranges from 18 months to 5 years by qualification level. No job offer is required and there is no annual cap. Dependents are included with unrestricted work rights. The visa is not renewable, but Australian work experience boosts points-tested PR applications via pathways like the 189, 190, and 482.

This visa is ideal for international graduates under 35 who completed a degree in Australia and want open work rights while building experience toward skilled permanent residence.

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Stay & Extensions

Initial grant

Australia

494 — Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494)

Validity5 years

Processing8–11 months

View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Be under 35 years of age at time of application (exceptions: Masters by research and PhD graduates, and Hong Kong/British National Overseas passport holders may be up to 49)

Hold a qualifying visa (typically a Student visa) at time of application or within the last 6 months

Have completed a CRICOS-registered course in Australia

Meet the Australian study requirement (at least 2 academic years of study in Australia)

Have a recent qualification relevant to the chosen stream

Meet English language requirements (IELTS 6.5 overall, minimum 5.5 per component)

Hold adequate Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC)

Meet health and character requirements under the Migration Act 1958

KEY CRITERIA

Education

vocational or higher

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Completion letter and academic transcript from Australian institution

Evidence of English language proficiency

Proof of adequate health insurance (OVHC)

Australian Federal Police (AFP) check

Overseas police certificates (if applicable)

Evidence of visa status

Relationship documents (if including partner/children)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Open work rights — any employer
Path to skilled migration
Up to 4 years for master's/PhD
Bridge to 189/190/482

Worth Knowing

Temporary — must transition to another visa
Time-limited
Must apply within 6 months of course completion

Application Process

Graduate from Australian institution: Complete degree or qualification at registered Australian provider

Create ImmiAccount: Register on the immigration portal

Gather required documents: Collect academic transcripts, passport, proof of funds

Complete application form: Fill in online application

Upload documents: Submit supporting documentation

Pay visa fee: Pay AUD 4,600 application fee

Await decision: Monitor application status

Application Forms

Go to application portal

Online application

—

Verified Claims (24)

Last verified May 31, 2026

Application Steps

Graduate from Australian institution: Complete degree or qualification at registered Australian prov…

immi.homeaffairs.gov.au

Dependent Visa

Included

immi.homeaffairs.gov.au

Fee Breakdown

Base application charge: 4600 AUD

racc.net.au

Fees

AUD 4,600

racc.net.au

Forms

Online application

immi.homeaffairs.gov.au

Included Nationalities

—

immi.homeaffairs.gov.au

Job Offer Required

false

immi.homeaffairs.gov.au

Language Req

English (IELTS 6.5+)

immi.homeaffairs.gov.au

Apply Now Official Information

Living in Australia

Cost of Living

1% cheaper than United States

Avg SalaryA$67,200

Quality of Life

190/200

Full Country Guide

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Overview

Post-study work visa for international graduates of Australian institutions. Graduate Work stream (18 months) or Post-Study Work stream (2–4 years depending on qualification).

This visa is ideal for international graduates under 35 who completed a degree in Australia and want open work rights while building experience toward skilled permanent residence.

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Be under 35 years of age at time of application (exceptions: Masters by research and PhD graduates, and Hong Kong/British National Overseas passport holders may be up to 49)

Hold a qualifying visa (typically a Student visa) at time of application or within the last 6 months

Have completed a CRICOS-registered course in Australia

Meet the Australian study requirement (at least 2 academic years of study in Australia)

Have a recent qualification relevant to the chosen stream

Meet English language requirements (IELTS 6.5 overall, minimum 5.5 per component)

Hold adequate Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC)

Meet health and character requirements under the Migration Act 1958

KEY CRITERIA

Education

vocational or higher

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Completion letter and academic transcript from Australian institution

Evidence of English language proficiency

Proof of adequate health insurance (OVHC)

Australian Federal Police (AFP) check

Overseas police certificates (if applicable)

Evidence of visa status

Relationship documents (if including partner/children)

Application Process