Student & Graduate
Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
The Subclass 485 lets recent graduates of Australian qualifications live and work in Australia temporarily after study. It is the bridge between finishing your course and building the work experience, English, and skills assessment you may need for a skilled or employer-sponsored visa.
Visa type
Temporary, work rights
Streams
Post-Higher Education, Post-Vocational
Apply within
6 months of course completion
Purpose
Build toward a skilled pathway
How this works
- Us:We get your documents application-ready, match you with a registered migration agent we have vetted, and stay on the matter until it is lodged.
- Registered agent:A registered migration agent gives the migration advice and lodges your application.
- The Department:The Department of Home Affairs decides. No outcome is guaranteed.
Who it is for
- Recent graduates of a CRICOS course who meet the Australian study requirement.
- Graduates who want time to gain Australian work experience.
- People planning a future skilled or employer-sponsored visa.
What this pathway involves
A recent Australian qualification
You must have completed a CRICOS course meeting the Australian study requirement and apply within six months of completion.
The right stream
The Post-Higher Education Work stream is for degree graduates, and the Post-Vocational Education Work stream is for VET and trade graduates. A second regional stream exists for some graduates.
Under the age limit
A maximum age applies for most applicants, which was reduced in recent reforms. A registered migration agent confirms whether you are within it.
English language
Required English scores apply and were raised recently. A registered migration agent confirms the current minimum.
An eligible student visa history
You generally must have held an eligible student visa and meet the study requirement.
Health insurance
You need adequate health insurance for the visa period.
How the process works
- 1
Confirm your stream and eligibility
A registered migration agent confirms your stream and checks your qualification, age, English, and timing against the current 485 rules.
- 2
Prepare your evidence
We help you assemble and organise your completion, English, and health cover evidence.
- 3
Lodge within the window
We have your file ready within six months of course completion, and a registered migration agent lodges it and deals with the Department.
- 4
Use the time well
We help you keep the moving parts organised, gaining experience, sitting English tests, and completing a skills assessment, while a registered migration agent advises on the pathway.
- 5
Plan your next visa
A registered migration agent maps the route toward a skilled or employer-sponsored visa before your 485 ends, and we keep your documentation organised for it.
Questions about the Graduate Visa
Related visas
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Skilled workers with no sponsor, invited via SkillSelect.
Learn moreNot sure where to start?
Tell us about your situation. We get your file application-ready and match you with a registered migration agent for the advice and lodgement, and we stay on it the whole way. No obligation.