Skilled Visas
Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)
Navigating the migration process can feel overwhelming, but with MigrationBuro, you are never alone.
The Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa is designed for international students who have recently completed an Australian qualification. It gives graduates time to work in Australia, gain experience in their field, and decide whether to pursue a longer-term visa pathway, including employer sponsorship or skilled migration.
The 485 has two main streams: the Post-Vocational Education Work stream, for graduates with an associate degree, diploma or trade qualification relevant to an occupation on the skilled occupation list, and the Post-Higher Education Work stream, for graduates with a degree from an Australian institution. A Second Post-Higher Education Work stream exists for some current 485 holders. You must be aged 35 or under when you apply; limited exceptions apply, and we check whether one covers you before you rely on it. Each stream has different eligibility criteria, visa lengths, and conditions.
POST-VOCATIONAL EDUCATION WORK STREAM vs POST-HIGHER EDUCATION WORK STREAM
Post-Vocational Education Work stream: for graduates with an associate degree, diploma or trade qualification relevant to an occupation on the skilled occupation list, with a skills assessment for that occupation. The visa is granted for up to 18 months.
Post-Higher Education Work stream: for graduates with a bachelor, masters or doctoral degree from an Australian institution. No skills assessment is required. The stay is usually between two and three years, depending on the qualification. Graduates who studied and lived in regional Australia may be able to apply for a further period; we confirm that case by case because the conditions are specific.
Stream names, stay periods and the age requirement checked against the Department of Home Affairs on 10 October 2026.
Neither stream is a permanent visa. The 485 is a stepping stone. During the 485 period, many graduates secure employer sponsorship on a 482 or build the points needed for a GSM invitation. Planning the next step before the 485 expires is critical.
HOW TO APPLY FOR THE SUBCLASS 485 VISA
Step 1 Confirm stream eligibility
You must be aged 35 or under when you apply. Limited exceptions apply, and we check whether one covers you before you rely on it. Then check which stream fits: Post-Vocational Education Work (associate degree, diploma or trade qualification relevant to an occupation on the skilled occupation list) or Post-Higher Education Work (Australian bachelor, masters or doctorate). Most university graduates use the Post-Higher Education Work stream.
Step 2 Apply within six months of completion
Applications must be lodged within six months of receiving your final academic results. There is no flexibility on this window.
Step 3 Meet the residence requirement
You must have held a student visa for the period of study and been in Australia for the required time. Confirm the residence requirement applies to your specific study history.
Step 4 Lodge the application
MigrationBuro prepares and lodges the 485 application, manages any Departmental requests, and confirms visa conditions on grant.
Step 5 Plan your next visa
The 485 is temporary. Identify whether employer sponsorship, skilled migration, or another pathway is your target. Use the 485 period to build Australian work experience that strengthens the next application.
Speak to a Migration agent
Call 1300 VISA OZ (1300 8472 69) to discuss your visa or sponsorship options. Available Monday to Friday. Zoom consultations take 45-60 minutes and give you a clear answer on what is achievable.
Prefer to start in writing? Email info@migrationburo.com.au with the role title, the occupation, and the candidate's nationality and qualifications.
Your Australian Visa application
Some frequently asked questions
Answers to some questions we often hear from people in your situation.
How long is the 485 visa?
Post-Vocational Education Work stream: up to 18 months. Post-Higher Education Work stream: usually two to three years, depending on the qualification. Hong Kong and British National (Overseas) passport holders may stay up to five years in either stream. Regional study may open a further period; we confirm that case by case.
Can I work for any employer on a 485?
Yes. The 485 has no employer-tied conditions. You can work for any employer in any role, full-time, part-time, or casual.
Can I apply for a 485 if I completed my degree overseas?
No. The 485 requires an Australian qualification from an Australian institution. Overseas degrees do not qualify for this visa.
What happens if I do not apply within six months of graduation?
You cannot lodge a 485 application after the six-month window has closed. If you miss the window, your alternative pathways are employer sponsorship (if you have a job offer) or General Skilled Migration (if you have a qualifying occupation and sufficient points).
Can I include my partner and children on a 485?
Yes. Partners and dependent children can be included as secondary applicants. Secondary applicants have full work rights.
Migration experience you can trust
MigrationBuro are your trusted migration agents in Brisbane. Founded and led by Andrew Heathcote, we specialise in Australian immigration services. Registered since 2008, Andrew is a registered migration agent (MARN 0850840) and a member of the Migration Institute of Australia, ensuring expert guidance through every step of the immigration process.
