Corporate Migration Services
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 streams: the Graduate Work stream for graduates with an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list, and the Post-Study Work stream for graduates of bachelor, masters, or doctoral programs from Australian institutions. Each stream has different eligibility criteria, visa lengths, and conditions.
GRADUATE WORK STREAM vs POST-STUDY WORK STREAM
Graduate Work stream: for graduates with an occupation on the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) or MLTSSL and a relevant skills assessment or provisional skills assessment. The visa is typically granted for 18 months. This stream is designed for graduates in trades or specific skilled occupations.
Post-Study Work stream: for graduates of a bachelor, masters by coursework, masters by research, or doctoral degree from an Australian institution. No skills assessment required. Visa length depends on the qualification level and study location: two years for a bachelor or masters by coursework, three years for a masters by research, four years for a doctorate. Graduates who studied in regional Australia may receive an additional year.
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
Confirm stream eligibility. Check whether you qualify for the Graduate Work stream (occupation on STSOL or MLTSSL) or the Post-Study Work stream (Australian bachelor, masters, or doctorate). Most university graduates use the Post-Study Work stream.
Step 2 Apply within six months of completion
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
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
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
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 employer sponsorship for your Brisbane business. 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?
Graduate Work stream: 18 months. Post-Study Work stream: 2 years (bachelor or masters by coursework), 3 years (masters by research), 4 years (doctorate). Add 1 year if you studied in regional Australia for two or more years.
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. With over 18 years of experience, Andrew is a registered migration agent (MARN) and a member of the Migration Institute of Australia, ensuring expert guidance through every step of the immigration process.
