If you’ve just finished studying in Australia, the Subclass 485 Visa is usually your next step. It lets international graduates stay on, work full-time, and build real experience before moving toward a skilled or permanent pathway. This guide breaks down the 2026 rules in plain English — no jargon, just what you actually need to know.
What Is the Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485?
The Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485 is a temporary work visa for recent graduates of an eligible Australian qualification. It lets you live, work, and study in Australia for a set period while you plan your next move, whether that’s a skilled visa, employer sponsorship, or permanent residency.
Who Can Apply for the 485 Visa Australia?
You must be under 35 at the time of application (up to 50 for Doctoral or Masters by research graduates, and some Hong Kong/BNO passport holders), hold or have recently held an eligible student visa, and be onshore when you lodge. You’ll also need to meet the Australian study requirement and current English language standards.
What Are the Two Streams Under Subclass 485 Visa?
There are now two active streams, and picking the right one matters — they have different rules around skills assessments and occupation lists.
What Documents Do You Need for the Graduate Visa 485?
Your application needs to prove your identity, your qualification, your English ability, and your health and character. Getting this checklist right the first time avoids costly delays.
- Passport and current visa evidence
- Proof of course completion (award letter or transcript)
- English test results (IELTS, PTE, CELPIP General, or another approved test)
- Skills assessment (Post-Vocational stream only)
- Health insurance and health examination results
- Police clearance certificate(s)
How Do You Apply for the 485 Visa?
Applying is done entirely online, but the order you do things in matters.
- Confirm your eligible stream and check the Australian study requirement.
- Book your police check and health examination early.
- Create or log into your ImmiAccount.
- Upload your documents and lodge your application.
- Pay the visa application charge in full.
- Respond quickly to any Department requests while you wait.
Need a second pair of eyes on your paperwork? Talk to an immigration agent in Adelaide before you lodge — a small missed document at this stage can mean a costly refusal later.
What Is the Subclass 485 Visa Fee in 2026?
Fees for this visa have gone up twice in 2026, so it’s worth checking the current amount before you budget. As of 1 July 2026, here’s what applicants pay:
These charges are paid upfront through ImmiAccount and are non-refundable, whatever the outcome — so double-check your eligibility before you pay.
How Long Is the Visa 485 Processing Time?
Processing time varies a lot depending on your stream, application quality, and how quickly you respond to requests, so there’s no single fixed number to rely on. As a rough guide, most complete applications are decided within a few months, though some take longer if a skills assessment, health check, or extra documents are involved. For the most current figures, check the Department’s own processing time estimator before you plan around a date.
What’s the Latest Policy Update on the 485 Visa?
Update — 1 July 2026: The Department of Home Affairs raised the Subclass 485 base application charge to $5,750 for the primary applicant, following an earlier increase to $4,600 on 1 March 2026. This is on top of the 1 July 2024 changes that renamed and restructured the visa streams. Always confirm current fees on the official Home Affairs page before lodging.
Thinking About Your Next Step After the 485 Visa?
Most graduates use this visa as a bridge — to gain points for a Subclass 189 or 190, or to find an employer for sponsorship under a Subclass 186 or 482. Book a consultation with our Adelaide team to map out your pathway before your 485 visa is granted, not after.
FAQs
Do I need a skills assessment for the Subclass 485 Visa?
Only if you’re applying under the Post-Vocational Education Work Stream. The Post-Higher Education stream doesn’t require one.
Can I include my partner or children in my 485 visa application?
Yes, dependents can be included, but each one adds to the total visa application charge.
Is the 485 visa fee refundable if my application is refused?
No. The visa application charge is non-refundable regardless of the outcome, so it pays to get your application right the first time.
Can I work full-time on the temporary graduate visa 485?
Yes, this visa gives you full work rights in any occupation, not just your field of study.
What happens if my student visa expires while my 485 is being processed?
You’re usually granted a bridging visa, which lets you stay and keep working lawfully until a decision is made.
How do I know which 485 stream I qualify for?
It depends on your qualification level and, for the Post-Vocational stream, whether your occupation is on the MLTSSL. A registered migration agent can confirm this in one conversation.
