This article has been written in collaboration with Nicole Kirkwood, Director of Australian Visa and Immigration Experts (AVIE) and Registered Migration Agent (MARN: 0962323).
Completing your studies in Australia is an exciting milestone. For many international students, the next step is gaining Australian work experience and exploring pathways to permanent residency. The Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) visa is designed to help graduates live, work, and study further in Australia while building their career.
This visa also opens doors to other migration options, including employer-sponsored or general skilled migration, making it a crucial part of your post-study journey.
Here’s what you need to know.
What is a Temporary Graduate 485 Visa?
The Subclass 485 visa allows recent graduates from Australian institutions to remain in Australia temporarily to gain practical work experience or continue studying. It provides a bridge from study to professional employment, giving graduates the chance to develop skills, network, and explore long-term migration pathways.
Applicants must meet:
- The Australian study requirement
- English language ability
- Health and character requirements
This visa has two main streams:
- Post-Higher Education Work Stream (PHEW Stream)
- For graduates with at least a Bachelor’s degree, Master’s, or PhD
- Duration varies by qualification: Bachelor’s/Master’s (coursework) – up to 2 years, Master’s (research)/PhD – up to 3 years
- Age limit: typically 35, with exceptions for research graduates and Hong Kong passport holders
- A second PHEW visa is available for graduates who studied in regional Australia and lived there for at least 2 years; the duration depends on the regional area
- Post-Vocational Education Work Stream (PVEW Stream)
- For graduates with an associate degree, diploma, or trade qualification
- Must nominate an occupation on the Medium-Long Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) closely related to their qualification
- Must provide evidence of a positive skills assessment
- Duration: 18 months (longer for eligible Hong Kong passport holders)
What is the Australian Study Requirement?
To qualify for a 485 visa, you must have completed:
- A CRICOS-registered course
- All course requirements successfully completed
- Study in English
- At least two academic years (92 weeks) of study
- A minimum of 16 calendar months in Australia
- Hold a valid Student visa while studying
This ensures that applicants have genuinely engaged in Australian education and are prepared for the workforce.
Application Costs for 485 Visa
As of 1 July 2025:
- Main Applicant: $2,300
- Dependent over 18: $1,150 each
- Dependent under 18: $580 each
- Second PHEW visa: Main applicant $905, dependents over 18 $455, dependents under 18 $230
Why the 485 Visa Matters
The 485 visa allows graduates to:
- Gain Australian work experience
- Develop professional skills in their field
- Strengthen eligibility for other skilled or employer-sponsored visas
- Live and work in Australia while planning long-term migration
Why Professional Guidance Matters
Navigating the 485 visa can be complex, especially with ongoing updates to eligibility, age limits, English requirements, and post-study work streams.
A registered migration agent can help you:
- Determine the right 485 stream for your qualifications
- Ensure your study and skills assessments meet visa requirements
- Prepare and lodge applications correctly
- Plan future migration pathways efficiently
Get expert support
If you’ve recently graduated from an Australian institution or are planning your post-study migration strategy, AVIE can help.
You can contact a registered migration agent using the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA) registry, or contact an immigration lawyer:
Nicole Kirkwood
Australian Visa & Immigration Experts
MARN: 0962323
Email: email@avie.com.au
Website & book a consultation: www.avie.com.au
What we do: Provide expert migration advice, assist and lodge all skills assessments and visa applications, state and regional sponsorship, ART and all other migration matters.
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