Completing your studies in Australia is a major milestone — but for many international students, it’s also the beginning of a longer journey. The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) offers international graduates an exciting opportunity to gain valuable work experience, strengthen their Australian networks, and potentially transition to permanent residency (PR). With several updates rolled out in 2025, it’s crucial to stay informed and plan strategically.
What Is the Subclass 485 Visa?
The Subclass 485 visa is a temporary post-study work visa that allows international students who have recently graduated from an Australian institution to live, work, and study in the country temporarily. It’s an essential bridge between student life and long-term skilled migration.
Key Highlights:
- Duration: Stay for 2 to 5 years, depending on course type and location.
- Purpose: Gain work experience in your field, enhance PR prospects.
- Flexibility: No employer sponsorship required.
- Family: Allows inclusion of family members (spouse and children).
Streams Available Under Subclass 485
Australia’s 485 visa is structured into three distinct streams, each catering to different student profiles:
1. Graduate Work Stream
- For graduates with skills and qualifications aligned with occupations on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
- Common for those who completed diplomas, trade qualifications, or certificates (e.g., cookery, automotive, carpentry).
- Stay duration: Up to 18 months.
- Must have a positive skills assessment for the nominated occupation.
2. Post-Study Work Stream
- For international students who have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degree from a recognized Australian university.
- Must have applied for the student visa after November 2011.
- Stay duration:
- Bachelor’s – 2 years
- Master’s – 3 years
- PhD – 4 years
- Bachelor’s – 2 years
3. Second Post-Study Work Stream (NEW in 2025)
- Exclusively for those who studied and lived in designated regional areas.
- Must have completed at least 2 years of study in a regional campus and previously held a 485 visa.
- Additional stay duration: 1–2 years depending on the regional category.
2025 Updates: What’s New?
Several policy refinements have been implemented to tighten processes while encouraging regional settlement:
- Enhanced Scrutiny: Applicants from high-risk countries now face deeper background checks, especially related to financial documents and academic integrity.
- Financial Requirement Increase: Applicants must now show proof of sufficient funds to support themselves and their dependents (approx. AUD $29,710 per applicant).
- Streamlined Pathways for Regional Graduates: Applications from regional students are prioritized with faster processing times and longer stay options.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for a 485 visa, you must:
- Be under 50 years of age.
- Hold an eligible student visa in the last 6 months.
- Have completed an eligible CRICOS-registered course.
- Demonstrate competent English (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent).
- Hold adequate Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
- Apply within 6 months of graduation and from inside Australia.
How to Maximize Your Subclass 485 Visa
Making the most of your post-study visa is crucial to your long-term migration success. Here are some key strategies:
1. Work in Your Field of Study
Australian skilled migration pathways value relevant work experience. Choose employment aligned with your qualifications for smoother skills assessment.
2. Get Your Skills Assessed Early
Start your skills assessment with the appropriate assessing authority (e.g., ACS for IT, Engineers Australia for engineering) while on the 485 visa.
3. Explore PR Pathways
Depending on your occupation and work experience, you can transition to:
- Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
- State Sponsored Visa (Subclass 190)
- Regional Provisional Visa (Subclass 491)
- Employer-Sponsored Visa (Subclass 186)
4. Move to a Regional Area
Even after graduation, relocating to a designated regional area can earn you extra migration points and make you eligible for regional nominations.
5. Maintain Your Legal Status
Avoid working in breach of visa conditions, overstaying, or lapses in health insurance coverage.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Missing the 6-month window after graduation
- Incomplete or incorrect documentation
- Choosing a non-PR aligned course
- Not starting skill assessments early
- Ignoring regional incentives
Visa Smile International Advice
At Visa Smile, we’ve helped thousands of students transition from study to work to PR. Our migration experts offer personalized guidance on:
- 485 visa application preparation
- Skills assessments and job readiness
- PR planning aligned with Australia’s immigration priorities
Are you nearing the end of your course in Australia?
Let Visa Smile International help you unlock your future with the Subclass 485 Graduate Visa.
Book a free consultation with our experienced migration advisors today!