Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) visa

The Temporary Graduate visa allows eligible international graduates to live, work and study in Australia temporarily after completing their studies.

About the Temporary Graduate visa

The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) gives eligible international students who recently completed an Australian qualification the opportunity to live, work and study in Australia temporarily.

The stream you can apply for and how long you can stay depend on factors including your qualification and circumstances. Visa conditions and eligibility requirements can change. Always check the Department of Home Affairs website for the current requirements before applying.


This visa allows you to


Stay

in Australia temporarily after completing an eligible Australian qualification.


Work

without a limit on the number of hours, subject to your visa conditions.


Gain experience

after graduation by using your Australian qualification to pursue graduate work opportunities in Australia.

Check the basic eligibility requirements 

The following is a general summary. You must meet all current requirements for the visa stream you apply for.  

You may need to: 

  • be 35 years of age or under when you apply, unless an exception applies 
  • hold an eligible visa  
  • have held a Student visa in the last 6 months  
  • have recently completed an eligible qualification in a CRICOS-registered course 
  • apply for the stream that matches your qualification and circumstances. You cannot change streams after you apply. 
  • provide all required documents and evidence when you apply 

Check the complete and current Temporary Graduate visa - Subclass 485 on the Department of Home Affairs website before applying. 

Which Temporary Graduate visa stream may apply to you?

The Post-Vocational Education Work stream is for eligible international students who recently completed an associate degree, diploma or trade qualification linked to an occupation Australia needs. 

With this stream: 

  • your qualification must be relevant to your nominated occupation on the skilled occupation list
  • you must meet the Temporary Graduate visa study requirement and other requirements for this stream. 
  • You can stay up to 18 months. Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders may be able to stay for up to five years. 

Check the current requirements for the Post-Vocational Education Work stream on the Department of Home Affairs website before applying. 

The Post-Vocational Education Work stream is for eligible international students who recently completed an associate degree, diploma or trade qualification linked to an occupation Australia needs.

With this stream:

  • your qualification must be relevant to your nominated occupation on the skilled occupation list
  • you must meet the Temporary Graduate visa study requirement and other requirements for this stream.
  • You can stay up to 18 months. Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders may be able to stay for up to five years.

Check the current requirements for the Post-Vocational Education Work stream on the Department of Home Affairs website before applying.

The Post-Higher Education Work stream is for eligible international students who recently completed a degree-level qualification or higher with an Australian education provider. 

With this stream:

Check the current requirements and stay periods for the Post-Higher Education Work stream on the Department of Home Affairs website before applying.

The Second Post-Higher Education Work stream is for eligible Temporary Graduate visa holders who completed a degree with an Australian education provider in a regional area.

With this stream:

Check the current regional, residence and stay requirements for the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream on the Department of Home Affairs website before applying.

Check your eligibility and how to apply 

Use the Temporary Graduate visa information on the Department of Home Affairs website to check current eligibility, visa streams, required documents, application charges and how to apply. 

Temporary Graduate visa FAQs

The qualification you use to meet the Temporary Graduate visa study requirement helps determine which stream may apply to you.

If you completed an eligible associate degree, diploma or trade qualification, the Post-Vocational Education Work stream may apply. If you completed an eligible degree-level qualification or higher, the Post-Higher Education Work stream may apply.

Check the complete stream requirements with the Department of Home Affairs before applying.

Other visa options may be available depending on your circumstances, qualifications, work experience and employer arrangements.

Use the Department of Home Affairs Visa Finder to explore current options. If you need professional immigration assistance, use the OMARA Register to find a registered migration agent.

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