Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass TR 485)
Graduating from an Australian institution is a milestone that often comes with mixed feelings; excitement about what’s next, and uncertainty about how to stay and work in Australia. The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) can help bridge that gap, allowing you to remain in the country, gain valuable work experience, and plan your future.
This guide is designed to give you clear, up-to-date information on the visa; including eligibility, required documents, timelines, and practical advice, so you can approach the process with confidence.
What is Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass TR 485)?
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) allows recent international graduates to live, work, and study in Australia for a limited period. It’s designed to help graduates apply their skills in a real-world setting and, in many cases, explore longer-term migration options.
There are two main streams:
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Post-Study Work Stream - for graduates of higher education degrees.
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Graduate Work Stream - for graduates with skills linked to occupations on Australia’s skilled migration list.
Who Can Apply for a 485 Visa? (Eligibility Requirements)
While requirements vary slightly between the two streams, applicants generally need to:
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Be under 50 years old.
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Hold, or have recently held, an eligible student visa.
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Have completed a CRICOS-registered course in Australia.
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Meet the English language requirements (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, or equivalent).
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Have adequate health insurance in Australia.
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Apply before your current visa expires.
Benefits of the Temporary Graduate Visa
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Stay in Australia for 2 to 6 years, depending on your qualifications and where you studied.
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Work full-time in any sector.
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Travel freely in and out of Australia during your visa period.
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Gain Australian work experience that may help towards permanent residency in the future.
Types of 485 Visa Streams
Post-Study Work Stream
For graduates with a Bachelor, Master’s, or Doctorate from an Australian institution.
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Length of stay: 2–6 years, depending on the qualification and study location.
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No need to nominate an occupation.
Graduate Work Stream
For graduates with skills and qualifications in occupations listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
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Length of stay: Up to 18 months.
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Skills assessment required.
How to Apply for the 485 Visa - Step-by-Step
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Confirm eligibility and choose the correct visa stream.
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Gather your documents - passport, course completion letter, transcripts, English test results, health insurance details, and other required forms.
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Submit your application online via the Department of Home Affairs ImmiAccount.
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Pay the application fee.
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Provide biometrics if requested.
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Wait for processing - you may receive a bridging visa to stay lawfully in Australia while waiting for a decision.
Document Checklist for a 485 Visa Application
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Valid passport.
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Academic transcripts and course completion letter.
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English language test results (unless exempt).
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Australian Federal Police (AFP) check.
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Proof of health insurance.
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Skills assessment (for Graduate Work Stream applicants)
Processing Time & Cost
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Visa cost: From AUD $1,895 (as per Department of Home Affairs, August 2025).
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Processing times: Typically 4–10 months, depending on the stream and completeness of your application.
For the most current information, visit the Department of Home Affairs official website.
Common Reasons for Refusal
Many refusals are due to avoidable errors, including:
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Applying after your current visa has expired.
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Submitting incomplete or incorrect documentation.
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Not meeting English language requirements.
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Choosing the wrong visa stream for your circumstances.
Practical Tips for a Smoother Application
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Start preparing well before your student visa expires.
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Double-check that your course is CRICOS-registered.
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Book your English test early, as results may take time.
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Keep scanned copies of all key documents.
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Consider getting your application reviewed to reduce risk of mistakes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is IELTS required for the 485 visa?
Yes; unless you hold a passport from an eligible English-speaking country, you’ll need to provide an approved English test result.
Q2: How long does it take to process a 485 visa?
Processing times range from 4 to 10 months, depending on the stream and case complexity.
Q3: Can I apply for PR after a 485 visa?
Many graduates use the work experience from their 485 visa to meet skilled migration requirements.
Q4: What kind of police check do I need for the 485 visa?
You must provide an Australian Federal Police (AFP) National Police Check, not a state or territory police check. It must be dated within 12 months before you lodge your visa application. The code for “Purpose of check” should be Code 33 – Immigration/Citizenship.
Q5: Can I use a state police check instead of an AFP check for the 485 visa?
No. State or territory police checks (e.g., NSW Police, Victoria Police) are not accepted. Only an AFP check is valid for your visa application.
Q6: When should I take my English test for the 485 visa?
It’s best to take your test before your student visa expires. Results must be valid at the time of application — generally within 3 years for English tests like IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL.
Q7: Do I need to have my graduation ceremony before applying for the 485 visa?
No. You don’t need to attend your graduation ceremony, but you must have official confirmation of course completion from your institution.
Q8: Can I apply for the 485 visa if my completion letter isn’t ready yet?
You can only apply once your course completion is confirmed in writing by your education provider. Applying before receiving this letter may result in refusal.
Q9: How soon after my student visa ends can I apply for the 485 visa?
You must apply within 6 months of completing your course and while holding a valid visa - usually a student visa or bridging visa.
Q10: What health insurance do I need for the 485 visa?
You must have Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) that meets Department of Home Affairs requirements. Your previous Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) will not be valid once your student visa ends.
Q11: Can I use my OSHC for the 485 visa?
No. OSHC is only valid for student visas. You need OVHC for the Temporary Graduate Visa period.
Q12: What is a course completion letter for the 485 visa?
It’s an official document from your university or college confirming you have met all the requirements for your course, including the date you completed your studies.
Q13: Do I need to get my academic transcripts for the 485 visa?
Yes. Academic transcripts showing your results and completion date are required along with the completion letter.
Q14: What happens if my passport is about to expire before applying for the 485 visa?
Renew your passport before applying if possible. If you get a new passport after applying, you must update your details through ImmiAccount.
Q15: Do I need a skills assessment for the Post-Study Work Stream?
No. Skills assessments are only required for the Graduate Work Stream.
Q16: How do I know if my occupation is on the skilled migration list?
Check the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) to see if your occupation is listed. If applying under the Graduate Work Stream, you must nominate an occupation from this list.
Q17: Can I change from Graduate Work Stream to Post-Study Work Stream after applying?
No. You must choose the correct stream before lodging your application.
Q18: Can I include my partner if we are in a de facto relationship?
Yes, but you must provide evidence such as joint bank accounts, shared bills, and proof of living together for at least 12 months.
Q19: If my partner becomes eligible for a 485 visa in the future, can I be their dependent even if I was a main applicant on a 485 visa before?
Yes. Having previously held a 485 visa as the main applicant does not prevent you from applying as a dependent on your partner’s 485 visa, as long as you meet all standard eligibility, health, and character requirements.
Q20: What if I am under 35 but my partner is over 45 - how does this affect visa applications?
Age limits vary by visa type. For the 485 visa, the main applicant must be under 35 (Post-Study Work stream) but there is no age limit for dependents.