New stream names, maximum age 35 for most applicants, and new stay periods.
Visa file / Study and graduate visas
Temporary Graduate visa 485
Work in Australia after eligible Australian study, usually for 18 months to 3 years.
In force
File: 485
Main chargeA$5,750
Information checked22 October 2026
Personal adviceRegistered agent only
Who it is for
International students who recently completed eligible study in Australia. Streams: Post-Higher Education Work (bachelor degree or higher) and Post-Vocational Education Work (diploma or trade qualification linked to an occupation on the list, with a skills assessment). A Second Post-Higher Education Work stream exists for some regional graduates.
Published eligibility
- Age 35 or under when you apply (under 50 for research masters and PhD graduates, and Hong Kong and British National (Overseas) passport holders).
- Hold an eligible student visa, or have held one in the last 6 months.
- Completed your course in the 6 months before you apply, and met the Australian study requirement.
- English test taken in the 12 months before you apply.
- Adequate health insurance, health and character.
- Post-Vocational Education Work: a skills assessment applied for when you lodge.
- Not previously held a Temporary Graduate visa as the main applicant (except the second stream).
Where you apply from
Main applicants must be in Australia when they apply. A valid application usually gives a bridging visa while it is decided. Holders of a 485 cannot apply for a Student visa in Australia.
Streams
- Post-Higher Education Work
- Post-Vocational Education Work
- Second Post-Higher Education Work
| Situation | Stay |
|---|---|
| Bachelor and coursework masters | Up to 2 years |
| Research masters and PhD | Up to 3 years |
| Post-Vocational Education Work | 18 months |
| Indian nationals (trade agreement), bachelor | 2 years |
| Indian nationals, bachelor with first-class honours in STEM | 3 years |
| Indian nationals, masters | 3 years |
| Indian nationals, PhD | 4 years |
From first enquiry to grant and after.
The usual steps, and where a registered migration agent can help at each one. Immi Worldwide gives general information and settlement support, never advice about your visa.
- 01
First enquiry
You tell the registered migration agent your current visa, where you are, your family and any past refusals or cancellations.
Where a registered migration agent can helpIdentifies your current visa, its conditions and expiry, and any early risk.
- 02
Check your windows
Confirm your course completion date, the 6-month window and your age.
Where a registered migration agent can helpChecks the dates and the right stream.
- 03
Service agreement
Before any personal advice or preparation, you receive a written service agreement and the OMARA Consumer Guide.
Where a registered migration agent can helpSets out the work, the fee and the refund policy in writing. No money is taken for visa work before the agreement is signed.
- 04
Evidence
English test, completion letter and transcript, police certificates, health insurance and, for vocational graduates, the skills assessment application.
Where a registered migration agent can helpChecks that the study requirement and English evidence are in order.
- 05
Lodge in Australia
Lodge online in ImmiAccount and pay the charge.
Where a registered migration agent can helpLodges before the 6-month window closes.
- 06
Health, police and biometrics
Health examinations, police certificates and biometrics when the Department asks.
Where a registered migration agent can helpTracks every request and deadline so nothing lapses.
- 07
Decision and work
Work and study freely for the period of the visa.
Where a registered migration agent can helpExplains your stay period and conditions.
- 08
Plan the next step
The 485 does not lead directly to permanent residence. Plan employer sponsorship or a skilled visa.
Where a registered migration agent can helpPlans a realistic pathway, such as a 482, 186, 189, 190 or 491.
Charges and processing times.
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Main applicant | A$5,750 |
| Family member 18 or over | A$2,875 |
| Family member under 18 | A$1,450 |
| Second Post-Higher Education Work, main applicant | A$2,265 |
Source: Home Affairs Current visa pricing table, charges from 1 July 2026. Check the Visa Pricing Estimator before you rely on a figure.
| Stream | 50% decided within | 90% decided within |
|---|---|---|
| Post-Higher Education Work | 5 days | 55 days |
| Post-Vocational Education Work | 52 days | 5 months |
Home Affairs Global visa processing times. Read 22 October 2026. Times change monthly and are not a promise. Global visa processing times.
Common refusal reasons
- Applying more than 6 months after completing the course.
- Over the age limit.
- Study requirement not met.
- English test older than 12 months or below the score.
- No skills assessment applied for (vocational stream).
- No health insurance, or a previous 485 as main applicant.
Drawn from the published criteria and general practice experience. They are not Departmental statistics.
Document checklist
Identity
Study
Requirements
A general list. The Department's own document checklist for your application is the one that counts. Ticks stay on this page only.
What changed, and what people ask.
Main applicant charge rose to A$5,750.
Sources
Information checked 22 October 2026. General information only, not advice about your circumstances.
Where this becomes advice
How any of these rules applies to a particular person, which visa to choose, and any application are immigration assistance, given only by a registered migration agent.
Immi Worldwide does not give immigration assistance. For advice about your own situation, Immi Worldwide can refer you to Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130, of The Immigration Worldwide Pty Ltd, or you can choose any registered migration agent.
Ask for a referral to Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130 Ask for a call back about a referral
The referral form opens with the box to pass your enquiry to the registered agent already ticked. Immi Worldwide does not charge for a referral.