Graduate Visa (Subclass 485): Conditions and Validity
What is the subclass 485 visa?
The subclass 485 — Temporary Graduate Visa — lets graduates of an Australian provider stay and work after completing their course. It is an important bridge between the subclass 500 (student) visa and a longer-term migration visa.
The subclass 485 allows full-time work with no restriction on occupation — an opportunity to build Australian work experience, refine your English, and develop your EOI profile for PR.
The two streams of the subclass 485
Stream 1: Post-Study Work stream
The most common stream. It is for students who have completed at least two years of study in Australia at Bachelor level or above.
The validity of a subclass 485 depends on the qualification completed — Bachelor, Master by coursework, Master by research, and PhD have different validity periods. See the full table and current figures at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au — the policy has been adjusted several times since 2023.
The article on the Post-Study Work stream has a detailed validity table by qualification type.
Stream 2: Graduate Work stream
This is for graduates of a course related to an occupation on the MLTSSL who have not studied long enough to qualify for the Post-Study Work stream. The validity is shorter than the Post-Study Work stream — see the specific period at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
This stream is less common and requires the occupation to be on the MLTSSL at the time of application.
Basic eligibility for the subclass 485
1. Graduated in Australia: You must have completed a qualification at a CRICOS institution in Australia (not studied online from overseas). The qualification must be at Bachelor level or above for the Post-Study Work stream.
2. Study time in Australia: At least two years of study undertaken in Australia (for the Post-Study Work stream). Time spent studying online from overseas does not count — except for online study during COVID (special rules apply).
3. English: You must meet the Competent English level set by DHA. See the specific score requirement at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au — the minimum for the subclass 485 may change.
4. Within the application window: You must apply within six months of graduating (receiving confirmation that you have completed your studies). This deadline runs from the date completion is confirmed, not your graduation ceremony date.
5. First subclass 485: You can only be granted a subclass 485 for the first time if you have never held one before.
Timing matters
Do not wait until your subclass 500 expires to apply for the subclass 485. Apply when:
- You have received confirmation that you have completed your course (a completion letter or final academic transcript)
- You are still within six months of completing
- Your subclass 500 is still valid (so a bridging visa activates automatically when the subclass 500 ends)
If you apply after your subclass 500 has expired but still within six months, you must be lawfully in Australia — check your bridging visa status.
The subclass 485 and the PR journey
The subclass 485 is not PR — it is a temporary visa. But it is a pivotal stage for:
Building Australian work experience: EOI points for Australian work experience are higher than for overseas experience. One to three years of relevant work during the 485 stage can make a significant difference to your EOI.
Completing your skills assessment: With an Australian qualification, some assessing authorities (particularly ACS and EA) have faster or more favourable assessment processes.
Receiving an EOI invitation: Build your EOI points while working on the subclass 485 and wait for an invitation from DHA.