Step-by-Step Guide to Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa
You’ve worked hard, completed your degree in Australia, and now hold an international qualification. From world-class courses and generous scholarships to a safe, welcoming environment, there have been countless reasons to fall in love with the “Land of Kangaroos.”
But now, with your student visa nearing expiry, you might be wondering — can I stay longer? Well, good news — you can! With the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), you can extend your stay and gain valuable work experience in Australia.
Apply with Apical Immigration Experts and take the next step towards living, working, and exploring Australia after your studies.
Why Choose the Temporary Graduate Visa?
The Temporary Graduate Visa is designed for recent international graduates who have completed at least two years of study at an Australian institution. It’s an excellent option for students who want to remain in Australia after graduation, but remember — you can only hold one Subclass 485 visa as a primary applicant in your lifetime.
Streams of the Temporary Graduate Visa
- Post-Vocational Education Work Stream
Valid for 18 months
For graduates who have:- Completed 2 years of study in Australia
- An occupation listed on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
- A positive skills assessment in that occupation
- Post-Higher Education Work Stream
Valid for up to 4 years
For graduates who:- Held an Australian student visa on or after 5th November 2011
- Have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate degree from an Australian education provider (any field of study)
- Replacement Stream
Allows eligible Subclass 485 visa holders in the Replacement Stream to apply for a second visa under the Post-Study Work Stream, provided they live in regional Australia on their current visa.
Benefits of the Temporary Graduate Visa
- Include eligible family members in your application
- Freedom to live, work, and study in Australia
- Unlimited travel in and out of Australia for the duration of your visa
Eligibility Criteria
- Be 35 years old or younger (or under 50 if you hold a Hong Kong or British National Overseas passport)
- Be inside Australia when applying
- Meet the Australian study requirement
- Apply within 6 months of receiving your course results
- Satisfy the specific criteria of your chosen stream
- Have valid health insurance for your stay
- Demonstrate competent English
- Apply only once as a primary applicant in your lifetime
Study Requirements
You meet the Australian study requirement if your course(s):
- Are registered on the CRICOS (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students)
- Were conducted in English
- Had a duration of at least 92 weeks or 16 calendar months
- Were completed while holding a valid student visa in Australia
- Were not related to English language proficiency or enabling programs
Health & Character Requirements
- You and any dependents must undergo medical examinations
- You must provide proof of an Australian Federal Police (AFP) check (valid for 12 months) before lodging your application
Health Insurance Requirements
- You must hold adequate health insurance for yourself and any included family members for the entire stay
- Insurance can be from an Australian or overseas provider
- If you still hold a student visa, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is acceptable at lodgement
- If you no longer hold a student visa (or are on a bridging visa), OSHC will not be accepted — you’ll need Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) instead
No Outstanding Debts
You must not owe money to the Australian Government at the time your visa is granted.
Who You Can Include in Your Application
- Your spouse or partner
- Your child or your partner’s child (including stepchildren)
Process to Apply for Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
- Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet all criteria including age, qualification, English, and health insurance.
- Gather Supporting Documents: Degree certificate, transcript, skills assessment, passport, English proof, health insurance docs.
- Submit Application: Upload via ImmiAccount, pay fee, ensure completeness.
- Health & Character Checks: Medical exams and police certificates required.
- Biometrics (if applicable): Submit if required.
- Track Application: Monitor ImmiAccount for progress.
- Visa Grant: Receive grant notification with visa details.
Processing Time
The average processing time for the Subclass 485 visa is 4–9 months, depending on applicant nationality and Department of Home Affairs workload.
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) Fees for Indian Applicants
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Primary Applicant | AUD 1,680 |
| Dependents 18 years and above | AUD 840 per person |
| Dependents under 18 years | AUD 420 per person |
Additional Costs:
- Biometrics: ~AUD 60 per applicant
- Medical Examinations: ~AUD 350 per applicant
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) – Latest Cost
The application fee for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) is structured as follows:
- Primary Applicant: AUD 2,300
- Additional Applicant (18 years or over): AUD 1,150 each
- Dependent Child (under 18 years): AUD 580 each
Additional potential expenses:
Health examinations: Required as part of the application; costs generally range around AUD 400.
Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC): A mandatory requirement, with monthly premiums ranging from AUD 70 to AUD 130, depending on the provider and coverage.
Please note: Visa fees are subject to annual updates. Make sure to check the most recent fees before submitting your application.
Why Choose Apical Immigration Experts?
At Apical Immigration Experts, we are more than just immigration consultants — we are your trusted partners in making your Australian dream a reality. With transparency, expertise, and a proven track record, we stand out as one of the best immigration consultants across India.
- Affordable Processing Fees: Fair, transparent, success-oriented pricing.
- Seven Days a Week Support: Help available anytime.
- End-to-End Assistance: From consultation to post-landing.
- Complementary Services: Job help, Resume Writing, IELTS Coaching, Post-Landing Support.
- High Success Rate: Nearly 100% visa approval success.
- Multiple Visa Options: Assistance across categories without extra charges.
Book your consultation today and let us help you make Australia your second home!
FAQs: Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
How long does it take to process a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)?
Processing times vary depending on the stream you apply under, but it generally takes between 4 to 9 months. Submitting a complete application with all required documents can help speed up the process.
2. Can I extend my Temporary Graduate Visa after it expires?
You cannot directly extend a 485 visa. However, you may be eligible to apply for another visa, such as a skilled migration visa, student visa for further studies, or a second 485 visa under the Replacement Stream (if eligible).
3. Do I need a skills assessment for the Temporary Graduate Visa?
Yes, if you apply under the Post-Vocational Education Work Stream, you must have a positive skills assessment for an occupation listed on the MLTSSL. This is not required for the Post-Higher Education Work Stream.
4. Can I travel outside Australia on a Temporary Graduate Visa?
Yes, this visa allows unlimited travel in and out of Australia during its validity period. However, time spent outside Australia still counts towards your visa duration.
5. Can my family members work or study on my Temporary Graduate Visa?
Yes, eligible family members included in your application can live, work, and study in Australia for the same duration as your visa.