The Graduate (subclass 485) visa allows recent graduates of Australian universities to extend their stay in Australia
Visa holders are able to live and work in Australia, usually with a stay period of up to 3 years.
Graduate (Subclass 485) Visa
This visa allows eligible international students who have completed an Australian qualification to stay in Australia to gain work experience. This visa does not restrict the type of work you may do, or the number of hours you may work.
For further information, see our Graduate visa FAQs section or contact us directly.
Target Market
Recent graduates from Australian universities that have completed a:
- Bachelors, Masters, or Doctoral Degree
- Associate Degree;
- Diploma; or
- Trade qualification.
Visa Applicant Requirements
- Currently located in Australia (except in limited circumstances)
- Holds a qualifying visa (generally a Student visa)
- Is under the age of 35 at time of application (or under 50 years old if the holder of a Hong Kong passport or a British National (Overseas) passport, or has completed a masters degree (research) or a doctoral degree)
- Meet the English requirements within 1 year before making the visa application
- Adequate arrangements for health insurance
- Health and character requirements
Additional criteria applies depending on the stream.
Streams
- Post-Vocational Education Work Stream – For applicants who have completed an associate degree, diploma or trade qualification from an Australian institution within 6 months before making the application
- Post-Higher Education Work Stream – For applicants who have completed a relevant degree or higher from an Australian institution within 6 months before making the application
Duration
- Post-Vocational Education Work Stream – Up to 18 months
- Post-Higher Education Work Stream – 2 to or 3 years depending on the level of the qualification completed in Australia
- Hong Kong and British National (Overseas) passport holders may stay for 5 years
Eligibility
Graduate (Subclass 485) Visa
Be aware that there are certain differences in eligibility requirements depending on the stream applied for. In all cases, this is general information, and you should contact us or an immigration lawyer prior to making any decisions.
Post-Vocational Education Work stream
The business then assumes a number of sponsorship obligations, including assuming certain costs, ensuring your employee only works in their nominated occupations, and is subjected to equivalent terms and conditions of The Post-Vocational Education Work stream is available to graduates who nominate a skilled occupation that is specified by the Minister in an instrument in writing.
When the Graduate visa application is made, it must be been accompanied by evidence that the primary applicant has applied to a relevant assessing authority for an assessment of their skills in their nominated skilled occupation.
In the period of 6 months immediately before the day the application was made, the primary applicant must have completed one or more associate degrees, diplomas or trade qualifications for award by an Australian educational institution as a result of a course or courses that are registered, were completed in 16 calendar months, were at least 2 academic years of study, which were in English, and were in Australia whilst the applicant held a Student visa.
Post-Higher Education Work stream
This stream is available only to those who applied for, and had been granted, their first Student visa on or after 5 November 2011.
In the period of 6 months immediately before the day the application was made, the primary applicant completed one or more degrees for award by an Australian educational institution as a result of a course or courses that are registered, were completed in 16 calendar months, were at least 2 academic years of study, were in English, and were in Australia whilst the applicant held a Student visa.
Documents
Graduate (Subclass 485) Visa
The actual documents required depend on specific circumstances including (but not limited to) family members, health and character, identity, and type of qualification studied. All documents not in English will require a translated copy to also be provided.
Your Hannan Tew advisor will provide you with a link to the Hannan Tew portal which will set out the specific documents required.
Identity
- Biographical pages of your current passports or travel documents
- Full quality passport sized photograph of yourself
Family relationships
- Passport bio data page for each family member
- Full quality passport sized photograph of each family member
- Birth certificate for each family member (translated)
- If in a married relationship, a copy of your marriage certificate (translated)
- If in de facto relationship, evidence of at least 6 months of (i) shared finances (bank / credit card statements) (ii) living together (lease,
correspondence at same address) and (iii) social (messages to each
other) - If children are between 18 and 23, evidence of financial dependency: (i) reside in the same household (E.g. correspondence to the same address) (ii) financially dependency (e.g. bank statements) (iii) studying (E.g. university enrolment)
- If including a child under 18 where a parent is not included, evidence of custody (legal documents and Form 1229)
Qualifications and skills
- Evidence of English language proficiency at the time of application
- Evidence of your educational qualifications (certificates and academic transcript)
- Evidence of your course completion date (generally a letter from your education provider)
- Evidence of your application for a skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority as suitable for the nominated occupation (if applying through the Post-Vocational Education Work stream)
Health and character
- Either an AFP clearance certificate (or evidence of an application for an AFP clearance certificate) made in the 12 months immediately before an application is made
- An overseas police certificate from every country, including your home country, where you spent a total of 12 months or more in the last 10 years since you turned 16
- Health assessments (if required)
- Evidence of adequate health insurance in Australia
Process
Graduate (Subclass 485) Visa
Hannan Tew will advise and guide you on the entire process from assessing eligibility to lodgement. We use an online document / information collection tool so that all your files and information are stored in one single location. You can use the Hannan Tew Portal to track the status of your matter and have a complete overview of documents required.
Before you apply
Before you apply, you should:
- assess and determine whether you meet the eligibility criteria (including in relation to health and character)
- decide whether to retain an Immigration Lawyer (such as Hannan Tew Lawyers) or Registered Migration Agent to help you fill out forms or provide you with advice in relation to your eligibility and desired outcome.
Gather your documents
The first step is preparing all the documentation required for the application to ensure that the Department of Home Affairs (Department) has all the information available to correctly assess your eligibility for the Graduate (Subclass 485) visa (see documents tab).
All documents relevant to your Graduate visa are uploaded online (scanned or photographed). Ensure all non-English documentation are translated into English.
Apply for the visa
The Graduate (Subclass 485) visa application is completed and submitted online via ImmiAccount, a portal managed by the Department. You will need to:
- Log-in or create an ImmiAccount on the Department’s website
- Complete the visa application form
- Attach relevant documents
- Pay the visa application charges and lodge the application.
Ensure that all family members accompanying the main visa applicant are also added to your visa application.
After the application
The Department will send an acknowledgement letter (via email and/or the ImmiAccount portal messaging system) once your application has been submitted and received.
The standard processing times for the Graduate (Subclass 485) visa as at February 2025, is as follows:
Post-Higher Education Work
- 50% of applications: 27 days
- 90% of applications: 4 months
Post-Vocational Education Work stream
- 50% of applications: 4 months
- 90% of applications: 8 months
No updates on the application will be provided during the standard processing time. If more information is required, this will be requested via email. You can read more about what to expect after your visa is lodged at our blog.
Be sure to advise the Department if there are any mistakes on your application, or if your personal circumstances change after you have applied.
After the application
The Department will advise you of the outcome of your Graduate (Subclass 485) visa application in writing.
If your visa application is successful, you will be provided a PDF grant letter, which advises of:
- your visa grant number
- the date your visa starts and ends
- applicable visa conditions.
This visa is electronically linked to your passport, so you would not need a visa label or to attend any Embassy/Consulates. Retain an electronic copy of this grant letter for when you arrive, and whilst you live in Australia.
If you are refused a visa, you will be advised in writing:
- the reason(s) for the unsuccessful application and
- whether you have a right to review the decision
It is vital that you read and understand the refusal notification clearly to understand the timeframe and means of appeal. You can find more information about the appeal process at our Visa Refusals and Review page.
Graduate Visas
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Graduate visa lead to PR?
Not directly. However, the Graduate Subclass 485 visa will enable you to live and work in Australia with no work restrictions.
Holders of the Graduate 485 visa can use this time to obtain work experience and subsequently apply for another visa, such as employer-sponsored work visas or a General Skilled Migration visa (which themselves are either PR applications, or pathways to PR).
Can I work in any occupation once I receive my Graduate visa?
Yes, the Graduate Subclass 485 visa has no work restrictions.
However, if you wish to seek other employer-sponsored or General Skilled Migration visa pathways (which have certain work experience requirements), you may wish to be strategic about what positions you do.
How long is the Graduate (subclass 485) visa valid for?
The length of your Graduate visa will depend on several factors including your nominated stream:
- Post-Vocational Education Work Stream visas may be granted for up to 18 months; and
- Post-Higher Education Work Stream may be granted for up to 2-3 years, depending on the qualification completed:
- Bachelor degree (including honours): 2 years
- Masters (coursework and extended): 2 years
- Masters (research): 3 years
- Doctoral degree: 3 years
Indian nationals may be granted a stay period as follows (per the Australia India – Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement):
- Bachelor degree (including honours): 2 years
- Bachelor degree (with first class honours in STEM, including ICT): 3 years
- Masters (coursework, extended and research): 3 years
- Doctoral degrees (PhD): 4 years
Hong Kong and British National (Overseas) passport holders may stay up to 5 years, which is applicable for both streams.
Who is eligible for the Graduate visa?
Broadly, the Graduate visa is for those who have recently completed their studies in an Australian educational institution (in the last 6 months). This includes those who have completed:
- an associate degree, diploma or trade qualification; or
- a relevant Bachelor degree (or higher).
Please see the “Eligibility” tab for further information about each stream and the relevant criteria for each. For a complete, updated list of occupations or advice as to whether your role falls within a relevant occupations list, speak with us today on (03) 9016 0484 or book a consultation online with our immigration lawyers.
I hold a current visa in Australia. What happens if it expires before my Graduate (subclass 485) visa is granted?
If you are in Australia, and hold a substantive visa when we lodge your Graduate 485 visa application, you will be granted a Bridging Visa A (BVA). The BVA will allow you to remain in Australia during processing of your Graduate Subclass 485 visa.
Note that the BVA will not allow you to re-enter Australia if you depart during processing of your Graduate Subclass 485 visa. You will need to seek special permission to do so. Please notify us immediately if you have travel plans during the processing of your Graduate Subclass 485 visa as it can impact the application.
How much does the Graduate (subclass 485) visa cost?
You can refer to our pricing guide for an estimate of fixed fee professional fees. You will also need to pay government fees for this visa application.
Feel free to explore our cost calculator, or contact a member of our team directly for a full breakdown of fees.
Is there any age limit for applying for the visa?
The primary applicant must be 35 years of age or under at time of application, or 50 years of age or under if they:
- are the holder of Hong Kong passport or a British National (Overseas) passport; or
- have completed a masters degree by research or a doctoral degree.
Can I commence work before my visa application is approved?
Most applicants for a Graduate (Subclass 485) visa will have held a Student visa at time of application. The Student visa conditions permit you to work when your course is not in session (i.e. you have completed your course).
Broadly this condition also carries over to any Bridging Visas you may be granted while awaiting an outcome on your Graduate (subclass 485) visa is approved.
However, this is general and does not necessarily apply to everyone.
Can I include my family?
Yes, you can include anybody who is a “Member of the Family Unit”, which generally includes your spouse/de facto partner, and certain children in your visa application.
There are specific requirements for children over the age of 18 to demonstrate dependency. Children 23 years or above cannot be included except in very limited circumstances.
You cannot include parents or siblings in your visa application, even if they are dependent on you. Applicants under 18 years of age have a special exemption to be able to include parents.
I have a dependent partner/spouse, can they work?
Yes, once granted your partner/spouse will not have any work restrictions on their Graduate 485 visa in Australia, which means they can work for any employer in any capacity.
Can my children study?
Yes. However, different States / Territories in Australia have different requirements and fees may be applicable. We strongly recommend that you explore this with the education provider directly.
Do I need a skills assessment for my Graduate (subclass 485) visa?
If you are applying for the Graduate visa through the Post-Vocational Education Work stream, you will need to provide a skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority (as suitable for the nominated occupation).
You do not need to provide a skills assessment if applying via the Post-Higher Education Work stream.
Contact us to speak to an immigration lawyer and determine the requirements for your specific occupation.
What are the English requirements for the Graduate visa?
You will need to obtain an English test unless you hold a passport from the UK, US, Canada, New Zealand or Ireland.
English assessments must have been completed no more than 12 months before the date of application. You can read more about the accepted tests and the minimum score requirements at our blog.
Do I need health and character assessments for a Graduate visa application?
Depending on your country of nationality, you may require health examinations to process your visa. Hannan Tew Lawyers will advise you of the relevant assessments once you have completed the information questionnaire.
You will need to provide police clearances for all countries in which you have resided for 12 months or more in the last 10 years. You must provide an AFP clearance certificate (or evidence of an application for an AFP clearance certificate) made in the 12 months immediately before an application is made.
Should I just book my health examinations and obtain police clearances?
The Department have appointed particular panel doctors who are authorised to conduct health examinations for Australian visa purposes. In Australia, this is predominantly via BUPA.
If the health examinations are not carried out by these individuals, they will need to be redone.
The Department also require specific police clearances.
Please wait for instructions from your Hannan Tew advisor to ensure that you don’t unnecessarily incur any costs or loss of time.
Do I need health insurance for my Graduate (subclass 485) visa?
Yes – you will need to ensure that you held appropriate health insurance for your Student visa (i.e. Overseas Student Health Cover), and following that (typically Overseas Visitor Health Cover).
Once the Graduate 485 visa itself is granted, all applicants will be subject to a condition to have ‘adequate health insurance’ for your duration of stay in Australia.
Most Australian health insurers have Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) plans that specifically address these requirements and contain the minimum level to be considered “adequate” arrangements.
If you take health insurance from a non-Australian insurer, it’s important to ensure that the policy you receive provides the level of benefit at least equivalent to that set out in the link. As a general guideline of the cover required, an adequate level of health insurance cover is set out on the Department’s website.
Citizens of certain countries have access to Medicare under reciprocal arrangements with Australia, which will satisfy the requirement to hold health insurance.
Can I access Medicare or other social security benefits as a Graduate visa holder?
Generally no. Citizens of certain countries have access to Medicare under reciprocal arrangements with Australia.
Is a Graduate visa holder a resident for tax purposes?
We recommend that you obtain specific tax advice relevant to you, as we unfortunately are not qualified to advise. Importantly, immigration residency is different to tax residency. Refer to the ATO’s website for further information, and obtain professional advice for tax guidance.
Will my Graduate visa come with any visa conditions?
Yes, your Graduate visa will be subject to a condition that you must maintain “adequate arrangements” for health insurance whilst in Australia. This is typically Overseas Visitor Health Cover.
Disclaimer
The information contained here is offered for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or give rise to an attorney-client relationship between you and our firm. The information: (i) must be regarded as a practical guide for general information and not a process guide for determining the specific immigration requirements of the countries covered, (ii) should not be a substitute for a more indepth analysis of applicable facts and circumstances conducted by competent professionals, and (iii) does not represent an opinion from Hannan Tew or any of its agents with regard to the laws of any of the jurisdictions concerned. The information does not guarantee the outcome or approval of any particular immigration application.
What can we do for you?
With extensive experience assisting applicants applying for visas from all corners of the world, our staff are well placed to assist with all issues in relation to graduate visa applications including: skills assessment applications, visa applications and general advisory.
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