Australia is one of the top destinations for international students, not only for quality education but also for excellent post-study work opportunities. The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) allows international graduates to stay back in Australia, gain valuable work experience, and explore pathways to permanent residency.
At Empass Overseas, we help students successfully transition from student life to professional careers in Australia through expert visa guidance.
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) is a post-study work visa that enables international students who have completed their studies in Australia to:
✔ Live and work in Australia
✔ Gain full-time professional experience
✔ Improve eligibility for skilled migration
✔ Explore employer sponsorship and PR options
This visa is ideal for students who want to maximize their return on investment after studying in Australia.
1. Post-Study Work Stream
This stream is for international students who complete higher education degrees in Australia.
Eligible Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Master’s Degree (Coursework/Research)
- Doctoral Degree (PhD)
Visa Duration:
Bachelor’s: Up to 2 years
Master’s: Up to 3 years
PhD: Up to 4 years (Additional extensions may apply for regional study)
This is the most popular option for students aiming for long-term settlement in Australia.
2. Graduate Work Stream
This stream is suitable for students who have completed vocational or trade qualifications linked to occupations on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL).
Key Highlights:
Stay duration: Up to 18 months
Requires a positive skills assessment
Ideal for trade, technical, and diploma graduates
3. Regional Study Benefits
Students who study and live in regional Australia may receive extended post-study work rights, offering extra time to gain Australian experience and improve PR chances.
To apply for the 485 visa, you must:
✔ Be under 50 years of age
✔ Hold a valid or recently expired Student Visa (Subclass 500)
✔ Complete a CRICOS-registered course
✔ Meet English language requirements
✔ Apply within the stipulated time after course completion
✔ Meet health and character requirements
✔ Hold valid Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Each stream has specific additional requirements.
One of the biggest advantages of the 485 visa is unrestricted work rights.
You can:
🔹Work full-time in any industry
🔹Change employers freely
🔹Gain Australian work experience
🔹Take up professional, skilled, or casual jobs
International graduates commonly find jobs in:
🔹 Information Technology (IT & Software)
🔹 Engineering & Construction
🔹 Healthcare & Nursing
🔹 Accounting & Finance
🔹 Business, Marketing & HR
🔹 Hospitality & Tourism
🔹 Trades & Technical Occupations
Australian work experience significantly boosts your profile for PR pathways.
The Australia 485 visa is a stepping stone to PR. After gaining work experience, you may qualify for:
⭐ Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
⭐ Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
⭐ Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)
⭐ Employer Sponsored Visas (Subclass 186 / 482)
⭐ Partner or Family Migration Options
Strategic planning during your 485 visa period is crucial — and Empass Overseas helps you plan it right.
Visa Application Fee:
🔹 Starts from approx. AUD 1,895 (main applicant)
Processing Time:
🔹 Usually 3 to 6 months, depending on case complexity
Additional costs may include:
🔹 English test fees
🔹 Medical examination
🔹 Police clearance certificates
🔹 Health insurance
✔ Expert Australia student & post-study visa consultants
✔ End-to-end visa guidance
✔ Career-oriented migration planning
✔ Transparent & genuine services
✔ High visa success rate
We don’t just help you apply — we help you succeed in Australia.
1. Can I apply for PR directly after 485 visa?
Not directly, but the Australian work experience gained on a 485 visa helps you qualify for skilled PR visas.
2. Can I work full-time on a 485 visa?
Yes. There are no work restrictions on a Temporary Graduate Visa.
3. Is IELTS mandatory for 485 visa?
Yes, English language proficiency is required, but alternatives like PTE may also be accepted.
4. Can my family join me on a 485 visa?
Yes, eligible dependents can be included in your visa application.
5. When should I apply for a 485 visa?
You must apply within the specified time after course completion. Timing is critical.
Studied in Australia and planning your next step?
Want to work, settle, or apply for PR?
Contact Empass Overseas today for expert guidance on the Australia 485 Visa and post-study career planning.
Your Australian dream doesn’t end with graduation — it starts there! 