Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
The Graduate Visa (485) allows recent university graduates and certain vocational graduates the chance to remain in Australia and work after their studies have finished.
Graduate Visa
The Graduate Visa (subclass 485) is usually the cheapest and easiest work visa to apply for. This visa:
Is NOT points tested
Does NOT require an employer sponsor
Many temporary graduate visa holders use their time on this visa to build up the skills and requirements necessary to apply for a permanent general skilled visa in Australia.
Anytime throughout the temporary graduate visa, visa holders can apply for another permanent visa.
Post-Higher Education Work Stream
The Post Higher Education Work Stream is easier to apply for and lasts for a longer amount of time. If you are eligible for this visa, it is usually the preference when compared to the Post Vocational Education Work Stream. However, to apply for this visa you must have studied at a bachelor level or higher.
Post-Vocational Education Work Stream
The Post Vocational Education Work Stream of this visa is most suitable for applicants who did not study at a bachelor level, but still studied a course at the correct level for a job on the MLTSS list. Most trade courses would fit under this stream.
Post Higher Education Work Stream
The Post Higher Education Work Stream is easier to apply for and lasts for a longer amount of time. If you are eligible for this visa, it is usually the preference when compared to the Post Vocational Education Work Stream. However, to apply for this visa you must have studied at a bachelor level or higher.
Common requirements
- Must be 35 years of age or under
- Apply for the visa from within Australia
- Have health insurance for the duration of your visa (OVHC)
- Make your application within 6 months of the date you receive your final results. You cannot apply for the visa before you have completed the course
- Complete at least 2 academic years (classified as 92 CRICOS weeks) of study within Australia of a relevant course (or courses).
- Have been in Australia for at least 16 months
- Have English level IELTS 6.5 overall, with no score lower than 5.5 (or equivalent English test) – unless you hold a passport for UK, USA, NZ, Ireland or Canada. The English test must have been taken within the past 12 months
- Have not previously held the temporary graduate or skilled graduate visa
Post Vocational Education Work Stream
The Post Vocational Education Work Stream of this visa is most suitable for applicants who did not study at a bachelor level. But still studied a course that is on the MLTSSL and studied at the correct level. Most trade courses would fit under this stream.
Common requirements
- Must be 35 years of age or under
- Apply for the visa from within Australia
- Have health insurance for the duration of your visa (OVHC)
- Make your application within 6 months of the date you receive your final results. You cannot apply for the visa before you have completed the course
- Complete at least 2 academic years (classified as 92 CRICOS weeks) of study within Australia of a relevant course (or courses) related to an occupation on the MLTSSL
- Have been in Australia for at least 16 months studying the course
- Have English level IELTS 6.5, with no score lower than 5.5 (or equivalent English test) – unless you hold a passport for UK, USA, NZ, Ireland or Canada. The English test must have been taken within 12 months of your application
- Have not previously held the temporary graduate or skilled graduate visa
Book a Migration Consultation
We have a ton of information on our site about various visa options and FAQs that answer most of our visitors’ questions, but if you’re still not sure where to start or you need a personalised step by step walkthrough, then schedule a call with one of our Registered Migration Agent.
Simply follow the link below and you’ll be able to pick the date & time that fits your schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you don’t find an answer to your question below, feel free to get in touch with one of our agents, they will be more than happy to share their wisdom.
Does it matter what course I studied for the 485's – Post Study Work Stream?
As long as you meet all the requirements (such as 2 years of study resulting in a Bachelor degree qualification), you should still be eligible for the graduate visa – post study work stream. So if you studied a Bachelor of Business, Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Economics you may still be eligible for the graduate visa.
How do I know if I will be eligible for the Graduate Stream Visa?
If you studied the appropriate course at a vocational level and related to a position that is on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (such as a Cert III in Carpentry or a Cert III in Marine Craft) you may be eligible for this visa. Or if you studied a course at a degree-level or above (such as a Bachelor of Nursing, or Bachelor of Engineering) you may be eligible for this visa.
What happens if I had a break in my studies? Will I still be eligible?
As long as you meet the 2-year study requirement, it does not matter if there was a break in your studies. Keep in mind you will need to meet other requirements for the visa. So you can have a break in between your studies as long as you studied a related course within 6 months of applying for the visa.
Can the courses be packaged and still meet the 2-year requirement?
Yes, courses can be packaged together, provided the courses are at the appropriate qualification level and the courses are closely related to the nominated occupation. Acceptable examples provided by immigration are:
- An applicant who nominates Automotive Electrician as their skilled occupation who has completed a Certificate III in Automotive (Electrical) and a Certificate IV in Automotive Technology in Australia.
- An applicant who nominates Air-conditioning and Mechanical Services Plumber as their skilled occupation who has completed a Certificate III in Plumbing and a Diploma of Plumbing and Services in Australia.
Do I need to have studied at a bachelor level?
Only if you are applying for the PSWS. Otherwise, some vocational courses are relevant to the graduate workstream.
Can I include family members?
Yes, members of the family unit can be included on the visa. This includes your Spouse/De facto partner and children.
What are my partner's work rights on the 485?
Your partner will have full working rights on the graduate visa.
Can my children study for free?
The cost of study varies depending on the state you are studying in. We recommend you checking with the education authority in the state you reside.
GET IN TOUCH
In case of questions, feel free to reach out to one of our experienced Registered Migration Agents.
Contact details
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Mermaid Beach, QLD, 4218
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