Graduate visa.

The subclass 485 visa is a temporary work visa for international graduates who have recently finished a qualification at an Australian institution. It is not a permanent residence pathway in itself, but it provides the work experience and time in Australia that many skilled migration and employer-sponsored pathways require. The visa can only be applied for within six months of receiving written confirmation that your qualification requirements have been met — missing this window means losing access to the 485 entirely.

There are currently two open streams. The Graduate Work stream is for graduates who hold a trade, diploma or trade certificate closely linked to an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). It generally grants two years of stay, though that may be extended for regional study or work (see below). The Post-Higher Education Work stream is for graduates who hold a bachelor degree or higher — including bachelor honours, masters by coursework, masters by research or a doctoral degree — from an Australian institution. Duration under this stream varies by qualification level: bachelor and masters by coursework degrees give two years, masters by research gives three years, and a doctorate gives four years. Applicants must be under 50 years of age and must have held a student visa (subclass 500) or a student guardian visa while they studied.

Regional Australia provides additional time for eligible 485 holders. Graduates who studied in a designated regional area may add one year to their visa, and those who complete at least two years of work in a regional area after grant may apply for a further one-year extension. These extensions are cumulative, meaning a doctoral graduate who both studied and worked regionally could hold a 485 for up to six years. English language requirements apply to all applicants: a minimum score of 6.0 in each component of the IELTS Academic test (or an equivalent score in PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge C1 Advanced or OET) must have been achieved within three years of the application date.

A registered migration agent helps 485 applicants in several practical ways. Stream selection is not always straightforward — the Graduate Work stream requires a skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority, and the nominated occupation must align tightly with your qualification. Timing management is critical given the strict six-month application window. Agents also advise on how best to use the 485 period: accruing points for a subclass 189 or 190 skilled independent visa, building the work history needed for an employer-sponsored subclass 186, or pursuing a regional pathway through a subclass 491. The right strategy depends on your occupation, the state or territory you intend to live in, and your long-term goals.

Reviewed by MIGI editorial team