What is a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) in Australia?
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) is an increasingly popular option for international students who have just completed their studies at an Australian educational institution. According to the latest figures from the Australian Department of Home Affairs, 83,019 temporary graduate visas have been lodged in Australia as of 31st March 2025. This visa enables eligible students to live, study, and work in Australia temporarily after finishing their education. It plays a vital role in Australia’s skilled migration strategy, helping to fill skill gaps in various sectors such as healthcare, IT, engineering, and education. With recent policy updates and extensions, the Temporary Graduate Visa remains an interesting option for those looking to secure permanent residency in Australia. This article will explain the different types of temporary graduate visas, eligibility, and provide more details.
This Story also Contains
- What is a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)?
- What are the New Rules about the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) in Australia?
- Types of Temporary Graduate Visa Australia
- Temporary Graduate Visa Basic Eligibility
- Post-Vocational Education Work Stream
- Post-Higher Education Work Stream
- Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream
- Conclusion
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What is a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)?
The Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) is a visa that enables international students to live, work, and study in Australia after completing their education in Australia. This will allow international students to gain some valuable work experience. In addition, it is a great opportunity to access other visas, like the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) or the Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190). Students aiming to receive permanent residency in Australia also opt for the temporary graduate visa.
What are the New Rules about the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) in Australia?
The Australian Government has announced a few updates to the Temporary Graduate visa. These changes came into effect from 1 July 2024.
The Graduate Work visa has now been renamed as the Post-Vocational Education Work visa.
The Post-Study Work visa is now called the Post-Higher Education Work visa.
The Second Post-Higher Education Work visa is the new name for the Second Post-Study Work visa.
The maximum eligible age for applicants of the Temporary Graduate visa is now 35 years or younger at the time of application.
The duration for the temporary Graduate Visa Australia for Indian nationals, as outlined in the Australia India – Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA), has been updated as follows:
Bachelor degree (including honours): up to 2 years
Bachelor degree (with first class honours in STEM, including ICT): up to 3 years
Masters (coursework, extended, and research): up to 3 years
Doctoral degrees (PhD): up to 4 years
The Graduate Certificates are no longer required for the Temporary Graduate visa.
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Types of Temporary Graduate Visa Australia
There are 3 main types of visas under the Temporary Graduate Visa. The type of visa required for your profile is based on your academic qualifications. The 3 main types of visas are:
Post-Vocational Education Work stream (previously called Graduate Work stream)
Post-Higher Education Work stream (previously called Post-Study Work stream)
Second Post-Higher Education Work stream (previously called Second Post-Study Work stream)
Temporary Graduate Visa Basic Eligibility
To be eligible for the temporary graduate visa in Australia, make sure to check the eligibility. There are a few basic eligibility criteria, irrespective of the type of temporary graduate visa you choose.
The age requirement is 35 years or under when you apply
Applicants should have an eligible visa
Applicant must have had an Australia Student visa in the last 6 months
Students should have a CRICOS-registered course qualification
Provide the required evidence while applying
Post-Vocational Education Work Stream
The Post-Vocational Education Work visa under the Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) is designed for international students who have recently completed qualifications that are in demand in specific occupations in Australia. This visa allows you to live, study, and work in Australia for a limited time.
Features of the Post-Vocational Education Work Stream:
Applicants can work in Australia
You need to have a qualification that matches your chosen occupation on the skilled occupation list provided by the Australian government
Applicants can bring their family along
This stream is specifically for applicants who have an associate degree, diploma, or trade qualification only.
The duration of the Post-Vocational Education Work Stream is up to 18 months, and the cost of this type of visa is AUD 2,235.
Post-Higher Education Work Stream
The Post-Higher Education Work visa under the Temporary Graduate visa is designed for international students who have just graduated from an Australian university. Applicants can live, work, and study in Australia for a limited time.
Features of the Post-Higher Education Work visa:
You can work in Australia
Applicants need to have a recent degree from a CRICOS-registered course
This stream is specifically for applicants who meet the Temporary Graduate visa study requirement with a qualification at degree level or higher.
You can bring your family along
The duration of the Post-Higher Education Work Stream is between 2-3 years, and the cost of this type of visa is AUD 2,235.
Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream
The Second Post-Higher Education Work visa is designed for Temporary Graduates who hold a Post-Higher Education Work, Post-Study Work, or Replacement visa and have earned a degree from an Australian institution in a regional area. It allows you to live, work, and study in Australia for a limited time.
Features of the Second Post-Higher Education Work visa:
You can work in Australia
You can bring your family along
The duration of the Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream is between 1-2 years. The duration of the visa is decided based on the regional location of the educational institution from where the applicant has graduated from that led to the grant of the first Temporary Graduate visa. The other factor is the regional area that the applicant has lived in as the holder of your Temporary Graduate visa. The cost of the Second Post-Higher Education Work visa is AUD 880.
Conclusion
To conclude, the type of temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) Australia depends on the academic qualification of the international students. Make sure to select the correct visa type to live or work in Australia. The temporary graduate visa is a pathway to permanent residency and great career opportunities in Australia. Note that on the Temporary Graduate Visa, applicants must find their own employment. In addition, this visa is granted with multiple entries, however, the duration will not be extended.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I bring my parents on a 485 visa?
A:
No, the 485 visa, which is also called the Temporary Graduate visa, does not permit applicants to bring their parents to Australia. With the 485 visa, you can include your spouse and dependent children who are under 18. If you want to bring your parents, candidates need to apply for a different type of visa, like a Parent visa or a Visitor visa.
Q: How much is a temporary graduate visa Australia?
A:
The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) in Australia comes with a fee of AUD 2,235. If you are bringing family members along, they will need to pay their fees too. For those over 18, the cost is AUD 1,115, while for those under 18, it’s AUD 560.
Q: How much PTE score is required for a 485 visa?
A:
For a Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485), the required PTE score is 58, with a minimum of 42 in each PTE section (Speaking, Writing, Reading, Listening).
Q: Which IELTS is required for a 485 visa?
A:
If you plan to apply for the 485 visa, you can either give the IELTS Academic or the IELTS General Training. However, note that you need to have an overall IELTS score of at least 6.0. The minimum IELTS score requirement in each section of the exam is of 5.0.
Q: Can you apply for PR after 485 visa?
A:
Yes, you can apply for PR after you attain a 485 visa in Australia, also known as the Temporary Graduate Visa. This type of visa is a great pathway to PR in Australia for international students.
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SP Jain’s BBA has a reputation for global exposure because students rotate between campuses located in Dubai, Singapore, and Sydney. The campuses are high-quality, and the peer group is diverse -- bringing together students from numerous countries which helps develop a vibrant and competitive crowd. The study abroad experience is generally smooth - Dubai has a cosmopolitan and safe feel, Singapore is similarly safe and very organized, with strict rule and expectations but good for students, while Australia has a more relaxed but multicultural feel. Overall, the program provides a good balance of educational, international exposure, and cultural learning.
Hello ,
As per current trend , The processing time is of 30-56 days that is 1 to 8 weeks , it is faster if your university is under 80% international cap , priority 1 , slower if over 80%
TIPS TO HELP FOR QUICKER PROCESSING
1. Submit a complete and accurate application
2.Apply online via ImmiAccount
3.Lodge your application well in advance
4.Monitor your ImmiAccount regularly
hope this helps
Lodge your application well in advance
Hello,
If you have completed your MD from the Philippines and wish to practice or further study in Australia, you will need to follow the Australian Medical Council (AMC) process. First, verify your degree with ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates) through EPIC verification. Then, choose the AMC pathway — typically the Standard Pathway (for non-specialists) which involves the AMC MCQ Exam and AMC Clinical Exam, or the Competent Authority Pathway if you qualify. If your aim is postgraduate training, you should also explore specialist medical colleges in Australia for recognition of prior training. Additionally, you will need to meet English proficiency requirements through IELTS or OET. Visa requirements will vary depending on whether you apply for work, training, or further studies. It’s a detailed process, so starting early and following official AMC guidelines is key.
Thank you for your question!
Hello!
So if you are interested India currently and wants to work as a doctor in Australia in future then:
1. Complete MBBS in India from a recognized medical college.
2. Pass the Australian Medical Council exams
First exam is MCQ based and second one is Clinical exam which assesses your practical skills.
3. English Proficiency Test for that you have to clear IELTS.
4. Apply for registration with Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.
5. Apply for internship or position according to your qualification.
6. Apply for Visa and move to Australia once selected.
Yes, you can get admission in some Australian universities with 59% in 12th grade.Many university offer diploma or foundation courses first. IELTS or PTE is also needed. Choose the right course and apply early. Each university has different rules and regulations,so check before applying.
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