student visa 500 to 485 visa
Key Considerations for Students Moving from a Student Visa 500 to a Temporary Graduate Visa 485
Many international students in Australia start considering their next visa options as they approach the completion of their studies. For eligible graduates, one option may be the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), which can provide an opportunity to remain in Australia temporarily after completing their studies.
Moving from a Student visa (subclass 500) to a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) is an important decision. Before applying, students should consider their eligibility, future study plans, employment goals and longer-term visa options.
This guide explains some of the key factors students may wish to consider before moving from a Student visa 500 to a Temporary Graduate visa 485.
Why Do Students Consider the Temporary Graduate Visa 485?
The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) can allow eligible international graduates to remain in Australia temporarily after completing their studies. Depending on the applicable stream and visa conditions, it may provide graduates with an opportunity to gain work experience and consider their next steps after study.
Before applying, however, students should consider more than just work opportunities. Future study plans, eligibility for other visas, skills assessment requirements and current Australian immigration rules may all affect which pathway is appropriate.
Potential Benefits of Moving to a 485 Visa
Opportunity to Work in Australia
A Temporary Graduate visa 485 can provide eligible graduates with the opportunity to work in Australia after completing their studies, subject to the conditions attached to their visa. This can be particularly valuable for graduates who want to gain Australian workplace experience relevant to their qualifications or occupation.
Time to Build Experience and Consider Skilled Migration Options
For some graduates, time spent on a 485 visa may provide an opportunity to gain relevant Australian work experience, improve English language results or work towards a skills assessment where required.
However, eligibility for skilled visas such as subclasses 189, 190 or 491 depends on the requirements in force at the time, including factors such as occupation, skills assessment, points and nomination requirements. Holding a 485 visa does not itself guarantee eligibility for a skilled visa.
Time to Prepare for Your Next Visa Pathway
The period on a Temporary Graduate visa may give graduates time to consider their longer-term options. Depending on their circumstances, this could include gaining relevant work experience, improving English language results, completing a skills assessment or exploring state or territory nomination opportunities.
Migration pathways and eligibility requirements can change, so graduates should check the requirements that apply to their circumstances before making future visa plans.
Including Eligible Family Members
Eligible family members may be included in a Temporary Graduate visa application in certain circumstances. Family members should check the conditions attached to their own visas, including any work or study conditions that apply to them
Important Considerations Before Applying for a 485 Visa
Future Onshore Student Visa Options May Be Restricted
Students should carefully consider any plans for further study before moving to a Temporary Graduate visa. Australia's onshore Student visa application rules restrict certain temporary visa holders from applying for a Student visa while they are in Australia. Whether you can lodge another Student visa application onshore depends on the visa you hold and the rules in force at the time.
If further study is part of your future plan, check the current Student visa application requirements before deciding on your next visa.
Plan for What Happens After Your 485 Visa
A Temporary Graduate visa is a temporary visa, so it is important to consider what you may do when your period of stay ends. Your next option will depend on your circumstances and the visa pathways available to you at that time.
Before applying for a 485 visa, consider how you intend to use your time in Australia and whether your employment, further study or migration plans are realistic within the period available to you.
Consider Whether You Are Ready for the Next Stage
Completing an Australian qualification does not necessarily mean every graduate has the same employment opportunities or career readiness. Some graduates may benefit from additional training, workplace experience or professional development before pursuing their longer-term career or migration goals.
Before choosing your next visa pathway, consider your qualifications, occupation, employment prospects and whether additional training may be useful for your circumstances.
Could a Training Visa (Subclass 407) Be Another Option?
Depending on their circumstances, some graduates may consider whether a Training visa (subclass 407) is relevant to their plans. The 407 visa is designed for eligible applicants undertaking occupational training or professional development activities in Australia.
Following changes introduced in 2026, an applicant generally cannot make a valid Subclass 407 visa application until the required sponsorship and nomination arrangements have been approved. The applicant must have an approved Temporary Activities Sponsor and, where the sponsor is not a Commonwealth agency, a current approved nomination for the occupational training program.
This means students considering a 407 visa should not assume that an employer's willingness to sponsor or lodge a nomination is enough to proceed immediately with the visa application. The required approvals need to be in place first.
The 407 visa serves a different purpose from the Temporary Graduate visa 485 and should not be viewed simply as an alternative way to remain in Australia after completing studies.
Is Moving from a Student Visa 500 to a 485 Visa Right for You?
Whether you should apply for a Temporary Graduate visa 485 after completing your studies depends on your individual circumstances. Before making a decision, consider your eligibility for the 485 visa, the period of stay available to you, your employment plans, whether you intend to undertake further study and your longer-term goals in Australia.
A 485 visa may provide valuable time after graduation, but it should not be treated as an automatic pathway to another temporary or permanent visa. Your future options will depend on the eligibility requirements that apply at the relevant time.
If you are considering a 485 visa, it is also important to understand the health insurance requirements that may apply when moving from student health cover to health cover suitable for your post-study visa.
Before Deciding on Your Next Visa
Australian immigration requirements can change, and the most appropriate pathway will depend on your individual circumstances. Before deciding whether to move from a Student visa 500 to a Temporary Graduate visa 485, check the current eligibility requirements and consider how the visa fits with your employment, further study and longer-term plans.
If you are unsure how the current visa rules apply to your circumstances, consider obtaining professional migration advice before making a visa application.
Health Insurance When Moving from a Student Visa 500 to a 485 Visa
Students generally hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) while studying in Australia on a Student visa 500. When moving to a Temporary Graduate visa 485, your health insurance needs may change, so it is important to arrange appropriate health cover for your new visa circumstances.
Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) is commonly used by Temporary Graduate visa holders. Policies can differ in premiums, hospital and medical benefits, excess, waiting periods and other conditions, so it is worth comparing 485 visa health insurance options before choosing cover.
When transitioning from OSHC to health cover for your 485 visa, plan the timing carefully to avoid an unintended gap in health insurance. You can also read our guide on moving from OSHC to OVHC for a 485 visa for more information about changing your health cover after completing your studies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Move from a Student Visa 500 to a Temporary Graduate Visa 485?
Eligible graduates may be able to apply for a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) after completing their studies in Australia. Eligibility depends on the applicable 485 stream and the requirements in force when you apply.
Do I Need Different Health Insurance When Moving from a 500 to a 485 Visa?
Your health insurance needs can change when moving from a Student visa 500 to a Temporary Graduate visa 485. Student visa holders generally use OSHC, while OVHC is commonly used by 485 visa holders. Check the health insurance requirements that apply to your circumstances and arrange appropriate cover when transitioning between visas.
Can I Apply for Another Student Visa After Holding a 485 Visa?
Australia's rules restrict certain temporary visa holders from making a Student visa application while in Australia. Whether you can apply onshore depends on the visa you hold and the rules applying at the time. If further study is part of your plans, check the current requirements before choosing your next visa pathway.
Key Considerations for Students Moving from a Student Visa 500 to a Temporary Graduate Visa 485
Many international students in Australia start considering their next visa options as they approach the completion of their studies. For eligible graduates, one option may be the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), which can provide an opportunity to remain in Australia temporarily after completing their studies.
Moving from a Student visa (subclass 500) to a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) is an important decision. Before applying, students should consider their eligibility, future study plans, employment goals and longer-term visa options.
This guide explains some of the key factors students may wish to consider before moving from a Student visa 500 to a Temporary Graduate visa 485.
Why Do Students Consider the Temporary Graduate Visa 485?
The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) can allow eligible international graduates to remain in Australia temporarily after completing their studies. Depending on the applicable stream and visa conditions, it may provide graduates with an opportunity to gain work experience and consider their next steps after study.
Before applying, however, students should consider more than just work opportunities. Future study plans, eligibility for other visas, skills assessment requirements and current Australian immigration rules may all affect which pathway is appropriate.
Potential Benefits of Moving to a 485 Visa
Opportunity to Work in Australia
A Temporary Graduate visa 485 can provide eligible graduates with the opportunity to work in Australia after completing their studies, subject to the conditions attached to their visa. This can be particularly valuable for graduates who want to gain Australian workplace experience relevant to their qualifications or occupation.
Time to Build Experience and Consider Skilled Migration Options
For some graduates, time spent on a 485 visa may provide an opportunity to gain relevant Australian work experience, improve English language results or work towards a skills assessment where required.
However, eligibility for skilled visas such as subclasses 189, 190 or 491 depends on the requirements in force at the time, including factors such as occupation, skills assessment, points and nomination requirements. Holding a 485 visa does not itself guarantee eligibility for a skilled visa.
Time to Prepare for Your Next Visa Pathway
The period on a Temporary Graduate visa may give graduates time to consider their longer-term options. Depending on their circumstances, this could include gaining relevant work experience, improving English language results, completing a skills assessment or exploring state or territory nomination opportunities.
Migration pathways and eligibility requirements can change, so graduates should check the requirements that apply to their circumstances before making future visa plans.
Including Eligible Family Members
Eligible family members may be included in a Temporary Graduate visa application in certain circumstances. Family members should check the conditions attached to their own visas, including any work or study conditions that apply to them
Important Considerations Before Applying for a 485 Visa
Future Onshore Student Visa Options May Be Restricted
Students should carefully consider any plans for further study before moving to a Temporary Graduate visa. Australia's onshore Student visa application rules restrict certain temporary visa holders from applying for a Student visa while they are in Australia. Whether you can lodge another Student visa application onshore depends on the visa you hold and the rules in force at the time.
If further study is part of your future plan, check the current Student visa application requirements before deciding on your next visa.
Plan for What Happens After Your 485 Visa
A Temporary Graduate visa is a temporary visa, so it is important to consider what you may do when your period of stay ends. Your next option will depend on your circumstances and the visa pathways available to you at that time.
Before applying for a 485 visa, consider how you intend to use your time in Australia and whether your employment, further study or migration plans are realistic within the period available to you.
Consider Whether You Are Ready for the Next Stage
Completing an Australian qualification does not necessarily mean every graduate has the same employment opportunities or career readiness. Some graduates may benefit from additional training, workplace experience or professional development before pursuing their longer-term career or migration goals.
Before choosing your next visa pathway, consider your qualifications, occupation, employment prospects and whether additional training may be useful for your circumstances.
Could a Training Visa (Subclass 407) Be Another Option?
Depending on their circumstances, some graduates may consider whether a Training visa (subclass 407) is relevant to their plans. The 407 visa is designed for eligible applicants undertaking occupational training or professional development activities in Australia.
Following changes introduced in 2026, an applicant generally cannot make a valid Subclass 407 visa application until the required sponsorship and nomination arrangements have been approved. The applicant must have an approved Temporary Activities Sponsor and, where the sponsor is not a Commonwealth agency, a current approved nomination for the occupational training program.
This means students considering a 407 visa should not assume that an employer's willingness to sponsor or lodge a nomination is enough to proceed immediately with the visa application. The required approvals need to be in place first.
The 407 visa serves a different purpose from the Temporary Graduate visa 485 and should not be viewed simply as an alternative way to remain in Australia after completing studies.
Is Moving from a Student Visa 500 to a 485 Visa Right for You?
Whether you should apply for a Temporary Graduate visa 485 after completing your studies depends on your individual circumstances. Before making a decision, consider your eligibility for the 485 visa, the period of stay available to you, your employment plans, whether you intend to undertake further study and your longer-term goals in Australia.
A 485 visa may provide valuable time after graduation, but it should not be treated as an automatic pathway to another temporary or permanent visa. Your future options will depend on the eligibility requirements that apply at the relevant time.
If you are considering a 485 visa, it is also important to understand the health insurance requirements that may apply when moving from student health cover to health cover suitable for your post-study visa.
Before Deciding on Your Next Visa
Australian immigration requirements can change, and the most appropriate pathway will depend on your individual circumstances. Before deciding whether to move from a Student visa 500 to a Temporary Graduate visa 485, check the current eligibility requirements and consider how the visa fits with your employment, further study and longer-term plans.
If you are unsure how the current visa rules apply to your circumstances, consider obtaining professional migration advice before making a visa application.
Health Insurance When Moving from a Student Visa 500 to a 485 Visa
Students generally hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) while studying in Australia on a Student visa 500. When moving to a Temporary Graduate visa 485, your health insurance needs may change, so it is important to arrange appropriate health cover for your new visa circumstances.
Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) is commonly used by Temporary Graduate visa holders. Policies can differ in premiums, hospital and medical benefits, excess, waiting periods and other conditions, so it is worth comparing 485 visa health insurance options before choosing cover.
When transitioning from OSHC to health cover for your 485 visa, plan the timing carefully to avoid an unintended gap in health insurance. You can also read our guide on moving from OSHC to OVHC for a 485 visa for more information about changing your health cover after completing your studies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Move from a Student Visa 500 to a Temporary Graduate Visa 485?
Eligible graduates may be able to apply for a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) after completing their studies in Australia. Eligibility depends on the applicable 485 stream and the requirements in force when you apply.
Do I Need Different Health Insurance When Moving from a 500 to a 485 Visa?
Your health insurance needs can change when moving from a Student visa 500 to a Temporary Graduate visa 485. Student visa holders generally use OSHC, while OVHC is commonly used by 485 visa holders. Check the health insurance requirements that apply to your circumstances and arrange appropriate cover when transitioning between visas.
Can I Apply for Another Student Visa After Holding a 485 Visa?
Australia's rules restrict certain temporary visa holders from making a Student visa application while in Australia. Whether you can apply onshore depends on the visa you hold and the rules applying at the time. If further study is part of your plans, check the current requirements before choosing your next visa pathway.