The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) allows eligible international students who have recently completed their studies in Australia to temporarily live, work and study in Australia after graduation.
The 485 visa can provide graduates with valuable time to gain Australian work experience and consider their future study, employment or migration options.
There are different 485 visa streams depending on the qualification completed and the applicant's circumstances. Eligibility requirements, visa duration and other conditions can vary between streams.
Eligibility depends on the stream you apply under. Generally, applicants must:
Certain applicants may be eligible to apply when under 50, including eligible Masters by Research or Doctoral Degree graduates and holders of Hong Kong or British National Overseas passports.
For current eligibility requirements, always refer to the Department of Home Affairs – Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485).
The Temporary Graduate visa currently includes different streams based on your qualification and circumstances.
The Post-Vocational Education Work stream is designed for eligible international students who have recently graduated with an associate degree, diploma or trade qualification relevant to an occupation Australia needs.
Applicants must satisfy the requirements applicable to this stream, which can include occupation and skills assessment requirements.
The Post-Higher Education Work stream is for eligible international students who have recently graduated with a degree from an Australian institution.
The visa generally allows eligible graduates to stay in Australia for 2 to 3 years, depending on their qualification. Different arrangements can apply to some passport holders.
Some Temporary Graduate visa holders who studied and live in an eligible designated regional area may qualify for the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream.
This can provide an additional stay of 1 to 2 years, depending on the applicable regional circumstances.
Temporary Graduate visa holders can work in Australia. You should always check your individual visa conditions through VEVO or your visa grant letter.
The length of a Temporary Graduate visa depends on the stream, qualification and individual circumstances.
For example, the Post-Higher Education Work stream generally provides 2 to 3 years, depending on the qualification, while eligible Second Post-Higher Education Work stream applicants may receive an additional 1 to 2 years based on regional circumstances.
Because 485 visa rules can change, applicants should check the current Home Affairs requirements before applying.
Health insurance is an important requirement for Temporary Graduate visa holders.
Visa condition 8501 requires the visa holder to maintain adequate arrangements for health insurance while in Australia, and Subclass 485 is included among visas subject to this condition.
Many international graduates therefore move from the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) they held as Student visa holders to suitable health insurance for their Temporary Graduate visa.
You can compare 485 visa health insurance options and choose appropriate cover based on your circumstances, benefits and budget.
International students generally hold OSHC while studying in Australia. When moving from a Student visa to a Temporary Graduate visa, your health insurance needs may change.
Before applying for your 485 visa, check that you have appropriate health insurance arrangements for yourself and any family members included in the application.
Learn more about Visa Condition 8501 and health insurance requirements for Temporary Graduate visa holders.
Home Affairs states that evidence of adequate health insurance is required for relevant Temporary Graduate visa applications.
Temporary Graduate visa application charges and processing times can change.
Home Affairs states that Temporary Graduate visa charges increased from 1 March 2026 and provides its Visa Pricing Estimator for current costs. Processing times also vary depending on the stream and individual application.
Rather than putting a fixed visa fee on this evergreen page, I recommend linking to your dedicated 485 visa fee article.
For current government information, applicants can also check the official Home Affairs 485 visa page.
The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) is a temporary Australian visa for eligible international students who have recently completed their studies in Australia. It can allow graduates to live, work and study in Australia temporarily.
Yes. Temporary Graduate visa holders can work in Australia. Always check the conditions attached to your individual visa through VEVO or your visa grant letter.
Eligible members of your family unit can be included, and family members may also be able to apply as subsequent entrants in relevant circumstances.
Subclass 485 is listed among visas subject to Condition 8501, which requires adequate arrangements for health insurance while the visa holder is in Australia.
The period depends on the stream and your circumstances. For example, the Post-Higher Education Work stream generally provides between 2 and 3 years depending on qualification, while the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream can provide an additional 1 or 2 years for eligible regional graduates.
If you are applying for a Temporary Graduate visa, you can compare health insurance options suitable for 485 visa holders.
Compare policy prices, hospital and medical benefits and other important features before choosing cover appropriate to your circumstances. If price is an important consideration, you can also explore our cheapest 485 visa health insurance options.