About 485 Visa (Temporary Graduate Visa)
The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) allows international students who recently graduated from an Australian CRICOS-registered institution to live, work, and study in Australia temporarily. The visa is designed to help graduates gain professional work experience and integrate into the Australian workforce.
-
Duration: 1.5 to 3 years depending on the stream — Post-Vocational Education Work Stream or Post-Higher Education Work Stream.
-
Eligibility: Applicants must generally be under 35 years old. Master’s (research), Doctorate graduates, or holders of a Hong Kong/British National Overseas Passport may apply under special conditions up to age 50.
-
Visa Streams: Vocational Education or Higher Education Work Stream.
Why Apply for a 485 Visa?
-
Work Opportunities: Gain professional experience in your field of study.
-
Stay in Australia: Continue living in Australia while exploring longer-term visa options.
-
Travel: Freely travel in and out of Australia during the visa period.
-
Pathway to Permanent Residency: Work experience can support future skilled visas such as 189, 190, 491, and eventually PR (subclass 191).
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for a 485 visa, applicants must:
-
Hold a student visa (subclass 500) or an eligible bridging visa.
-
Have recently completed a Trade/Diploma, Bachelor, Masters, or Doctorate from an Australian CRICOS-registered provider.
-
Meet English proficiency requirements (IELTS overall 6.5, minimum 6 per band unless exempt).
-
Be under 35 years old at the time of application (special cases apply).
-
Maintain adequate health insurance for the visa duration (condition 8501).
Streams of the 485 Visa
-
Post-Vocational Education Work Stream:
-
For international students with qualifications on the Skilled Occupation List.
-
Skills assessment required.
-
Duration: 18 months to 2 years.
-
Post-Higher Education Work Stream:
-
For graduates who completed higher education degrees in Australia.
-
Duration:
-
Bachelor: 2 years
-
Masters by Coursework: 3 years
-
Masters by Research: 3 years
-
Doctorate: 4 years
Application Requirements
-
Apply within 6 months of course completion.
-
Must be in Australia at the time of lodgement.
-
Submit academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency, passport, and health insurance evidence.
Health Insurance Requirement (Condition 8501) can be compared at Compare 485 Visa Health Insurance
All 485 visa holders must maintain adequate health insurance while in Australia. Policies must cover medical treatments and emergencies. Failure to maintain adequate insurance may result in visa refusal or cancellation.
Processing Times & Fees
-
Processing: Check global visa processing times here.
-
Visa Fee: AUD $4,600 (for primary applicant; current as per DHA, subject to change). Card payments may incur a 1.4% surcharge.
-
Additional Costs: Skills assessment, English tests, police checks (if required).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I work full-time on a 485 visa?
A: Yes, there are no restrictions; full-time work is allowed.
Q2: Can I bring family?
A: Yes, family members can be included in the application.
Q3: Can I study on a 485 visa?
A: Yes, you may continue studying while holding the visa.
Official Source: Department of Home Affairs – 485 Visa
Why Choose www.485visainsurance.com.au for 485 Visa Insurance?
-
Meet Your Visa Requirements: Compare only OVHC policies that satisfy 8501 visa condition.
-
Get Insurance Certificate Instantly: Receive certificates immediately after payment.
-
Multi-lingual Support: Assistance available in English, Hindi, Punjabi, and more.