For international students finishing their Australian studies, the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) provides a critical bridge between education and employment. It enables graduates to remain in Australia, work full-time, study further and gain valuable experience — all while preparing for their next move, whether that’s a permanent visa or building a local network.
As the Australian migration system evolves, 2026 brings updated rules, costs and timelines that applicants must understand. This article breaks down everything you need to know about the 485 visa — the streams available, application costs, eligibility criteria, processing time-lines, and strategically how to use this visa as a stepping-stone to longer-term residency.
What is the 485 Visa and Why It Matters
The Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) visa allows recent graduates from Australian institutions to live, work and study in Australia temporarily after completing their qualification. According to the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) official page, the visa is aimed at helping international students gain workforce experience, enhance skills and contribute to the Australian community.
This visa matters because it provides unrestricted work rights, enabling graduates to work full-time without employer sponsorship. It also offers the flexibility to study further, travel in and out of Australia, and build experience that may count toward future visa pathways such as a skills-based visa or employer-sponsored immigration.
485 Visa Streams in 2026
There are three main streams under the 485 visa for 2026:
1. Post-Vocational Education Work Stream
- Also referred to in some sources as the “Graduate Work Stream,” this is designed for graduates with trade, diploma, certificate or vocational qualifications. According to the official DHA site, this stream is for international students who meet the study requirement with a qualification at diploma, advanced diploma or trade level.
- Stay duration: Up to 18 months for most applicants. For example, recent data shows the vocational stream commonly provides an 18-month grant.
- Key criteria: Must nominate an occupation on the Medium‑Long Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and provide a positive skills assessment.
- Best for: Diploma/trade graduates who want to gain work experience quickly and possibly upgrade later.
2. Post-Higher Education Work Stream
- Also called the “Post-Study Work Stream” in older terms, this stream is for graduates who completed a Bachelor degree or higher (Master’s, PhD) at an Australian institution. DHA describes this stream as available to graduates with higher education qualifications who satisfy the study requirement.
- Stay duration: Usually 2 years for Bachelor/Master (coursework); 3 years for Research Master’s or PhD.
- Key benefits: No skills assessment required, broad work rights, and better value for degree-holders.
- Best for: University graduates aiming for longer stay and potential permanent pathways.
3. Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream
This stream is for graduates who already held a 485 visa under the Post-Higher Education stream and have lived, studied and worked in a designated regional area in Australia. According to detailed guides, this stream allows additional stay of 1-2 years depending on regional qualification and residence.
Eligibility highlights:
First 485 visa under Post-Higher stream
Qualification completed at a regional campus
Two years of residence/work/study in that region
Why it matters: It offers extra stay time and strengthens migration options.
Costs & Fees for the 485 Visa in 2026
Costs have been updated, and budgeting properly is vital.
The base application charge for the 485 visa will rise from AUD $1,945 to AUD $2,235 starting 1 February 2025, as reported by media sources.
According to insiders, from July 2025 the cost is cited as “From AUD $2,300” for many applications.
Additional applicant charges apply for dependents.
Key takeaway: Plan for around AUD $2,300 for the main applicant plus extra for partners/dependents.
Other costs to consider:
Police checks (e.g., Australian Federal Police certificate)
Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) if required
English test fees (if applicable)
Migration agent fees, if assistance is sought
Eligibility & Key Timeline Steps
Eligibility Checklist
To satisfy the 485 visa, applicants must meet key criteria:
Be under the age limit at time of application (generally under 35, with exceptions for Hong Kong/BNO passport holders).
Hold a recent eligible qualification from a CRICOS-registered institution in Australia and complete the study requirement.
Apply while in Australia or within the required timeframe (usually within 6 months of course completion).
Meet English language, health and character requirements.
Timeline Highlights
Immediately after your final study result: Begin gathering documents such as transcripts, course completion letter, OVHC cover, passport and English test results.
Within 6 months of completing your course: Submit your 485 visa application to avoid any eligibility issues.
Processing times: Range widely; recent sources suggest many applications are processed within a few months, but times depend on stream and completeness.
Duration of stay after grant: See sections above for each stream’s stay length.
Tip: Start preparations 3-4 months ahead of your student visa expiry to ensure smooth transition.
Benefits, Work Rights & Pathways
- Full work rights: 485 visa holders can work full-time in Australia without needing employer-sponsorship. This makes it a powerful opportunity to gain real work experience.
- Study rights: While many apply to work, the visa also allows further study, including enrolling in short-courses or professional years.
- Travel: The visa typically allows multiple entries; travel in and out of Australia while the visa is valid is permitted.
- Migration pathways: One significant advantage is that time spent on a 485 visa can strengthen eligibility for permanent residency visas such as the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189), Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) or employer-sponsored options.
- Regional opportunities: Graduates who study/work in regional Australia may access better durations or extension through the Second Post-Higher stream, boosting long-term stay options.
Recent & Upcoming Changes (2025-26)
As the migration environment evolves, key changes to the 485 visa include:
Duration revisions: As of July 2024/25, Bachelor’s and Master’s (coursework) graduates are typically eligible for 2 years, while Research Masters/PhD up to 3 years. The vocational stream remains about 18 months.
Age limit tightened: Many recent sources indicate a general cap at 35 years old at lodgments for most applicants, although certain passport holders (HK/BNO) may be eligible up to 50 years.
Fees rising: As noted above, costs are increasing.
Focus on regional study/work: Additional stay through the Second Post–Higher stream incentivizes regional study and living.
Pro tip: Always check the latest information on the Department of Home Affairs website before applying because rules may change.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Many applicants encounter avoidable issues:
Applying after your student visa expires or missing the 6-month application window.
Choosing the wrong stream (for example, applying under Post-Vocational when eligible for Post-Higher, which affects stay length).
Failing to maintain valid insurance (OVHC) or leaving gaps in health cover.
Not verifying that their course is CRICOS-registered or completing the full study requirement.
Best practice: Create a checklist, double-verify your stream eligibility, and lodge well ahead of key deadlines.
Call to Action
Graduates ready to turn their study into opportunity should start planning now. Download a checklist, consult a registered migration agent, and ensure your documents are ready ahead of deadlines. Share this article with peers who are finishing study and ready for work. Subscribe for updates on visa rule changes and career-path shortcuts in Australia.
Conclusion
The Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) visa continues to be a powerful post-study tool for international graduates in Australia — offering full work rights, travel freedom and a crucial stepping-stone to long-term opportunities. While the streams and rules have recently been refined for 2026, with proper planning and timely application, the 485 visa remains an accessible and valuable option.
Graduates who understand the right stream, meet eligibility, budget for costs and position themselves strategically can leverage the 485 to gain real-world experience, build professional networks and move closer to permanent residence. Treat this visa not just as an end point, but as the launch pad for your next chapter Down Under.
Another-Must Read: Working Holiday Visa Australia 2026: Complete Step-by-Step (417 & 462)
