Subclass 485 Visa Requirements: What You Need to Apply After Graduating in Australia

Graduating from an Australian educational institution is a significant milestone, but for many international students, it’s only the beginning of their journey. If you want to stay in Australia after completing your studies to gain valuable work experience, the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) may be the ideal option.

The Subclass 485 Visa allows eligible international graduates to live, work, and study in Australia temporarily after finishing their qualifications. It provides an excellent opportunity to gain Australian work experience, improve your career prospects, and potentially prepare for future skilled migration pathways.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain the eligibility criteria, application process, required documents, and important things you need to know before applying for a Subclass 485 Visa.

What Is the Subclass 485 Visa?

The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) is designed for international students who have recently graduated from an Australian educational institution.

This visa allows eligible graduates to:

• Live in Australia temporarily
• Work full-time
• Study further if desired
• Travel freely in and out of Australia during the visa period
• Gain valuable Australian work experience

Many graduates use this visa to strengthen their resumes, improve their skills, and explore long-term migration opportunities.

Streams Under the Subclass 485 Visa

The Subclass 485 Visa has different streams depending on your qualification and circumstances. The available streams and eligibility requirements may change over time, so it’s important to check the latest government requirements before applying.

Each stream has its own eligibility criteria, visa duration, and conditions.

Who Can Apply?

Generally, applicants must:

• Be under the eligible age limit specified by the Department of Home Affairs.
• Hold an eligible student visa or have held one recently.
• Have completed an eligible Australian qualification.
• Meet the Australian study requirement.
• Lodge the application within the required timeframe after completing studies.
• Meet English language requirements.
• Hold adequate health insurance.
• Meet health and character requirements.

Meeting every requirement is essential for a successful application.

Meet the Australian Study Requirement

One of the most important eligibility criteria is completing the Australian study requirement.

Generally, this means:

• Completing one or more CRICOS-registered courses.
• Successfully completing at least two academic years of study.
• Studying in English.
• Completing the qualification while physically present in Australia where required.

Eligible qualifications may include:

• Bachelor’s Degrees
• Master’s Degrees
• Doctoral Degrees
• Diplomas
• Trade qualifications
• Other approved vocational qualifications

Your education provider can confirm whether your course satisfies the study requirement.

Apply Within the Required Time

Timing is critical.

Most graduates must apply for the Subclass 485 Visa within the required period after completing their studies and while holding an eligible visa.

Waiting too long may result in losing eligibility.

It is recommended to begin preparing your documents well before your course officially finishes.

English Language Requirement

Applicants usually need to demonstrate competent English.

Accepted English language tests may include:

• IELTS
• PTE Academic
• TOEFL iBT
• Cambridge English
• Occupational English Test (where applicable)

Minimum scores and test validity periods are determined by the Department of Home Affairs.

If you already meet an exemption, you may not need to provide a test result.

Health Insurance Requirement

Applicants generally need to maintain adequate health insurance.

After your Student Visa ends, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) may no longer satisfy visa requirements.

Many graduates arrange Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) before lodging their application.

Having continuous health insurance helps ensure compliance with visa conditions.

Health Requirements

Most applicants must complete health examinations.

These may include:

• Medical examination
• Chest X-ray
• Other tests depending on your circumstances

The Department of Home Affairs will advise whether health examinations are required after you submit your application.

Character Requirements

Applicants must satisfy Australia’s character requirements.

This may involve providing:

• Australian Federal Police (AFP) National Police Check
• Overseas police certificates (where required)

Failing to disclose relevant information may affect your visa outcome.

Documents You’ll Need

Although requirements vary, common documents include:

1. Identity Documents

• Passport
• Birth certificate (if required)
• Passport-sized photographs

2. Education Documents

• Completion letter
• Academic transcripts
• Degree or qualification certificate

3. English Test Results

Where applicable, include your approved English language test results.

4. Health Insurance Evidence

Provide proof of adequate health insurance.

5. Police Clearance

Australian Federal Police certificate and any required overseas police clearances.

6. Relationship Documents

If including family members, you may also need:

• Marriage certificate
• Birth certificates for children
• Evidence of your relationship

Submitting complete documentation reduces delays.

Can Family Members Be Included?

In many cases, eligible family members can be included in your application.

This may include:

• Spouse or de facto partner
• Dependent children

Each family member must satisfy applicable health and character requirements.

Can You Work on a 485 Visa?

Yes.

One of the major advantages of the Temporary Graduate Visa is that eligible holders generally have unrestricted work rights during the visa period.

This allows graduates to:

• Gain Australian work experience
• Build professional networks
• Improve future employment opportunities
• Earn income while living in Australia

Many graduates secure professional positions related to their field of study.

Why Australian Work Experience Matters

Australian employers often value local experience.

Working after graduation allows you to:

• Develop practical industry skills
• Improve communication abilities
• Build professional references
• Learn Australian workplace culture
• Increase future employment opportunities

For some migration pathways, relevant skilled work experience may also strengthen future applications, depending on the applicable visa criteria.

Common Reasons Applications Are Delayed

Many applicants experience delays because of incomplete applications.

Common mistakes include:

• Missing documents
• Incorrect English test results
• Expired police certificates
• Insufficient health insurance
• Applying after the deadline
• Incorrect personal information
• Failing to meet study requirements

Carefully reviewing your application before submission can help avoid unnecessary delays.

Tips for a Successful Application

Improve your chances of a smooth application by following these tips:

• Start preparing documents before graduation.
• Keep your passport valid.
• Book English tests early if required.
• Arrange health insurance before lodging.
• Apply within the required timeframe.
• Double-check all uploaded documents.
• Keep copies of every document submitted.
• Respond promptly to any requests from the Department of Home Affairs.

Good preparation can save time and reduce stress.

Does a 485 Visa Lead to Permanent Residency?

A common misconception is that the Subclass 485 Visa automatically leads to permanent residency.

In reality, the 485 Visa is a temporary visa and does not guarantee permanent residency.

However, it can provide valuable opportunities to:

• Gain Australian work experience
• Improve English language skills
• Complete a skills assessment (where applicable)
• Increase competitiveness for eligible skilled migration pathways
• Explore employer-sponsored visa options

Future eligibility for permanent residency depends on your individual circumstances, occupation, skills, work experience, age, English proficiency, and the migration laws in place at the time you apply.

Should You Seek Professional Migration Advice?

Australia’s migration system changes regularly, and visa eligibility requirements can be complex.

A registered migration agent can help you:

• Assess your eligibility.
• Explain current visa requirements.
• Review your supporting documents.
• Identify suitable migration pathways.
• Avoid costly application mistakes.

Professional advice can be particularly valuable if your circumstances are unique or if you are planning a long-term migration strategy.

Final Thoughts

The Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa offers international graduates an excellent opportunity to remain in Australia after completing their studies. It allows eligible graduates to gain valuable work experience, build professional skills, and explore future migration opportunities while living and working in Australia.

To maximise your chances of a successful application, ensure you meet the eligibility requirements, prepare your documents carefully, maintain appropriate health insurance, and submit your application within the required timeframe.

Because Australian immigration policies can change, always refer to the latest Department of Home Affairs guidelines or consult a registered migration professional before applying. With the right preparation and expert guidance, the Subclass 485 Visa can be an important stepping stone towards achieving your career and migration goals in Australia.