Expiring Subclass 485 Visa? Steps to Stay in Australia Legally

For many international students in Australia, the Subclass 485 visa, officially the Temporary Graduate Visa, marks a transition period: it lets you live, work and gain real job experience after completing your studies. But this visa is temporary, and when it expires, you must plan ahead to stay in Australia lawfully. Waiting until the last minute isn’t enough, missing deadlines or making the wrong application can leave you without a valid visa and at risk of having to leave the country.

This blog walks you through what the Subclass 485 is, when it expires, and the realistic pathways to remain living and working in Australia legally and strategically.

1. What is the Subclass 485 Visa?

The Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) Visa is a temporary visa for eligible international students who have recently graduated from an Australian education provider. It lets you live, work, and sometimes study in Australia for a defined period after course completion.

There are three main streams, although changes by the Australian Government have updated some names and conditions:

✔ Post-Higher Education Work Stream

For degree holders (Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD). Duration generally depends on qualification level.

✔ Post-Vocational Education Work Stream

For VET (vocational or trade) graduates with skills related to occupations on the skilled list.

✔ Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream

For those who previously held a 485 visa and studied/resided in a regional area.

❗ Note: The older Replacement Stream has closed to new applications as of July 2024.

2. When Does Your 485 Visa Expire?

Your 485 visa has a specific end date, this is written on your visa grant notice. Common durations (depending on your stream and qualification) are:

• Up to 18 months for Post-Vocational Education graduates.
• 2–4 years for Bachelor degree holders.
• Up to 3–5 years for Master’s and PhD graduates (varies with qualification and changes made by the Government).

Since most 485 visas are one-time grants, you cannot extend the same Subclass 485 visa, except in very limited circumstances such as the regional (second) stream.

This means that planning ahead, ideally 6-12 months before expiration is crucial.

3. Why You Must Act Before It Expires

Once your 485 visa expires, if you:

• Leave Australia without a valid visa, or
• Stay without applying for a substantive visa on time

…you may become unlawful and face consequences such as detention, deportation, future visa bans, and difficulties returning to Australia.

The safest rule: start exploring your options at least 6 months before your visa expiry.

4. Main Pathways to Stay in Australia Legally

Here are the most common visas and pathways you should consider as your Subclass 485 visa approaches expiry:

✔ A. Employer-Sponsored Visas

If you’ve gained relevant work experience and your employer is willing to sponsor you, these visas can let you stay and eventually transition to permanent residency:

• Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand / Temporary Skill Shortage)

Allows employers to sponsor you for up to 4 years (depends on occupation). You’ll need relevant work experience and skills. Many 482 holders then transition to the next visa below.

• Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme)

Permanent visa for workers nominated by their employer. If you already have work experience and meet criteria, this can lead directly to permanent residency.

• Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional)

Regional employer sponsored visa with provisional stay and pathway to permanent residency.

These sponsored visas require employer nomination, skills assessments, and sometimes labour market testing. Applying early helps ensure your current visa remains valid while the sponsor visa is processed.

✔ B. Skilled Migration Visas (Points-Based)

If you meet criteria such as age, English language, skills and experience, you can apply through Australia’s skilled migration system:

• Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent): No sponsorship required; invites you based on a points test.

• Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated): State or territory nomination gives extra priority and points.

• Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Provisional): Regional visa with pathway to permanent residency after three years.

These visas demand a positive skills assessment, 65+ points on the points test, and meeting occupation lists. Trying them while on your 485 gives time to accumulate work experience and points.

✔ C. Partner Visas

If you have an Australian partner (citizen, permanent resident, or eligible NZ citizen), you may be eligible for a partner visa:

• Subclass 820/801 – temporary leading to permanent residency as a spouse or de facto partner.

Applying before your 485 expires means you can remain in Australia lawfully while the partner visa application is processed.

✔ D. Student Visa (Subclass 500)

Student visa subclass 500 is an option if you wish to continue study, such as a further degree or qualification. You must enroll in a CRICOS-registered course.

⚠️ Note: There have been policy changes around student visa applications and eligibility, including restrictions on switching back to student visas onshore, so consult updated Home Affairs rules or a migration agent. Always apply before your current visa expires.

✔ E. Other Temporary Visas

There have been temporary or transitional visas like Subclass 408 (Temporary Activity) for certain cases in the past, such as Pandemic-related extensions; however these are no longer open for new applicants.

Always check Home Affairs for current eligibility, as these options can change.

5. Bridging Visas: Why They Matter

If you apply for another substantive visa before your 485 expires, you’ll usually be granted a Bridging Visa (type A or B):

• This lets you remain in Australia lawfully while the new visa is decided.
• Bridging Visas can give work rights, travel rights, or conditions similar to your last visa, depending on visa type.

Without a bridging visa, you risk becoming unlawful immediately after your 485 ends. It’s one reason why early application is vital.

6. Steps to Take (Timeline Guide)

Here is a suggested timeline to stay on top of your options:

📌 6–12 months before expiry

• Check your eligibility for employer-sponsored and skilled visas.
• Talk to employers about potential sponsorship.
• Get a skills assessment if needed.

📌 3–6 months before expiry

• Decide your preferred pathway (sponsored, skilled, partner, student).
• Prepare documentation: employment letters, skills assessments, English tests, police checks.

📌 Before your 485 expires

• Lodge your visa application onshore to trigger a bridging visa.
• Ensure all forms and supporting documents are complete.

📌 After lodging, while waiting

• Maintain lawful status via the bridging visa.
• Follow any conditions carefully (work hours, study, travel).

7. Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Leaving it until the last minute, waiting until your 485 expires puts you at risk of being unlawful.
❌ Applying for a visa for which you’re not eligible, consult a migration agent early.
❌ Ignoring work experience documentation, many pathways rely on employment history.
❌ Missing English test validity periods, most require recent results.

8. Getting Professional Advice

Australian immigration law is complex and changes frequently. While this guide provides an overview of options, a registered migration agent or qualified immigration lawyer can help tailor a pathway specific to your circumstances, especially if you’re transitioning from student life to work and permanent residency.

Final Thoughts

Letting your Subclass 485 visa expire without a plan doesn’t just disrupt your life in Australia, it jeopardises your legal status and future visa prospects. Fortunately, there are multiple pathways to stay legally, from employer-sponsored visas and skilled migration to partner and student visas. The key is planning early, understanding eligibility, and taking action before your current visa ends.

With the right approach and timing, your journey from graduate to gaining long-term residency in Australia is very achievable.