How to Apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa in Australia

Australia is one of the most popular destinations for international students. After completing their studies, many graduates want to stay in the country to gain work experience, build their careers, and explore long-term migration opportunities. The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) allows eligible international students to live, work, and study in Australia temporarily after finishing their studies.

This detailed step-by-step guide explains everything you need to know about applying for the Temporary Graduate Visa in Australia, including eligibility requirements, documents needed, application steps, costs, and tips to increase your chances of approval.

What is the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)?

The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) is a visa designed for international students who have recently graduated from an Australian institution. It allows them to stay in Australia temporarily to gain practical work experience.

The visa has two main streams:

1. Graduate Work Stream

This stream is for international students who have graduated with qualifications related to an occupation on Australia’s skilled occupation list.

Key features:

• Stay in Australia for up to 18 months
• Work full-time
• Gain skilled work experience
• Qualification must be related to an occupation on the skilled occupation list

2. Post-Study Work Stream

This stream is for students who completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degree in Australia.

Stay duration usually depends on your qualification:

• Bachelor’s degree – up to 2 years
• Master’s degree – up to 3 years
• PhD – up to 4 years

This stream does not require your occupation to be on the skilled occupation list.

Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for Temporary Graduate Visa

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before applying, make sure you meet the main eligibility requirements.

You must:

• Be under 50 years of age
• Hold a valid Student Visa
• Have completed a CRICOS-registered course
• Have studied in Australia for at least 2 academic years (92 weeks)
• Apply within 6 months after course completion
• Meet English language requirements
• Meet health and character requirements

Step 2: Complete Your Course

You must finish an eligible course from an Australian education provider. The institution will notify the government once your course completion is recorded.

You will receive:

• Completion letter
• Academic transcript

These documents are required for your visa application.

Step 3: Get a Skills Assessment (For Graduate Work Stream)

If you apply under the Graduate Work Stream, you must obtain a positive skills assessment for an occupation listed on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List.

Skills assessments are conducted by relevant assessing authorities such as:

• Engineers Australia
• Australian Computer Society
• Trades Recognition Australia
• CPA Australia

Make sure the occupation you choose matches your qualification.

Step 4: Take an English Language Test

Applicants must prove their English proficiency through an approved test.

Accepted tests include:

• IELTS
• PTE Academic
• TOEFL iBT
• Cambridge C1 Advanced

Typical requirement:

• IELTS overall score of 6.0 (with no band less than 5.0)

Make sure your test result is less than 3 years old when you apply.

Step 5: Apply for an Australian Federal Police (AFP) Check

You must provide a police clearance certificate to prove good character.

Apply online for an Australian Federal Police (AFP) National Police Check.

Processing time can take 1–3 weeks, so apply early.

Step 6: Arrange Overseas Health Insurance (OVHC)

Since your Student Visa health cover may expire, you must arrange Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) before submitting your visa application.

Several insurers provide this coverage, including:

• Bupa
• Medibank
• Allianz Care Australia
• NIB

Step 7: Create an ImmiAccount

Applications for the Temporary Graduate Visa must be submitted online through ImmiAccount.

Steps:

1. Visit the Australian immigration website.
2. Create an ImmiAccount.
3. Start a new visa application.
4. Select Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485).

Step 8: Prepare Required Documents

Before submitting your application, gather the following documents:

Identity Documents

• Passport bio page
• Passport-size photograph

Education Documents

• Completion letter
• Academic transcripts
• Qualification certificate

English Test Results

Character Documents

• AFP police check

Health Insurance

• OVHC policy

Additional Documents

• Skills assessment (if required)
• CV or resume

Ensure all documents are clear, certified, and translated into English if necessary.

Step 9: Submit the Visa Application

Log in to your ImmiAccount and upload all required documents.

Carefully check your application to avoid mistakes.

After submission, you will receive a Transaction Reference Number (TRN), which you can use to track your visa application.

Step 10: Pay the Visa Application Fee

The base visa application fee for the Temporary Graduate Visa is approximately AUD $1,895 (subject to change).

Additional charges may apply for:

• Dependents
• Health checks
• Police certificates
• English tests

Step 11: Complete Health Examination

Some applicants may be required to undergo a medical examination.

You will receive instructions through your ImmiAccount if this is necessary.

Medical tests must be conducted at approved panel clinics.

Step 12: Wait for Visa Processing

Visa processing times vary depending on the stream and application completeness.

Typical processing times:

• Graduate Work Stream: 4–8 months
• Post-Study Work Stream: 3–6 months

During this time, immigration may request additional documents.

Consult With a Registered Migration Agent

Applying for a visa can sometimes be complex, especially if you are unsure about eligibility, documentation, or the correct visa stream. Consulting with a registered migration agent can help ensure your application is prepared correctly and reduce the risk of delays or refusals.

A professional migration agent can help you:

• Determine the correct Temporary Graduate Visa stream
• Review your documents before submission
• Assist with skills assessments
• Guide you through the ImmiAccount application process
• Respond to requests from the Department of Home Affairs

While it is possible to apply on your own, many graduates choose to seek professional advice to ensure their visa application is accurate and complete.

Benefits of the Temporary Graduate Visa

The Temporary Graduate Visa provides several advantages:

Work Rights: You can work full-time for any employer in Australia.

Career Development: Gain valuable international work experience.

Pathway to Permanent Residency: Many graduates later apply for skilled migration visas.

Opportunity to Explore Australia: Live and work in one of the world’s most attractive countries.

Common Reasons for Visa Refusal

Some applications are refused due to avoidable mistakes.

Common reasons include:

• Incomplete documents
• Incorrect visa stream selection
• Expired English test results
• Invalid skills assessment
• Not meeting Australian study requirements

Always double-check your application before submitting.

Tips for a Successful Temporary Graduate Visa Application

Apply Early: Do not wait until the last moment. Apply within 6 months of course completion.

Prepare Documents in Advance: Start collecting documents before your Student Visa expires.

Choose the Correct Visa Stream: Make sure your qualification matches the stream requirements.

Maintain Valid Health Insurance: Your visa may be refused if you do not have proper coverage.

Final Thoughts

The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) is a great opportunity for international students who want to stay in Australia after graduation. It allows graduates to gain valuable work experience, build professional networks, and potentially transition to permanent residency.

By following the step-by-step process outlined in this guide, checking eligibility, preparing documents, completing English requirements, and submitting your application, you can make your visa application smooth and successful.

If you plan ahead and submit a complete application, the Temporary Graduate Visa can be your first step toward building a long-term future in Australia.