Who should apply for a Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)?
The Graduate visa (subclass 485) is a temporary visa for international students who have recently graduated from an Australian educational institution. This visa allows graduates to live, study and work in Australia temporarily after completing their studies. It is one of the most popular pathways for international students to gain Australian work experience and transition to permanent residency.
What are the eligibility requirements for the Graduate Visa?
To be eligible for the Graduate visa (subclass 485), you must meet the following requirements:
Applicant must be under 50 years of age at the time of application.
You must hold an eligible visa (such as a Student visa subclass 500) at the time of application.
You must have completed a CRICOS-registered course of at least 2 academic years (92 weeks) within the past 6 months.
You must meet the English language requirements (minimum IELTS 6.0 overall with no band less than 5.0, or equivalent).
You must meet health and character requirements.
You must have adequate health insurance for the duration of your stay in Australia.
Two streams of the Graduate Visa (Subclass 485):
Graduate Work stream: For graduates with skills and qualifications related to an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). This stream grants an 18-month visa.
Post-Study Work stream: For graduates who hold a higher education degree from an Australian institution. The visa duration depends on your qualification level:
Bachelor degree: 2 years
Masters degree (coursework or research): 3 years
Doctoral degree: 4 years
How to apply for the Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)?
You must apply within 6 months of completing your eligible course. Applications are lodged online through ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Step 1: Gather all required documents including your qualification certificates, English test results, health insurance evidence, and passport.
Step 2: If applying under the Graduate Work stream, obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority.
Step 3: Create an ImmiAccount and complete the online application form.
Step 4: Pay the application fee and submit your application.
Step 5: Attend any required health examinations and provide biometrics if requested.
Processing time for the Graduate Visa (Subclass 485):
Graduate Work stream: 75% of applications processed within 7 months, 90% within 9 months.
Post-Study Work stream: 75% of applications processed within 6 months, 90% within 8 months.
Processing times may vary depending on individual circumstances and the completeness of your application.
How much does the Graduate Visa cost?
The base application fee for the Graduate visa (subclass 485) is AUD 1,895 for the primary applicant. Additional applicants aged 18 and over are charged AUD 960, and dependent children under 18 are charged AUD 480.
LifeinAus specialises in Graduate visa (subclass 485) applications and can guide you through the entire process from skills assessment to visa lodgement. As a registered migration agent (MARA No. 1795282), we ensure your application is prepared correctly and submitted on time.
Contact us today to check your eligibility for the Graduate visa and start your journey toward working in Australia.
Last Updated: March 2026