Graduate Student Visa Australia
Finished studying in Australia and not quite ready to pack your bags? The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) could be your next step.
Designed for international graduates, this visa lets you stay in Australia after completing your studies, giving you time to work, gain real-world experience, continue studying or simply settle into life here a little longer. Below is a simple, practical guide to what the Graduate Visa involves, who it’s for, and what you need to know before applying.
Whether you’re focused on building your career or exploring new opportunities, understanding your options can make all the difference.
Types of Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
There are three different streams under the Temporary Graduate Visa:
- Post-Vocational Education Work Stream
- Post-Higher Education Work Stream
- Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream
This guide focuses on the Post-Vocational Education Work Stream, which is ideal for graduates with vocational or trade qualifications.
Post-Vocational Education Work Stream: What It Is
The Post-Vocational Education Work stream is for international students who have recently completed a vocational qualification in Australia such as a diploma, associate degree or trade qualification that relates to an occupation Australia needs.
This visa allows eligible graduates to stay in Australia temporarily to live, work and study once their course is finished. Visa 485 provides you an unrestricted work rights, meaning you can work almost full-time side by side with your ongoing study. Normally, a student visa subclass 500 allows you to work no more than 48 hours per fortnight. So, opting for visa 485 allows you more freedom if you want to earn while studying.
Why This Visa Appeals to Graduates
Work without limits in Australia
Unlike a student visa, which restricts you to 48 hours of work per fortnight, the 485 visa offers unrestricted work rights. That means you can work full-time, gain hands-on experience in your field and earn a steady income while planning your next move.
Bring your family with you
Eligible family members can be included in your application, allowing them to live with you in Australia during your stay.
Tailored for vocational pathways
This stream is specifically designed for graduates of vocational and trade qualifications, not higher education degrees, making it a practical option for skilled, job-ready applicants.
Qualification aligned to Australia’s needs
Your qualification must relate to an occupation listed on Australia’s skilled occupation list, helping ensure your experience matches current workforce demands.
How Long You Can Stay
- Standard stay: Up to 18 months
- Extended stay: If you hold a Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport, you may be eligible for a stay of up to 5 years
Who Can Apply
To be eligible, you’ll need to meet the following criteria:
- Age: 35 years or under at the time of application (some exceptions apply)
- Location: You must be physically in Australia when you apply
- Visa history: You must currently hold an eligible visa and have held a student visa within the past six months
- Qualification: Completion of an associate degree, diploma or trade qualification directly related to your nominated occupation
- Skills assessment: You must have applied for a skills assessment in your nominated occupation before lodging your visa
- Health insurance: Evidence of adequate health insurance for yourself and any family members
- Character checks: Proof you’ve applied for an Australian Federal Police (AFP) check
- English: Evidence that you meet the English language requirement
Visa Costs to Budget For
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) costs AUD $2,300 for the primary applicant. Additional charges apply for family members included in the application.
Other costs to factor in may include:
- Health examinations
- Police certificates
- Biometrics
If additional family members apply later, such as children born outside Australia, the full visa application charge applies.
You can estimate your visa fee using the Visa Pricing Estimator, keeping in mind that it won’t include extra costs like medical checks or police clearances. The good news? This visa is exempt from the Subsequent Temporary Application Charge, which can help keep costs down.
The Takeaway
Navigating post-study visas doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right guidance, the Temporary Graduate Visa can be a valuable stepping stone toward building your career and your life in Australia.
When you need the help, ImmiVisa is a company that helps to simplify the process, offering clear advice and hands-on support to ensure your application is accurate, complete and aligned with current requirements.
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