A Complete Guide to the 485 Visa (Subclass 485 – Temporary Graduate Visa)

1. What Is the Subclass 485 Visa?

The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) allows eligible international students who have completed eligible studies in Australia to live, study, and work temporarily after graduation. It’s an essential Stepping Stone for graduates aiming to gain work experience or transition to longer-term visas

2. Visa Streams & Eligibility Requirements

As of 1 July 2024, the visa is structured into three streams:

• Post‑Vocational Education Work Stream (formerly Graduate Work): For associate degrees, diplomas, or trade qualifications.
• Post‑Higher Education Work Stream (formerly Post‑Study Work): For bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees.
• Second Post‑Higher Education Work Stream: For those who previously held a 485 visa and graduated and/or reside in a designated regional area.

You must apply under the stream matching the qualification level you used to meet the study requirement—changes post-application aren’t permitted

Key eligibility criteria include:

• Age under 35 years at application (exceptions apply for Hong Kong/BNO passport holders up to 50).
• Held, or currently hold, a Student visa (subclass 500) within the last six months.
• Completed at least 2 academic years of CRICOS-registered study in the six months before applying.
• Meet updated English proficiency requirements (generally IELTS equivalent average 6.5 with minimum 5.5 per component).
• Study must have been conducted in-person in Australia (online studies generally no longer count post-pandemic).

3. Visa Durations: General & Exceptions

General Duration (Post-July 2024)

• Post‑Vocational Education Work Stream: 18 months; Hong Kong/BNO passport holders: up to 5 years.
• Post‑Higher Education Work Stream:
  • Bachelor (incl. Honours) & Master’s (coursework/extended): up to 2 years
  • Master’s (research) & PhD: up to 3 years
  • Hong Kong/BNO holders: up to 5 years
• Second Post‑Higher Education Work Stream: Ongoing regional length provisions remain as before.

Special Conditions for Indian Passport Holders (via AI-ECTA)

Under the Australia‑India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA), Indian nationals receive extended visa durations:

• Bachelor’s degree (including Honours): up to 2 years
• Bachelor’s with First‑Class Honours in STEM/ICT: up to 3 years
• Master’s (coursework, extended, or research): up to 3 years
• Doctoral (PhD): up to 4 years
• These periods are distinct from general eligibility and do not apply strictly based on where you studied (unless combined with regional advantages).

4. What This Means for Graduates

The updated framework creates a dynamic, tiered system. Indian graduates benefit from longer post-study stays, especially in STEM areas—even under tighter general rules. Conversely, those without Indian passports face shorter durations (2–3 years depending on qualification).

5. Application Process & Practical Tips

Steps to Apply

1. Verify your eligibility (stream, age, degree, English, visa status).
2. Gather documentation, including degree certificates, CoE, transcripts, IELTS results, health and character checks.
3. Submit via ImmiAccount on the Home Affairs portal.
4. Include any dependent family members, ensuring they meet requirements.
5. Pay the correct application fee, noting changes for fees occur every 1st of July for the applicants.

Tips for Indian Graduates

• Leverage AI-ECTA durations: If eligible, highlight this in your application to access extended stay benefits.
• STEM graduates with first-class honours have notably attractive 3-year options.
• Time your application carefully—fees and rules differ pre- and post-July 2024 policy changes.
• Explore regional pathways if aiming for longer stay or additional regional eligibility.

6. Summary Table

Final Thoughts

The Subclass 485 visa continues to serve as a critical post-study option, but recent changes have made demand for accurate planning and timely application more urgent than ever. Indian graduates—especially those in STEM—enjoy expanded stays via AI-ECTA, giving them a significant advantage. Whichever category you fall into:

• Act early and check which rules apply to your situation.
• Ensure your application clearly cites AI-ECTA provisions (if eligible).
• Seek guidance from a registered migration agent if you’re uncertain about your eligibility or pathway.