Temporary Graduate Visa

The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) gives international students the opportunity to stay in Australia after completing their studies. It allows eligible graduates to live, work, and study in Australia while gaining valuable professional experience or planning their next visa pathway.

Who Can Apply?

You may be eligible if you:

• Have recently completed an eligible CRICOS-registered course in Australia.

• Are 35 years or younger when you apply (exceptions apply for some applicants).

• Held a Student Visa (Subclass 500) within the last six months.

• Meet the English language requirement.

• Meet Australia's health and character requirements.

• Apply under the correct 485 visa stream.

Temporary Graduate Visa Streams

Post-Higher Education Work Stream

This stream is designed for graduates who have completed a higher education qualification such as a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD from an Australian institution.

Depending on your qualification, you can usually stay in Australia for:

• Bachelor's Degree: 2 years

• Master's (Coursework): 2 years

• Master's (Research): 3 years

• Doctoral Degree (PhD): 3 years

Eligible Indian graduates may receive longer stay periods under the Australia–India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA).

Post-Vocational Education Work Stream

This stream is for graduates with eligible diplomas, trade, or vocational qualifications linked to occupations in demand in Australia.

Successful applicants can generally stay for up to 18 months.

Eligibility Requirements

To apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa, you'll generally need to:

• Complete an eligible Australian qualification.

• Hold or have recently held a Student Visa.

• Meet the English language requirement.

• Obtain an Australian Federal Police (AFP) check.

• Have adequate health insurance.

• Meet health and character requirements.

Documents You'll Usually Need

Most applicants will be asked to provide:

• Valid passport

• Completion letter and academic transcript

• English language test results (if required)

• Australian Federal Police (AFP) check

• Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) or other required health insurance

• Passport-size photo

• Identity documents

• Health examination results (if requested)

How the Application Process Works

1. Complete your eligible Australian course.

2. Gather all required documents.

3. Take an approved English test if required.

4. Apply online through ImmiAccount within the eligible timeframe.

5. Complete health checks if requested.

6. Wait for the Department of Home Affairs to process your application.

Benefits of the Temporary Graduate Visa

A Temporary Graduate Visa gives you the chance to build your future in Australia after graduation.

With this visa, you can:

• Live in Australia after completing your studies.

• Work full-time with unrestricted work rights.

• Gain valuable Australian work experience.

• Include eligible family members in your application.

• Travel freely in and out of Australia while your visa is valid.

• Explore pathways to skilled migration or permanent residency if eligible.