Stream 1
Post-Vocational Education Work
Diploma, associate degree or trade qualification linked to a skilled occupation
Stay: Up to 18 months
Fee: AUD $5,750
Skills assessment: Yes — required
Temporary Graduate Visa · Subclass 485 · Updated July 2026
Stay, work and build your future in Australia — after graduation.
The Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) is your gateway from student life to a full-time career in Australia — up to 5 years of unrestricted work rights, no employer sponsor required, and a natural stepping stone toward permanent residency.
Fee increase — 1 July 2026: The 485 application charge rose from AUD $4,600 to AUD $5,750 (Post-Vocational + Post-Higher Education Work streams). Second stream: $1,810 → $2,265.
3
485 visa streams
18 mo → 5 yr
Stay period (by stream)
$2,265 – $5,750
Fee (July 2026)
Unlimited
Work hours · no sponsor
The basics
What is the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)?
The 485 visa is a temporary post-study visa for international students who have just completed an eligible Australian course. It gives you full-time work rights, the ability to continue studying, travel freely in and out of Australia, and enough runway to build the skills, English score and work history you'll need for a permanent skilled visa.
It's often the single most important visa in a student → skilled migrant journey. It doesn't require a points test, employer sponsorship or state nomination — just proof you've completed the right course, at the right level, at the right kind of institution.
Choose your stream
Three 485 streams — which one applies to you?
The stream you apply under depends entirely on the level of study you just finished — and, for Stream 3, whether you studied in regional Australia.
| Stream | Who it's for | Stay period | Skills assessment | Fee (Jul 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Stream 1 Post-Vocational Education Work | Diploma, associate degree or trade qualification linked to a skilled occupation | Up to 18 months | Yes — required | AUD $5,750 was $4,600 |
Stream 2 Post-Higher Education Work | Bachelor's, Master's or PhD from a CRICOS-registered course | 2 to 3 years | Not required | AUD $5,750 was $4,600 |
Stream 3 Second Post-Higher Education Work | Existing 485 holders who studied in a designated regional area | 1 to 2 additional years | Not required | AUD $2,265 was $1,810 |
Stream 2
Post-Higher Education Work
Bachelor's, Master's or PhD from a CRICOS-registered course
Stay: 2 to 3 years
Fee: AUD $5,750
Skills assessment: Not required
Stream 3
Second Post-Higher Education Work
Existing 485 holders who studied in a designated regional area
Stay: 1 to 2 additional years
Fee: AUD $2,265
Skills assessment: Not required
Full cost breakdown
Latest Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) application fees
The application charges below reflect the latest 485 visa fees from July 2026 — including what you'll pay for a partner or children added to your application.
| 485 visa stream | Main applicant | Additional applicant (18 or over) | Additional applicant (under 18) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Post-Higher Education Work stream | AUD $5,750 | AUD $2,875 | AUD $1,450 |
| Post-Vocational Education Work stream | AUD $5,750 | AUD $2,875 | AUD $1,450 |
| Second Post-Higher Education Work stream | AUD $2,265 | AUD $1,140 | AUD $575 |
Applying for your first 485 visa?
If you're finishing your studies and applying for the 485 for the first time, you'll most likely apply under either the Post-Higher Education Work or Post-Vocational Education Work stream. The application charges are:
- Main applicant: AUD $5,750
- Additional applicant aged 18 or over: AUD $2,875
- Additional applicant under 18: AUD $1,450
These are the standard fees for most international graduates moving from a Student visa (subclass 500) to a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485).
Applying for a Second Post-Higher Education Work stream visa?
If you're eligible to extend your stay under the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream, different application charges apply:
- Main applicant: AUD $2,265
- Additional applicant aged 18 or over: AUD $1,140
- Additional applicant under 18: AUD $575
We're continuing to monitor updates to ensure this information remains accurate as further guidance becomes available.
From 1 March 2026: eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens may pay a lower 485 visa application fee across all streams.
Each stream in detail
Understand the three 485 streams
Post-Vocational Education Work stream
For graduates who completed an associate degree, diploma or trade qualification that is linked to an occupation on Australia's skilled occupation list.
With this visa, you can
- Live in Australia temporarily
- Work full-time
- Study further if you choose
- Include eligible family members
Key details
- Stay period: Up to 18 months
- Skills assessment: Usually required — your qualification must relate to your nominated skilled occupation
- Application cost: From AUD $5,750 (increased from $4,600 on 1 July 2026)
- HK / BNO passport holders: May stay up to 5 years
If you studied a trade or vocational course and your occupation is in demand, this is likely your stream.
Post-Higher Education Work stream
For graduates who completed a Bachelor's degree, Master's or PhD from a CRICOS-registered course in Australia.
With this visa, you can
- Work full-time
- Gain professional experience
- Bring eligible family members
- Study further if needed
Key details
- Stay period: 2 to 3 years, depending on your qualification
- Skills assessment: Not required — but you must meet the Australian Study Requirement
- Application cost: From AUD $5,750 (increased from $4,600 on 1 July 2026)
- HK / BNO passport holders: May stay up to 5 years
If you completed a university degree, this is the stream most students apply for.
Second Post-Higher Education Work stream
If you already hold a Post-Higher Education Work visa and completed your previous studies in a designated regional area, you may be able to extend your stay.
With this visa, you can
- Extend your stay in Australia
- Continue working full-time
- Continue living in a regional area
- Include eligible family members
Key details
- Stay period: 1 to 2 additional years — depends on the regional location of your institution and where you live
- Skills assessment: Not required
- Application cost: From AUD $2,265 (increased from $1,810 on 1 July 2026)
If you studied in regional Australia and you're still living there, this stream can give you extra time to strengthen your PR pathway.
Eligibility side-by-side
485 eligibility requirements — stream comparison
Every stream shares a base set of rules (age, being onshore, health insurance) — but each has its own extra tests. Check exactly which apply to you.
| Requirement | Post-Vocational Work | Post-Higher Ed Work | Second Post-Higher Ed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age 35 or under (some exceptions) | |||
| Must be in Australia when applying | |||
| Held a Student visa in the last 6 months | — | ||
| Completed a CRICOS-registered course | |||
| Met the Australian Study Requirement | First 485 | ||
| Qualification linked to skilled occupation list | — | — | |
| Positive skills assessment required | — | — | |
| Hold a Post-Higher Education / Post-Study Work / Replacement visa | — | — | |
| Studied at a designated regional campus | — | — | |
| Lived in a regional area 2+ years | — | — | |
| Adequate health insurance for all applicants | |||
| English test required (IELTS 6.0 / equivalent) | Usually met | ||
| AFP police check applied | Usually met |
Weigh both sides
Pros & cons of the 485 visa
The 485 is the single most popular post-study visa in Australia — but it isn't a fit for everyone. Here's what to weigh up before applying.
Advantages
- Full-time work rights
No hourly cap. Work in any occupation, for any employer, from day one — unlike the Student visa's 48 hr/fortnight limit.
- No employer sponsor needed
You don't need a job offer or nomination — it's your own visa, tied to nothing but your graduation.
- Not points-tested
No skills-select ranking, no minimum points. If you meet the criteria, you can apply.
- Bring your family
Include your partner and dependant children in the same application.
- Travel freely
Multiple entries — leave and re-enter Australia at any time while the visa is valid.
- Continue studying
You can keep studying while on the 485 — many use this time to finish a professional year or skills assessment.
Trade-offs to consider
- Significant cost
Application charge alone is AUD $5,750 — up 25% from July 2026 (previously $4,600). Include health insurance and AFP check on top.
- Temporary — not PR
It's a step towards permanent residency, not PR itself. You'll need to secure a Skilled or Employer visa before it expires.
- Age limit 35
You must be 35 years or younger at the time of application (limited exemptions for certain research disciplines).
- Onshore only
You must be physically in Australia when you apply — you can't apply from overseas.
- Tight timeframes
You have only 6 months from course completion to lodge. Miss the window and you lose eligibility.
- Documentation-heavy
AFP check, health insurance, English test, transcripts — a small mistake or missing doc can cause refusal.
How long will it take?
485 processing times
Based on Department of Home Affairs estimates. Actual times vary case-by-case depending on document completeness and application volumes.
Post-Higher Education Work
~ 8 – 83 days
50% of applications finalised in 8 days. 90% finalised within 83 days.
Post-Vocational Education Work
~ 46 – 120 days
50% of applications finalised in 46 days. 90% finalised within ~4 months.
Step-by-step
How to apply for the 485 — 6-step process
01
Check your eligibility
Confirm age, Australian Study Requirement, English test validity, visa history and stream fit.
02
Prepare your documents
Completion letter, transcripts, health insurance, AFP check, English test results — see the full checklist below.
03
Apply for AFP police check
Must be applied for BEFORE you lodge. Keep your receipt as proof.
04
Lodge online via ImmiAccount
Submit through your Department of Home Affairs ImmiAccount. Pay AUD $5,750 (or $2,265 for Second stream).
05
Complete health examinations
Only when requested by the Department. Follow the referral link within the given timeframe.
06
Await decision
If your Student visa expires while you wait, you'll be granted a Bridging Visa A so you remain lawful onshore.
Get ready
Documents you'll need
Identity
- Passport bio page
- National ID (if applicable)
- Change of name evidence
Study
- Official completion letter
- Academic transcripts
- Proof course was CRICOS-registered
- Course start & end date confirmation
- Australian Study Requirement evidence
English
- Valid test result (IELTS 6.0 / equivalent)
- Test within accepted validity
- Passport-based exemption evidence (if applicable)
Health insurance
- Adequate cover for all applicants
- Medicare card OR insurer letter
Character
- Proof AFP check applied
- Form 80 & Form 1221 (if requested)
- Overseas police certificates (if requested)
Family & stream-specific
- Partner/dependant identity docs
- Marriage or de-facto evidence (12+ months)
- Skills assessment (PV stream)
- Regional residence proof (Second stream)
Refusal reasons · 2026
485 visa refusal reasons — common mistakes & how to avoid them
485 refusals in 2026 most commonly occur due to missing evidence at lodgement, English test issues, late applications, incorrect stream selection, skills assessment errors (for vocational applicants), and character/health documentation gaps. Home Affairs requires applicants to attach required evidence when you apply — and applying under the wrong stream or missing the strict timing rules leads to ineligibility.
Migration practitioners repeatedly warn about tightened age limits, stricter English format rules (in-centre only), and the inability to change streams after applying — all of which cause avoidable refusals.
01
Missing required documents at lodgement
Home Affairs clearly states applicants must “attach required evidence when you apply.” Failing to do so is one of the most common rejection reasons. Frequently missing: English test results, completion letter or transcript, OVHC health insurance proof, AFP receipt, and the skills assessment (Post-Vocational stream).
Why it leads to refusal
The 485 visa does not allow applicants to submit core evidence afterward unless specifically requested.
How to avoid it
Prepare all your documents before logging into ImmiAccount and cross-check against your stream-specific checklist.
02
Lodging after the 6-month deadline
You must lodge within 6 months of course completion and must have held a Student visa in the last 6 months — a key Home Affairs eligibility requirement.
Why it leads to refusal
The 6-month window is enforced strictly, with no exceptions.
How to avoid it
Track your completion date, set reminders, and avoid delays with English tests or AFP checks.
03
English test problems (format, age, score)
Since July 2024, English rules have tightened: IELTS Online / at-home tests are NOT accepted, tests must be within 12 months of lodging, and you must meet minimum scores (e.g. IELTS 6.5 overall / 5.5 each band, or equivalents). Common triggers: an at-home test format, an expired result, missing the band minimum, or uploading no English evidence at all.
Why it leads to refusal
English evidence is a time-of-application requirement — a non-compliant test is treated the same as no test.
How to avoid it
Book an in-centre test early and ensure your result meets every benchmark before lodging.
04
Selecting the wrong 485 stream
Home Affairs states you cannot change streams after you apply — choosing incorrectly results in automatic ineligibility. Examples: a vocational graduate applying under the degree-level stream, a degree graduate mistakenly applying under Post-Vocational, or selecting Post-Vocational without an occupation on the skilled list.
Why it leads to refusal
The stream is locked at lodgement — there is no fix after submission.
How to avoid it
Use a qualification-first pathway: Degree → Post-Higher Education. Diploma/trade + skills assessment → Post-Vocational. Regional degree + previous 485 → Second Post-Higher Education.
05
Skills assessment issues (Post-Vocational applicants only)
For vocational applicants, the qualification must relate to a skilled occupation and be backed by a skills assessment. Common failures: no skills assessment, assessment lodged too late, wrong assessing authority, or a result that doesn't match the nominated occupation.
Why it leads to refusal
Without a matching positive skills assessment, Post-Vocational applications cannot be granted.
How to avoid it
Start your skills assessment early and confirm the correct ANZSCO code and assessing authority first.
06
Health or character documentation gaps
Home Affairs requires the AFP check to be applied for BEFORE lodgement, and health examinations completed when requested. Common causes: AFP applied for after submission, incomplete health exams, or inconsistent documents.
Why it leads to refusal
Character and health are mandatory public-interest criteria — gaps stall or sink the application.
How to avoid it
Apply for your AFP check early and action any health examination request immediately.
07
Age requirement not met
The age limit has been reduced to under 35 for most applicants. Exceptions — Masters by Research, PhD graduates, and Hong Kong / BNO passport holders — may apply up to 50.
Why it leads to refusal
Lodging after turning 35 (where no exception applies) makes you ineligible with no discretion.
How to avoid it
Plan your English test and documents early, and lodge as soon as your eligibility is confirmed.
08
Incorrect assumptions about extensions
Many applicants assume every graduate gets an automatic extension — but extensions depend on regional study and nationality (HK / BNO holders, and Indian nationals under trade agreements).
Why it leads to refusal
Applicants incorrectly apply for a second 485 without meeting the regional study and living criteria.
How to avoid it
Check your regional eligibility before applying and understand the Second Post-Higher Education stream criteria.
Common 485 refusal reasons and how to fix them
| Refusal reason | Why it happens | How to prevent it |
|---|---|---|
| Missing documents at lodgement | Evidence must be attached when you apply | Upload all documents before submitting |
| Wrong stream chosen | Stream cannot be changed after submission | Match your qualification to the correct stream |
| No valid English test | Online tests not accepted; recency rules apply | Take IELTS/PTE in-centre, within 12 months |
| Late application | Must apply within 6 months of completion | Track dates and lodge early |
| Skills assessment missing (Post-Vocational) | Required for vocational graduates | Start assessment early |
| AFP done after lodgement | Must be applied for before submitting | Apply for AFP early |
| Age above the capped limit | Age 35 limit applies widely | Lodge before turning 35 (unless exempt) |
| Incorrect extension assumptions | Not everyone gets extra time | Check Second stream or nationality rules |
Lodge with confidence
How to build a refusal-proof 485 application
Prepare all documents before starting your ImmiAccount application
Book English tests early — in-centre only, no at-home formats
Apply for your AFP check before lodging (keep the receipt)
Double-check your stream eligibility — it can't be changed later
Submit the application well before your 6-month deadline
Keep copies of all evidence for internal consistency
Source verified: Department of Home Affairs.
Free 485 Assessment
Which 485 stream fits you?
Answer a few short questions and our Migration Team will recommend the right stream, flag any risks, and be in touch within 1 business day.
FAQ
Common 485 visa questions
Who is eligible for the 485 visa?+
International students who have completed a CRICOS-registered course of at least 2 academic years (92 weeks) in Australia, are 35 or under, hold or recently held a Student visa, and are physically in Australia when they apply. Each stream has its own additional requirements.
How long can I stay on a 485 visa?+
Post-Vocational stream: up to 18 months. Post-Higher Education: 2 years (bachelor's), 3 years (master's/PhD). Second Post-Higher Education (regional): an extra 1–2 years. Hong Kong SAR and BN(O) passport holders may stay up to 5 years.
Can I work full-time on the 485?+
Yes. Unlike the Student visa (48 hrs/fortnight cap), the 485 has no work-hour restrictions. You can work in any industry, for any employer, from day one of visa grant.
Do I need an employer to sponsor me?+
No. The 485 is not employer-sponsored. It's an independent post-study visa granted based on your own qualifications and study history.
Can I apply for PR while on the 485?+
Yes. Most graduates use their 485 to sit skills assessments, build local work experience, boost their English score, and lodge a Skilled Independent (189), Skilled Nominated (190), Regional (491) or Employer-Sponsored (186 / 482 / 494) application while onshore.
When do I need to apply?+
Within 6 months of completing your course. Miss this window and you lose eligibility. Note: 'completion' typically means the date you were officially notified of course completion, not the date of your graduation ceremony.
What is the Australian Study Requirement?+
You must have completed at least 2 academic years (92 weeks minimum) of registered CRICOS course/s while holding a Student visa. Study must be conducted in English and completed within a 6-month window that begins no earlier than 6 months before you apply.
Can I include my family?+
Yes — your partner and dependant children under 18 can be included as secondary applicants. Additional visa application charges apply per person ($2,875 per adult, $1,450 per child at July 2026 — or $1,140 / $575 under the Second Post-Higher Education stream).
Does Home Affairs allow you to upload missing documents later?+
No — not for core evidence. Required documents must be attached when you apply. Home Affairs may request additional information later, but you cannot rely on this: an application lodged without key evidence (English test, completion letter, AFP receipt, skills assessment) risks refusal on the papers.
Why do many vocational graduates get refused?+
Most Post-Vocational refusals relate to the skills assessment — either it's missing entirely, lodged too late, done through the wrong assessing authority, or the result doesn't match the nominated occupation on the skilled list. Start the skills assessment early and confirm the correct ANZSCO code before applying.
Can a 485 be refused for English even if the overall score is high?+
Yes. You must meet the minimum in EVERY band (e.g. IELTS 5.5 in each component), the test must be taken in-centre (online/at-home tests are not accepted), and the result must be no older than 12 months at lodgement. A high overall score with one weak band, or a non-compliant test format, still leads to refusal.
Is an extension guaranteed if I work regionally?+
No. Working regionally alone does not qualify you. The Second Post-Higher Education stream requires that you STUDIED at a designated regional campus for your first 485 and have been LIVING in a regional area for at least 2 years while holding it. Nationality-based extensions (HK/BNO, Indian nationals under trade agreements) have their own separate criteria.
Ready to lodge?
A confidential 30-min consultation could save you months.
A Registered Migration Agent (MARN 2619415 · IAA Licence No. 202603837) will review your case, confirm the right stream, flag any risks and map your PR pathway from graduation onwards.
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