Temporary Graduate Visa (TR 485)

Most of our clients can find answers to their Temporary Graduate Visa (TR 485) questions here.
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Updated on 1 March 2026: Visa application charges for the Temporary Graduate visa (TGV) have increased.

What is the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)?

The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) allows eligible international students who have completed a qualification in Australia to remain temporarily in Australia after finishing their studies.

This visa enables graduates to gain further work experience, improve professional skills, and explore long-term migration pathways if eligible.

Subclass 485 allows you to:

• Work full-time (no hourly limitation)
• Undertake further study
• Travel in and out of Australia during the visa validity period

This is a temporary visa. It does not automatically lead to permanent residency. Any future permanent migration pathway must be assessed separately.

Subclass 485 has strict eligibility requirements. You must meet all criteria at the time of application, including age limits, English language requirements, Australian Study Requirement, health insurance, and character requirements.

Failure to meet even one requirement may result in refusal.

What are the streams under subclass 485?

Subclass 485 currently has three streams. Your eligibility depends on the level of qualification you completed and your individual circumstances.

Post-Vocational Education Work Stream

This stream is generally for graduates who completed:

• Diploma
• Advanced Diploma
• Trade qualification

To qualify under this stream:

• Your qualification must be closely related to an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
• You must apply for a skills assessment in your nominated occupation before lodging your visa application.
• You must obtain a positive skills assessment outcome.

This stream is generally granted for up to 18 months, subject to government policy at the time of decision.

Post-Higher Education Work Stream

This stream is for graduates who completed:

• Bachelor degree
• Master degree (coursework)
• Master degree (research)
• Doctoral degree (PhD)

A skills assessment is not required for this stream.

The duration of stay depends on the qualification completed and policy settings at the time of visa grant.

Second Post-Higher Education Work stream

This stream is available to certain graduates who:

• Previously held a Post-Higher Education Work visa
• Completed an eligible qualification in a designated regional area
• Meet residence and regional requirements

This stream provides an additional period of stay. Eligibility criteria are strict and must be assessed carefully before application.

What is the age limit for subclass 485?

Subclass 485 has strict age requirements. Your age is assessed at the time you lodge your application.

For most applicants, you must be under 35 years old at the time of application.

If you completed:

• Master by Research
• Doctoral degree (PhD)

You may apply if you are under 50 years old at the time of application.

If you exceed the relevant age limit before lodging, you will not be eligible.

Certain Hong Kong and British National (Overseas) passport holders may have different age concessions under specific policy settings.

What is the application cost for subclass 485?

The visa application charge for subclass 485 depends on the stream and the number of applicants included in the application.

Updated on 1 March 2026, for the primary applicant, the base application charge generally starts from:

• Post-Vocational Education Work stream: From AUD 4,600
• Post-Higher Education Work stream: From AUD 4,600
• Second Post-Higher Education Work stream: From AUD 1,810

Additional charges apply for:

• Applicants aged 18 and over are included as secondary applicants
• Applicants under 18 years old
• Subsequent temporary application charge (if applicable)

Visa application charges are payable at the time of lodgement and are generally non-refundable if the application is refused.

Government fees are subject to change. The final amount is determined at the time of application.

How long can I stay on subclass 485?

The length of stay under subclass 485 depends on the stream you apply under and the qualification you completed. The final visa period is determined at the time of grant and is subject to current government policy.

Post-Vocational Education Work Stream

This stream is generally granted for up to 18 months.

The exact duration is determined by Home Affairs at the time of decision.

Post-Higher Education Work Stream

The duration depends on your completed qualification:

• Bachelor degree: usually up to 2 years
• Master by coursework: typically 2 to 3 years (depending on qualification structure)
• Master by research: up to 3 years
• Doctoral degree (PhD): up to 3 years

Visa length is assessed based on your specific qualification and current policy settings.

Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream

This stream provides an additional period of stay for eligible graduates who studied in designated regional areas.

The duration generally ranges between 1 and 2 years, depending on:

• The regional classification of the institution’s location
• The regional area where you lived while holding your first 485 visa
• Government policy in force at the time of assessment

Time spent outside Australia does not extend your visa validity period.

What are the core eligibility requirements?

Subclass 485 has strict eligibility criteria. You must meet all requirements at the time of application.

The core requirements generally include:

• Meeting the relevant age limit
• Holding an eligible Australian qualification
• Meeting the Australian Study Requirement
• Lodging your application within 6 months of your course completion date
• Being physically in Australia at the time of application
• Meeting English language requirements
• Meeting health and character requirements
• Holding adequate health insurance

If you fail to satisfy even one requirement at the time of lodgement, your application may be refused.

Eligibility differs depending on the stream selected. Selecting the incorrect stream is a common cause of refusal.

What is the Australian Study Requirement?

To qualify for subclass 485, you must meet the Australian Study Requirement.

This means you must have:

• Completed at least 92 CRICOS weeks of registered study (minimum 16 calendar months)
• Studied full-time
• Completed your studies in Australia
• Studied in English
• Held a valid student visa during your study period

The 92 weeks refers to the CRICOS registered course duration, not the actual time you personally spent studying.

Can I combine two Australian qualifications to meet the 92-week requirement?

Yes, but strict conditions apply.

You may combine two or more qualifications only if:

• All courses were CRICOS-registered
• All courses were completed in Australia
• All were completed full-time
• The courses are closely related
• The total CRICOS duration is at least 92 weeks

The qualification used for your visa stream must still meet the specific stream requirements.

Can I use an overseas qualification?

No.

Only qualifications completed in Australia can be used to meet the Australian Study Requirement.

You cannot combine overseas study with Australian study

What are the English language requirements for subclass 485?

You must provide a valid English test result unless you qualify for an exemption.

Your English test must:

• Be taken within 12 months before the date of application
• Meet the minimum overall score
• Meet the minimum score in each component
• Be valid at the time of lodgement

If your test result is older than 12 months on the date of application, it will not be accepted.

What minimum scores are required?

You must meet at least the following scores:

• IELTS (Academic or General): Overall 6.5, with at least 5.5 in each band
• PTE Academic: Overall 55, with minimum component scores (Listening 40, Reading 42, Writing 41, Speaking 39)
• TOEFL iBT: Overall 81, with minimum component scores (Listening 12, Reading 12, Writing 14, Speaking 17)
• CELPIP General: Overall 8, with at least 6 in each component
• OET: Minimum score per component as specified by Home Affairs

Meeting the overall score alone is not sufficient. You must satisfy each component requirement.

Who is exempt from the English test?

You may be exempt if you hold a valid passport from:

• United Kingdom
• United States
• Canada
• New Zealand
• Republic of Ireland

If you do not hold a passport from one of these countries, you must provide a valid English test result.

Can I lodge first and provide English later?

No.

You must have a valid English test result before lodging your subclass 485 application.

Lodging without meeting the English requirement may result in refusal.

Do I need a skills assessment?

Whether you need a skills assessment depends on the stream you are applying under.

Is a skills assessment required for the Post-Vocational Education Work stream?

Yes.

If you are applying under the Post-Vocational Education Work stream, you must:

• Nominate an occupation that is listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
• Ensure your qualification is closely related to the nominated occupation
• Apply for a skills assessment in that occupation before lodging your visa application

You must have evidence that you applied for the skills assessment before visa lodgement.

The final positive outcome may be provided after lodging. However, if the skills assessment is refused, your subclass 485 application is likely to be refused.

Is a skills assessment required for the Post-Higher Education Work stream?

No.

If you are applying under the Post-Higher Education Work stream (Bachelor, Master, or PhD), a skills assessment is not required.

Your qualification does not need to be linked to an occupation on the skilled occupation list for this stream.

What is assessed during a skills assessment?

The assessing authority may review:

• Your academic qualification
• Whether your course is closely related to the nominated occupation
• Your English level (if required by the authority)
• Your work experience (particularly for trade occupations)

Requirements vary depending on the assessing body and the nominated occupation.

What happens if my skills assessment is refused?

If your skills assessment is refused under the Post-Vocational Education Work stream, your subclass 485 application will likely be refused.

It is essential to confirm occupation suitability before lodging your visa application.

When and where must I lodge my subclass 485 application?

Subclass 485 has strict timing and location requirements. Failing to meet these requirements will result in refusal.

When is the deadline to apply?

You must lodge your application within 6 months of your course completion date.

The completion date is the date stated on your official completion letter, not your graduation ceremony date.

If you apply after the 6-month period, you will not be eligible for subclass 485.

Must I be in Australia when I apply?

Yes.

You must be physically in Australia at the time of lodgement.

You cannot lodge a subclass 485 from outside Australia.

What visa must I hold at the time of application?

You must hold an eligible visa at the time of application, typically a student visa.

If your student visa has expired, you may not be eligible unless you hold another substantive visa that allows you to apply onshore (example: tourist visa).

Eligibility should be carefully assessed before your current visa expires.

What happens after I lodge my application?

After lodgement, you will generally be granted a Bridging Visa A (BVA).

The Bridging Visa A becomes active only after your current visa expires.

Work rights under the Bridging Visa depend on the visa you held at the time of application.

If you need to travel outside Australia after your BVA becomes active, you must apply for a Bridging Visa B before departure.

What are the work rights and conditions under subclass 485?

Once granted, subclass 485 provides full work rights.

This means there is no restriction on the number of hours you can work.

Can I work full-time?

Yes.

You may work full-time, part-time, or casually. There is no hourly limitation under this visa.

You must still comply with Australian workplace laws and any professional licensing requirements for regulated occupations.

Can I study while holding subclass 485?

Yes.

You are permitted to undertake further study while holding this visa.

However, subclass 485 does not provide access to government student loan schemes such as HECS-HELP.

Can I travel in and out of Australia?

Yes.

Subclass 485 allows multiple travel entries during its validity period.

You may leave and re-enter Australia as long as your visa remains valid.

Does time spent outside Australia extend my visa?

No.

Time spent outside Australia does not pause or extend the visa validity period.

Your visa expiry date remains the same regardless of how long you stay overseas.

Can I include my partner or children?

Yes.

You may include eligible family members in your application or add them later, subject to eligibility requirements.

All dependants must meet health and character requirements and hold appropriate health insurance.

What health insurance is required for subclass 485?

You must hold adequate health insurance for the entire duration of your subclass 485 visa.

Failure to maintain valid health insurance may result in visa refusal or cancellation.

Is Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) sufficient?

No.

OSHC is only valid while you hold a student visa.

Once your student visa expires, you must hold an appropriate health insurance policy suitable for temporary visa holders.

What type of health insurance do I need?

You must hold Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) or an equivalent policy that meets Home Affairs requirements.

Your health insurance must:

• Be valid at the time of application
• Cover the full duration of your intended stay
• Include all accompanying family members

When should my OVHC start?

Your OVHC should start from the date your student visa expires.

There must be no gap between the end of your OSHC and the start of your OVHC.

Can my visa be refused or cancelled due to insurance issues?

Yes.

If you do not hold valid health insurance at the time of application, or if you fail to maintain coverage during your visa period, your application may be refused or your visa may be cancelled.

Can I apply for subclass 485 more than once?

In most circumstances, you can only be granted a subclass 485 once as a primary applicant.

Eligibility is assessed across your lifetime. Completing a higher qualification later does not automatically reset eligibility.

Can I apply again after completing a higher qualification?

No.

If you have already been granted a subclass 485 as a primary applicant, you are generally not eligible to be granted it again.

You should assess a long-term migration strategy before lodging your first 485 application.

What about the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream?

The Second Post-Higher Education Work stream is not considered a completely new subclass.

It is an extension pathway available only to eligible graduates who previously held the Post-Higher Education Work stream and meet strict regional study and residence requirements.

Eligibility must be assessed carefully before application.

Can I be included as a dependent on my partner’s 485 visa?

Yes.

Even if you have previously held a subclass 485 as a primary applicant, you may still be included as a dependent on your partner’s subclass 485 visa, subject to eligibility criteria.

What are the common reasons for subclass 485 refusal?

Subclass 485 is strictly assessed. Applications are refused when applicants fail to meet even one legislative requirement.

Lodging outside the 6-month deadline

If you apply more than 6 months after your official course completion date, your application will be refused.

The deadline is calculated from the completion date stated on your official completion letter, not your graduation ceremony date.

Not meeting the age requirement

If you exceed the relevant age limit at the time of application (under 35 for most applicants, under 50 for eligible research graduates), you will not qualify.

Invalid or expired English test

Your English test must:

• Meet the required minimum overall score
• Meet minimum scores in each component
• Be taken within 12 months before the application

If your test does not meet these requirements, your application may be refused.

Incorrect stream selection

Applying under the wrong stream is a common mistake.

• Applying under the Post-Vocational Education Work stream without a relevant occupation on the MLTSSL
• Failing to apply for or obtain a valid skills assessment where required
• Selecting a stream not aligned with your qualification level

Not meeting the Australian Study Requirement

If your qualification does not meet the 92 CRICOS weeks requirement, or if you did not complete the study in Australia while holding a valid student visa, your application may be refused.

Health insurance gaps

You must hold valid health insurance at the time of application and throughout your visa period.

A gap in coverage may result in refusal or cancellation.

Providing incorrect or inconsistent information

Providing inaccurate information, inconsistent documents, or failing to disclose relevant details may lead to refusal.

Serious cases may also result in a re-entry ban under public interest criteria.

What should I prepare before lodging my subclass 485 application?

Proper preparation significantly reduces refusal risk. Before lodging your application, ensure the following items are ready and compliant.

Official completion letter

Your completion letter must clearly state:

• Course commencement date
• Course completion date
• Confirmation that the course was completed
• CRICOS registration details

This document determines your 6-month application deadline.

Valid English test result

Your English test must:

• Be taken within 12 months before the application
• Meet the minimum overall score
• Meet minimum scores in each component

You must have your valid result before lodging your visa.

Skills assessment (if required)

If applying under the Post-Vocational Education Work stream:

• Confirm your nominated occupation is on the MLTSSL
• Ensure your qualification is closely related
• Apply for the skills assessment before lodging

Incorrect occupation selection is a common reason for refusal.

Health insurance (OVHC)

Your Overseas Visitor Health Cover must:

• Be valid at the time of application
• Start immediately after your student visa expires
• Cover the full duration of your intended stay
• Include all accompanying family members

There must be no gap in coverage.

Police check and health examination

You may be required to provide:

• Australian Federal Police (AFP) checks for immigration purposes
• Health examination as directed by Home Affairs

Health and character requirements are assessed after lodgement. You must comply with any requests within the given timeframe.

Confirm eligibility before lodging

Before submitting your application, confirm:

• You meet the age requirement
• You are within the 6-month deadline
• You selected the correct stream
• Your qualification meets the Australian Study Requirement
• Your English result is valid

Lodging without meeting all criteria can result in refusal, loss of application fees, and long-term migration consequences.

Subclass 485 Case Examples

The following examples illustrate how subclass 485 eligibility is assessed in practical situations.

Case Example – Post-Higher Education Work Stream (Eligible)

Scenario:

Maria completed a Bachelor of Information Technology in Sydney. Her course was CRICOS-registered and exceeded 92 CRICOS weeks. She was 24 years old at the time of application.

She took IELTS 3 months before lodging and achieved 6.5 overall with no band below 5.5.

She lodged her application 2 months after receiving her official completion letter.

Assessment:

• Meets age requirement (under 35)
• Meets Australian Study Requirement
• Lodged within 6 months
• Valid English test within 12 months
• No skills assessment required for this stream

Outcome: Eligible under the Post-Higher Education Work stream.

Case Example – Post-Vocational Education Work Stream (Skills Assessment Risk)

Scenario:

Daniel completed a Diploma of Automotive Technology in Melbourne. He nominated Motor Mechanic as his occupation (on the MLTSSL).

He lodged his subclass 485 application within 4 months of completion but had not applied for a skills assessment before lodging.

Issue:

• For this stream, you must apply for a skills assessment before visa lodgement.

Possible Outcome:

If he cannot provide evidence that the skills assessment application was submitted before visa lodgement, his application may be refused.

Lesson: Timing of the skills assessment application is critical.

Case Example – Missing the 6-Month Deadline

Scenario:

Siti completed her Master degree on 10 January 2025 (completion letter date). She assumed the deadline was calculated from her graduation ceremony in April.

She lodged her subclass 485 application on 20 July 2025.

Issue:

• Six months from 10 January is 10 July.
• She lodged after the deadline.

Outcome: Application refused due to late lodgement.

Lesson: The completion letter date, not the graduation ceremony, determines the 6-month deadline.

Case Example – English Test Expired

Scenario:

Arman took IELTS in May 2024. He completed his Bachelor degree in June 2025 and lodged his subclass 485 application in July 2025.

Issue:

• English test must be taken within 12 months before the application.
• His IELTS result was more than 12 months old at the time of lodgement.

Outcome: Application likely refused due to invalid English evidence.

Lesson: Always verify the English test validity window before lodging.

Case Example – Incorrect Stream Selection

Scenario:

Kevin completed a Bachelor of Business but applied under the Post-Vocational Education Work stream.

Issue:

• This stream requires a qualification linked to an occupation on the MLTSSL and a skills assessment.
• Bachelor graduates should generally apply under the Post-Higher Education Work stream.

Outcome: High risk of refusal due to incorrect stream selection.

Lesson: Selecting the wrong stream can invalidate an otherwise eligible application.

Case Example – Health Insurance Gap

Scenario:

Ani’s student visa expired on 15 August. She purchased OVHC starting on 20 August and lodged her subclass 485 application on 16 August.

Issue:

• There is a gap in health insurance coverage between 16 August and 19 August.

Outcome: Risk of refusal or compliance issues due to insurance gap.

Lesson: OVHC must begin immediately when OSHC ends. No coverage gap is allowed.

What is the processing time for subclass 485?

Processing times for subclass 485 vary depending on:

• The stream selected
• The completeness of your application
• Whether additional information is requested
• The volume of applications at the time of assessment

Processing times are not guaranteed and may change without notice.

Applications that contain missing documents, incorrect stream selection, or unclear information are more likely to experience delays.

After lodgement, Home Affairs may request:

• Additional documents
• Health examinations
• Police clearance certificates
• Clarification of study details

You must respond within the specified timeframe to avoid refusal.

Current estimated processing times are published on the official Home Affairs website and should be checked regularly, as they fluctuate throughout the year.

Check current visa processing time here: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-processing-times/global-visa-processing-times

Important strategic considerations before applying

Subclass 485 is often viewed as a simple “graduate visa.” In practice, it is a strategic decision that can affect your long-term migration pathway.

Subclass 485 is generally a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity

In most cases, you can only be granted subclass 485 once as a primary applicant.

Using it too early, or without a clear long-term plan, may limit future options.

Your qualification choice affects your migration pathway

Not all courses create equal migration opportunities.

Before applying, you should consider:

• Whether your occupation is on the relevant skilled occupation list
• Whether a skills assessment will be achievable
• Whether your work experience can realistically be gained during your 485 validity

Timing is critical

The 6-month lodgement deadline is strict.

Delaying English tests, skills assessments, or health insurance arrangements can jeopardise eligibility.

Incorrect assumptions lead to refusal

Common incorrect assumptions include:

• Believing the graduation ceremony date determines the deadline
• Assuming English tests are valid for several years
• Thinking skills assessment can be arranged after lodgement without prior application
• Assuming subclass 485 automatically leads to permanent residency

Subclass 485 requires careful preparation and compliance with legislative criteria.

A structured assessment before lodgement reduces risk and protects future migration opportunities.

Need professional assistance with your subclass 485 application?

Subclass 485 applications are strictly assessed against legislative criteria. Even minor errors can result in refusal and loss of government application fees.

Professional assessment can help you:

• Confirm the correct stream before lodging
• Verify age and deadline compliance
• Assess English validity and component scores
• Confirm whether a skills assessment is required
• Identify risks before submission

Every applicant’s situation is different. Course structure, visa history, occupation suitability, and timing must all be reviewed carefully.

If you require structured guidance or a formal eligibility assessment, contact our team to discuss your circumstances before lodging your application.

Why Choose RACC?

• 20+ years of experience in visa consultation.
• Assistance in preparing your application for immigration, including police checks and arranging new insurance.
• Expert advice on medical checkups.
• Help with applying from outside Australia.
• 4.9 out of 5 customer satisfaction rating.
• Our team speaks multiple languages, including English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Indonesian, Malay, Thai, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Hokkien, and more.