Visa 485 is a type of visa for international students after graduating in Australia, allowing them to stay, study, work, and gain experience. The latest updates for 2026 on the conditions, benefits, application process, costs, and how to apply for the 485 Visa.
1. What is a 485 Visa?
Visa 485, fully known as the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), is a temporary visa granted by the Australian Government to international students who have completed their studies in Australia according to the requirements of the recognized education system (CRICOS). The goal of the 485 Visa is to provide international students with additional time to live, work, and gain professional experience in Australia after graduation. This is also an important stepping stone for those who want to continue applying for skilled work visas or aim for permanent residency (PR).
Unlike Visa 500 (Student Visa), Visa 485 no longer has restrictions on working hours as during the study period. Holders of this visa can work full-time for any business in Australia (as long as they meet the visa conditions), and they also have the right to pursue further studies or participate in training courses if they wish.
Currently, the 485 Visa is considered one of the most popular options for international students after completing their undergraduate or postgraduate programs in Australia.
1.1. Who is the 485 Visa for?
Not all international students after graduation are eligible to apply for the 485 Visa. According to the regulations of the Australian Department of Home Affairs, this type of visa is for those who have completed their study program, meeting the duration requirements and are eligible to apply within the specified timeframe.
In general, the 485 Visa is suitable for the following groups:
- International students who have just completed their studies in Australia.
- Those holding a Student Visa (Subclass 500) or certain other eligible visas for transition.
- People who want to stay in Australia to find a job or gain work experience.
- People who plan to apply for a work visa or settle permanently in the future.
- People who want to enhance their professional skills before returning to their home country.
To qualify, candidates must simultaneously meet multiple criteria regarding age, English proficiency, study duration, visa status, and health and character requirements.
Note: Being awarded a graduation certificate does not guaranty the issuance of a 485 Visa. The application still has to go thru the review process of the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
Why do many international students choose the 485 Visa?
After graduation, many international students do not want to return to their home countries immediately because this is a favorable period to accumulate work experience in an international environment. Visa 485 offers many practical benefits such as:
- Have more time to live legally in Australia.
- Work full-time to accumulate practical experience.
- Increase income after graduation.
- Enhance professional qualifications and English language proficiency.
- Increase the chances of transitioning to skilled worker visas or residency visas if conditions are met.
For many employers in Australia, work experience immediately after graduation is also an important factor that helps candidates enhance their competitiveness in the job market.
1.2. How many types of Visa 485 are there?
From 2024, the Australian government has adjusted several programs under the 485 Visa as part of the immigration system reform. By 2026, the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) will include the following main visa streams:
Visa Type 485 | Target Group | Reference stay duration |
Post-Higher Education Work Stream | Graduates with a Bachelor, Master or Doctoral Degree in Australia | Depending on the level of study and current policies. |
Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream | Those who have completed their stay under the Post-Higher Education Work Stream, have studied and lived in a Regional area are eligible according to the regulations of the Australian Government | According to the regulations of the Australian Government |
Note: Previously, the 485 Visa included the Graduate Work Stream, however, the Australian Government has adjusted and replaced some programs during the visa system reform process. Those who need to apply for a 485 Visa should check the latest regulations at the time of application as policies may change.
Compare the types of Visa 485
Criteria | Post-Higher Education Work Stream | Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream |
Target | Graduated from university or higher | Already have a 485 Visa and meet Regional requirements |
Purpose | Post-study work | Extend the stay in the Regional area |
Main requirement | Complete the eligible study program | Meet the requirements for the place of study and residence |
Opportunity | Accumulating professional experience | Have more time to work and prepare immigration documents |
2. Latest conditions for applying for a 485 Visa in 2026
To be granted a 485 Visa, international students need to simultaneously meet several conditions regarding age, study duration, English proficiency, visa status, and health and character requirements. Preparing thoroughly from the beginning will help increase the chances of approval and reduce complications during the processing of the application.
Below are the important conditions you need to pay attention to
2.1. General conditions
Although each stream of the Visa 485 has its own specific requirements, applicants must meet the following basic conditions:
Age requirement
The applicant must be 35 years old or younger at the time of application. However, in some special cases such as holders of Hong Kong passports, British National (Overseas) status, or certain other specified individuals, different age limits may apply according to Australian Government policy.
Completed a qualifying course
Candidates must complete a course that is registered in the CRICOS (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students) system. In addition, the course must meet the Australian Study Requirement, which includes:
- A minimum study duration equivalent to 92 weeks (approximately 2 academic years).
- The actual study period in Australia is a minimum of 16 months.
- The program is taught in English.
Holding the appropriate type of visa
Usually, applicants need:
- To hold a Student Visa (Subclass 500) or certain eligible visas for transition.
- Submit the application while in Australia.
- Apply for the 485 Visa within the specified period after completing the course.
Note: If you submit your application after the allowed deadline, you may lose the opportunity to apply for the 485 Visa, even if you meet all other conditions.
Completed the course and received the results
Before submitting the application, students need to have their educational institution confirm the completion of their study program thru documents such as
- Completion Letter.
- Academic Transcript.
- Graduation certificate (if already issued).
These are mandatory documents to prove that you meet the academic requirements.
