Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) is a temporary visa for eligible international students who have recently completed Australian study and want to continue living, working and studying in Australia.
Different streams apply according to the qualification completed and other circumstances. Visa Route Migration assists graduates with understanding the relevant post-study pathway, requirements, supporting evidence and application process where included in the agreed professional service.
Clear Advice, Personal Attention
Why Choose Us for Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
Visa Route Migration is led by Registered Migration Agent Rose Khangura, MARN 2619247. Her confirmed background includes practical experience with visa files, documentation and application preparation, supported by a Graduate Diploma in Migration Law & Practice from Victoria University.
Graduate visa circumstances can differ substantially depending on the qualification completed, immigration history, current visa position and the Subclass 485 stream being considered. The practice is built around individual assessment, understandable explanations and transparency about both opportunities and limitations rather than treating every application as the same.
Professional assistance can also be matched to the level of help required. Depending on the circumstances and agreed engagement, this may involve professional migration advice, a visa-options assessment, document or application review, assistance with a particular stage, broader application assistance or end-to-end support.
Visa Route Migration is based in Clyde North and assists clients throughout Australia, with remote assistance also available where appropriate. Rose can communicate with clients in English, Punjabi and Hindi, which may make detailed migration discussions easier for graduates who prefer one of these languages.
Temporary Graduate Visa Streams
The appropriate Subclass 485 stream depends on factors including the qualification completed and, for a second graduate visa, eligible regional study and residence. Current Home Affairs settings distinguish vocational, higher-education and eligible regional second-visa pathways.
Vocational Graduate Stream
Higher Education Stream
Regional Second Stream
Post-Vocational Education Work Stream
The Post-Vocational Education Work stream is intended for eligible international graduates with an associate degree, diploma or trade qualification that meets the relevant Subclass 485 requirements. The qualification must be relevant to the applicant’s nominated occupation on the applicable skilled occupation list. Home Affairs currently states that this stream can allow a stay of up to 18 months, with different arrangements applying to certain passport holders.
A skills assessment is an important distinction for this stream. Applicants need to deal with the relevant assessing authority for their nominated occupation, and Home Affairs requires evidence that the applicant has at least applied for the relevant skills assessment when lodging the visa application. Visa Route Migration can provide migration assistance with a Graduate Visa pathway where appropriate, with the precise professional scope depending on the applicant’s circumstances and engagement.
I had completed my degree and knew about the 485 visa, but I was not confident about which stream applied to me or what I needed to prepare. The information was explained in a way that helped me understand the differences between the visa streams and the requirements I needed to consider. I also appreciated that my circumstances were discussed individually rather than assuming every graduate has the same pathway.
485 Visa Streams
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️My qualification was at vocational level, and I had questions about how my occupation, qualification and skills assessment fitted into a Subclass 485 application. Visa Route Migration helped me understand the issues I needed to check and the evidence that could be relevant to my circumstances. Having the requirements broken down clearly made it much easier for me to see what needed attention before moving ahead with the application.
Skills Assessment Requirements
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️I was approaching the end of my current visa and was worried about getting the timing wrong after completing my studies. I wanted professional guidance rather than relying on the different answers I had found online. My visa position, qualification and next steps were discussed carefully, and I came away with a clearer understanding of what I needed to check and prepare. I valued receiving realistic information without being given promises about eligibility or the outcome.
Graduate Visa Timing
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️I had studied in regional Australia and wanted to understand whether the second Temporary Graduate visa could apply to me. There were several details I was unsure about, particularly how my study location and where I had lived after graduation affected the requirements. The discussion helped me understand the regional criteria I needed to consider and what evidence could become important when looking at the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream.
Regional Graduate Visa
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️One of my main concerns was how my partner and family circumstances fitted into my graduate visa plans. I did not want to assume that family members could simply be added without checking the requirements. Visa Route Migration helped me understand the points I needed to consider and what information would be relevant to my situation. The explanation was practical and gave me a much clearer idea of the questions that needed to be addressed before proceeding.
Family Visa Requirements
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️I had already prepared most of my Subclass 485 application myself but wanted professional help reviewing what I had done before taking the next step. I did not need someone to handle every part of the matter. Being able to discuss a more limited scope of assistance suited what I was looking for, and the review process helped me identify the areas I needed to check more carefully before finalising my application.
Application Review Support
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️I wanted broader assistance with my graduate visa because I was concerned about overlooking documents or misunderstanding an application requirement. Having support with the application and supporting information made the process easier for me to organise. I particularly valued having the requirements explained in straightforward language and knowing which information I was responsible for providing. The approach suited me because I wanted professional guidance while still understanding what was happening with my own application.
Graduate Visa Guidance
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️I had several questions about my graduate visa and found it easier to discuss some of the details in Punjabi. Being able to communicate in a language I was comfortable with helped me explain my circumstances and understand the migration information being discussed. I still received clear explanations of the Subclass 485 issues that were relevant to me, and I appreciated being able to ask questions without feeling that I had to understand all the migration terminology first.
Punjabi Migration Support
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Temporary Graduate Visa Questions
Who is the Subclass 485 visa for?
The Temporary Graduate Visa is intended for eligible international students who have recently completed Australian study and want to remain temporarily to live, work and study. Current basic eligibility includes requirements concerning age, visa history, recent CRICOS-registered study, the appropriate stream and supporting evidence. Individual circumstances still need to be checked against the current requirements.
Which 485 stream should I apply for?
Your qualification and circumstances determine the relevant stream. The Post-Vocational Education Work stream generally relates to eligible associate degree, diploma or trade qualifications, while the Post-Higher Education Work stream relates to eligible degree-level or higher qualifications. A Second Post-Higher Education Work stream is available in specific regional circumstances.
What is the current age requirement?
Home Affairs currently states that applicants generally need to be 35 years of age or under when applying for a Temporary Graduate visa, although exceptions apply in specified circumstances. Because age eligibility can depend on factors such as the stream, qualification and passport held, it should be checked against the current rules before an application is prepared.
Do I need a skills assessment?
A skills assessment is relevant to the Post-Vocational Education Work stream. Home Affairs states that applicants in this stream need a qualification relevant to their nominated occupation and must provide the required skills-assessment evidence. A skills assessment is not required for the Post-Higher Education Work stream.
Can I change my 485 stream after applying?
No. Home Affairs currently states that an applicant must apply under the stream for which they are eligible and cannot change streams after the application has been made. Identifying the appropriate stream before lodgement is therefore an important part of preparing a Subclass 485 application.
Can family members be included?
Subclass 485 arrangements allow eligible family members to be included, subject to the applicable requirements. Home Affairs also provides for family members to apply as subsequent entrants in relevant circumstances. The correct approach can depend on when the family member is being included and the family's individual situation.
What documents might I need?
Required evidence depends on the stream and individual circumstances. Common areas can include identity, study and qualification evidence, health insurance, character information and family documents where applicable. Post-Vocational applicants may also need skills-assessment evidence, while applicants for the regional second stream need evidence relating to qualifying regional study and residence.
How long can a 485 visa last?
Current Home Affairs information states that the Post-Vocational Education Work stream generally allows a stay of up to 18 months, while the Post-Higher Education Work stream is usually between two and three years depending on the qualification. The Second Post-Higher Education Work stream can provide between one and two additional years depending on eligible regional circumstances. Exceptions apply to some applicants.
How long will my application take?
Processing times vary. Home Affairs provides a visa processing time guide based on recently decided applications and makes clear that the published information is only a guide, not a timeframe for an individual application. Processing can also be affected when information is incomplete, additional information is required or details need to be verified.
What does a Subclass 485 application cost?
Government visa application charges apply and can change, with different charges applying to the first and second graduate visa streams. Other expenses may also arise depending on the application. Visa Route Migration does not currently publish professional-service fees, so applicable professional costs should be discussed directly based on the assistance required.
Can I get help with only part of my application?
Yes, depending on the matter and agreed professional scope. Visa Route Migration can provide limited-scope assistance such as document or application review, professional advice or help with a particular application stage. Broader or end-to-end application assistance may also be available where agreed. Not every client needs or receives the same level of service.
What if my current visa is approaching expiry?
Timing can be important because current Subclass 485 eligibility includes visa-history requirements and applications must be made within the applicable eligibility framework. Visa Route Migration can consider time-sensitive matters individually, but does not guarantee urgent acceptance or a particular outcome. If your current visa is approaching expiry, seeking guidance early can help clarify what needs to be checked.
Do you help with course or university selection?
Visa Route Migration focuses on Australian migration and visa assistance. It is not positioned as an education agency, study-abroad service or course-placement provider. Assistance relating to graduates is focused on migration matters such as Graduate Visa pathways rather than choosing a course, securing university admission or arranging enrolment.
Phone Number
0450 337 213
Business Location
4 Handsome Ave, Clyde North VIC 3978, Australia
E-Mail ID
[email protected]Discuss Your Graduate Visa Options
If you have completed or are close to completing Australian study and need help understanding your Subclass 485 options, complete the enquiry form to arrange a free initial consultation. Visa Route Migration can discuss the general nature of your situation, what you need help with and possible next steps. A detailed eligibility assessment or application advice may require formal professional engagement, depending on your circumstances.
Post-Higher Education Work Stream
The Post-Higher Education Work stream is for eligible international students who have recently completed a degree-level or higher qualification through a CRICOS-registered course. Unlike the Post-Vocational stream, applicants in this stream do not need a skills assessment to support the Subclass 485 application. Current Home Affairs information states that the visa usually permits a stay of between two and three years depending on the qualification, with separate arrangements applying in specified circumstances.
Eligibility is not determined by having an Australian degree alone. Current Subclass 485 requirements also include matters such as age, eligible visa history, the Australian study requirements and evidence that must be provided with the application. Visa Route Migration can assist graduates with understanding the migration requirements relevant to their circumstances and with application-related work where included in the agreed professional engagement.
Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream
The Second Post-Higher Education Work stream provides an additional temporary graduate visa option for certain graduates connected with designated regional Australia. It is intended for eligible holders of a first Temporary Graduate visa in the relevant higher-education stream who completed the qualifying degree through an Australian institution in an eligible designated regional area.
Regional residence is also central to this stream. Home Affairs currently requires eligible applicants to have lived in a designated regional area for at least two years immediately before applying, together with other applicable requirements. The additional stay can generally be one or two years depending on the regional classification of the relevant study and residence locations.
Regional eligibility can involve more than simply checking whether an applicant currently lives outside a major city. Study location, residence history, the first Temporary Graduate visa and the relevant regional classifications all need to be considered. Applicants exploring a second graduate visa can seek professional assistance to understand how these requirements relate to their individual circumstances and what supporting evidence may be required.
Which 485 Stream May Apply?
| Stream | Typical Starting Point | Key Distinction |
|---|---|---|
| Post-Vocational Education Work | Associate degree, diploma or trade qualification | Occupation-related qualification and skills assessment evidence |
| Post-Higher Education Work | Degree-level or higher qualification | No skills assessment required for this stream |
| Second Post-Higher Education Work | Eligible first graduate visa holder with regional study | Regional study and residence requirements apply |
Before You Move Ahead With a Subclass 485
A few details are worth having clear before you prepare or review a Temporary Graduate Visa application.
Start With Your Study Details
Have your CRICOS-registered study and qualification details ready. The qualification you completed is a key starting point for identifying the relevant 485 stream, but it is not the only eligibility factor.
Check Your Current Visa Position Early
Your immigration history and current visa position can affect how a graduate visa matter needs to be assessed. If your current visa is approaching expiry, seek guidance early rather than leaving the timing check until the end.
Vocational Graduates: Plan the Skills Assessment
For the Post-Vocational Education Work stream, the qualification must relate to the nominated occupation. Evidence that the relevant skills assessment has at least been applied for is required when lodging the visa application.
Regional Eligibility Needs a Residence History
The Second Post-Higher Education Work stream involves more than simply living outside a major city now. Your study location, residence history, first graduate visa and the relevant regional classifications all need to be considered.
Mention Family Members From the Outset
Eligible family members may be included, or may apply later as subsequent entrants in relevant circumstances. The appropriate approach can depend on when a family member is being included and your individual family situation.
Keep Information Accurate and Up to Date
During a Subclass 485 matter, provide complete and accurate information, review documents carefully, supply requested evidence within required timeframes and promptly advise Visa Route Migration if your circumstances change.
Seeking Professional Assistance
What Happens When You Enquire About a Subclass 485?
The assistance you need will depend on your circumstances. A Temporary Graduate Visa enquiry may begin with a general discussion and, where further professional work is appropriate, move into an agreed scope of assistance.
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Tell Us What You Need Help With
Your enquiry provides a starting point for understanding your graduate visa question, your current situation and the type of assistance you are seeking.
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Discuss Your Circumstances
Relevant circumstances can be discussed, including your immigration history where applicable, your goals, concerns and the Subclass 485 issues that need to be considered.
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Clarify the General Next Steps
The initial discussion can help identify the general nature of the matter, potentially relevant visa considerations and what may need to happen next.
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Provide Further Information Where Needed
Supporting information or documents may be requested where appropriate so that the matter can be considered further and the type of professional assistance required can be identified.
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Agree on the Scope of Assistance
If you decide to proceed and professional engagement is appropriate, the scope is agreed according to your circumstances and needs. This may be limited assistance or broader application support.
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Receive the Agreed Professional Help
Depending on the engagement, assistance may include a visa-options assessment, document or application review, application preparation, organising supporting evidence, lodgement or guidance through relevant application steps.
This is a general guide to how assistance may progress. The exact steps and professional scope can differ according to the individual Subclass 485 matter.
Different Migration Question?
Is Your Enquiry About a Different Visa Pathway?
This page focuses on the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485). If your main question relates to another migration pathway, the dedicated service page may be a clearer starting point.
Study-Related Enquiry
Student Visa (Subclass 500)
If your enquiry concerns Student Visa requirements rather than a post-study Temporary Graduate Visa matter, continue to the dedicated Student Visa page.
Explore Student Visa 500Separate Skilled Pathway
Skilled Migration Visas
If your main enquiry concerns a skilled migration pathway such as Subclass 189, 190 or 491 rather than the Subclass 485 itself, start with the Skilled Migration Visas section.
Explore Skilled Migration VisasEmployer-Sponsored Enquiry
Employer-Sponsored Visas
If your question primarily concerns an employer-sponsored visa pathway rather than a Temporary Graduate Visa application, use the dedicated Employer-Sponsored Visas section.
Explore Employer-Sponsored VisasThese links help you find the most relevant service information. They do not determine visa eligibility, which depends on the applicable requirements and individual circumstances.