The Temporary Graduate Visa Australia, also known as the subclass 485 visa, allows eligible international students who have recently completed an Australian qualification to remain in Australia temporarily to live, work and study. It can provide valuable time to gain Australian work experience after graduation and explore future visa options.
For international students planning to build a career in Australia, understanding the Temporary Graduate Visa Australia requirements before choosing a course is important.
This guide explains the major subclass 485 streams, eligibility requirements, stay periods, work rights, application process and important considerations for graduates in 2026.
What Is Temporary Graduate Visa Australia?
The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) is a temporary Australian visa for eligible international students who have recently completed studies in Australia.
Depending on the stream, graduates may be able to:
- Live in Australia temporarily
- Work without the restrictions that applied to their Student visa
- Study in Australia
- Travel to and from Australia while the visa is valid
- Include eligible family members
- Gain Australian work experience after completing their qualification
The current subclass 485 program includes the Post-Vocational Education Work stream, Post-Higher Education Work stream and Second Post-Higher Education Work stream.
The correct stream depends largely on the qualification you completed and your circumstances.
What Are the Temporary Graduate Visa Australia Streams?
1. Post-Vocational Education Work Stream
The Post-Vocational Education Work stream is generally designed for graduates who have completed an eligible associate degree, diploma or trade qualification.
Your qualification must be relevant to an occupation on the applicable skilled occupation list, and you must meet the relevant requirements for your nominated occupation.
This stream can be particularly relevant to international students completing vocational or trade-related studies in Australia.
Stay period: Up to 18 months in the standard circumstances.
Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders may have different arrangements and can potentially stay for up to five years.
2. Post-Higher Education Work Stream
The Post-Higher Education Work stream is designed for international students who have completed an eligible degree-level qualification or higher from an Australian institution.
Eligible qualifications can include:
- Bachelor degrees
- Masters degrees
- Doctoral degrees
The length of stay depends on the qualification and applicable rules. Under current arrangements, the standard stay period is generally two to three years, although specific qualification and nationality arrangements can result in different periods.
For example, current government information identifies standard periods of:
- Bachelor degree: 2 years
- Master’s by coursework: 2 years
- Master’s by research: 3 years
- PhD: 3 years
Certain arrangements for Indian nationals under the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement provide different periods.
3. Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream
The Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream can provide an additional period of temporary stay to eligible graduates who studied and lived in designated regional areas.
Generally, applicants must have held a first Temporary Graduate visa in the relevant stream, completed the qualifying degree at an eligible regional institution and lived in a designated regional area for at least two years immediately before applying.
The additional stay period can be one or two years, depending on the applicable regional location and circumstances. This makes regional study and residence an important consideration for students thinking beyond graduation.
Who Is Eligible for the Temporary Graduate Visa Australia?
The basic eligibility requirements depend on the stream, but the Department of Home Affairs states that applicants generally must:
- Be aged 35 or under when applying, subject to exceptions
- Hold an eligible visa
- Have held an Australian Student visa within the previous six months
- Have recently completed an eligible qualification
- Have studied a CRICOS-registered course where required
- Apply for the appropriate stream
- Provide the required evidence
- Meet applicable health and character requirements
Masters by research and doctoral graduates, as well as certain Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders, can be eligible under different age provisions, including an age limit of under 50 in specified circumstances.
Because eligibility can depend on your qualification, course, visa history and circumstances, students should assess their subclass 485 pathway before completing their studies.
How Long Can You Stay on a Temporary Graduate Visa?
The Temporary Graduate Visa Australia stay period depends on the stream and qualification.
| Stream | Typical stay period |
| Post-Vocational Education Work | Up to 18 months |
| Post-Higher Education Work | Generally 2–3 years |
| Second Post-Higher Education Work | Generally 1–2 additional years |
These are general indications rather than a guarantee of the period an individual applicant will receive. Nationality-specific arrangements and other exceptions may apply.
What Are the Work Rights on Subclass 485?
One of the main advantages of the Temporary Graduate Visa Australia is the ability to work in Australia temporarily after completing your studies.
The subclass 485 allows eligible graduates to live, work and study in Australia temporarily. Unlike the Student visa, graduates can use this period to focus more extensively on gaining professional experience.
For many graduates, Australian work experience can also become an important part of a longer-term career and migration strategy. However, holding a subclass 485 does not automatically lead to permanent residency.
Graduates need to independently meet the requirements of any future visa they intend to pursue.
Can You Bring Your Family on a Temporary Graduate Visa?
Eligible Temporary Graduate visa holders can include members of their family, subject to the relevant requirements.
The Department of Home Affairs confirms that family members can be included under the subclass 485 arrangements, and eligible family members may also apply as subsequent entrants in relevant circumstances.
Applicants should check the current requirements carefully because family-member eligibility, documentation and application arrangements can differ depending on the circumstances.
How to Apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa Australia
A typical application process involves several stages.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
First, confirm that your qualification, Student visa history, age and other circumstances satisfy the requirements of the appropriate subclass 485 stream.
Step 2: Identify the Correct Stream
Choosing the correct stream is critical because applicants must apply for the appropriate stream and cannot simply switch streams after submitting the application.
Step 3: Prepare Supporting Documents
Depending on your circumstances, you may need evidence relating to:
- Identity
- Australian study and qualification
- Visa history
- English language requirements, where applicable
- Health insurance
- Health examinations
- Character requirements
- Family members
- Skills assessment or nominated occupation, where required
Step 4: Submit the Application
Eligible applicants generally apply online through the Australian immigration system. Make sure documents and information are accurate and consistent before submission.
Step 5: Monitor the Application
After submitting the application, respond to any requests from the Department of Home Affairs within the specified timeframe.
What Should Students Do Before Applying?
Planning for a Temporary Graduate Visa Australia should ideally begin before graduation, rather than after receiving your final qualification.
Students should consider:
- Whether their qualification is eligible for the relevant stream
- Whether their age will affect future eligibility
- Whether their occupation is relevant to the applicable skilled occupation requirements
- Whether regional study could be relevant to their longer-term plans
- English language requirements
- Health insurance requirements
- Potential skilled or employer-sponsored pathways after graduation
This is especially important because Australia’s migration framework can change over time.
For students considering Australia, it is also useful to understand the broader study in Australia pathway and how course selection can affect post-study options.
Does the Temporary Graduate Visa Lead to PR?
The Temporary Graduate Visa Australia is not a permanent residency visa.
However, the period after graduation can allow eligible graduates to gain Australian work experience and explore other visa options. Depending on their occupation, skills, experience, location and other factors, graduates may later consider options such as skilled, employer-sponsored or regional visa pathways.
Eligibility for these pathways is assessed separately. There is no automatic transition from subclass 485 to permanent residency.
Also read: Study in Australia in 2026: Complete Guide for International Students
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Temporary Graduate Visa in Australia?
The duration depends on the stream and qualification. The Post-Vocational Education Work stream generally allows up to 18 months, while the Post-Higher Education Work stream generally provides two to three years. Eligible regional graduates may qualify for an additional one or two years under the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream.
What age can I apply for the subclass 485 visa?
The standard age requirement is 35 or under when applying, although exceptions apply. Certain Master’s by research and doctoral graduates and eligible Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders can qualify under different age provisions.
Can I work full-time on a Temporary Graduate Visa?
The subclass 485 allows eligible graduates to work in Australia. Your exact visa conditions should always be checked through VEVO and your visa grant information.
Can I study on a subclass 485 visa?
Yes. The Temporary Graduate Visa allows eligible holders to live, work and study temporarily in Australia.
Can I get PR after a Temporary Graduate Visa?
A subclass 485 does not guarantee permanent residency. However, graduates may explore other skilled, regional or employer-sponsored visa options if they separately meet the applicable requirements.
Disclaimer: All information is provided as a general guide only and does not constitute legal advice. It is important to note that immigration policies and operational practices are subject to sudden and unexpected changes.
Plan Your Post-Study Pathway Carefully
The Temporary Graduate Visa Australia can give eligible international graduates valuable time to work, develop professional experience and consider their next immigration option. But the right strategy starts much earlier than the visa application itself.
Your course, qualification level, occupation, location, age, English proficiency and future career plans can all influence your available options.
If you are planning to study in Australia or are approaching graduation, getting your profile assessed early can help you understand which subclass 485 stream may apply to you and what options could potentially follow.
eduaid provides personalised course, admission and visa guidance, along with post-study migration support. The team includes MARA-Registered Migration Agents in Australia and supports students throughout their study and migration journey.