What is the Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485)?
The Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) lets international students who have recently finished an Australian qualification stay on to live, work, and study for a while. For a lot of graduates it is the step between finishing study and building the Australian work experience that skilled migration needs.
The 485 visa fee in 2026
From 1 July 2026 the Subclass 485 fee went up from AUD $4,600 to AUD $5,750. Like all visa charges it is not refunded, so it pays to apply correctly and on time. Our 2026 visa fee changes guide has the full list.
The two streams
1. Post-Higher Education Work stream
For graduates of an Australian Bachelor, Master, or Doctoral degree. This is the common stream for university graduates.
2. Graduate Work stream
For graduates whose skills are in occupations Australia needs. It usually suits diploma and trade-qualified graduates whose occupation is on the relevant list and who get a positive skills assessment.
Who is eligible in 2026
- Be under 35 when you apply, though a few Masters by research and Doctoral graduates are exempt
- Have held an eligible student visa in the last 6 months
- Meet the Australian study requirement, which is a CRICOS-registered course of at least 2 academic years
- Meet the English requirement, usually IELTS 6.0 overall or equivalent, with minimum band scores
- Hold health insurance and meet the health and character requirements
How long the 485 visa lasts
The length depends on your qualification and where you studied.
- Bachelor degree: up to 2 years
- Master degree: 2 to 3 years
- Doctoral degree: up to 3 years
- Regional study: if you study and live in an eligible regional area, including parts of South Australia, you may get another 1 to 2 years
How the 485 fits your PR plan
The 485 gives you full work rights, and that lets you:
- Build Australian work experience, which is worth points for skilled migration
- Do a Professional Year for 5 extra migration points. See our Professional Year guide
- Get a skills assessment based on Australian experience
- Line up employer sponsorship toward a Skills in Demand or ENS visa
Frequently asked questions
How much is the 485 visa fee in 2026?
The Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) fee is AUD $5,750 from 1 July 2026.
What is the age limit for the 485 visa?
You generally need to be under 35 when you apply, though some Masters by research and Doctoral graduates are exempt.
Can I apply for PR while on a 485 visa?
Yes. The 485 is a temporary visa, but the work experience and points you build on it are exactly what most permanent residency pathways ask for.
Make the most of your post-study time
At Suvaansh Educational Services in Adelaide we help graduates lodge the 485 correctly and plan the smartest route from graduation to permanent residency. Book a free consultation today.