Completed eligible course
CRICOS-registered course of at least 2 academic years (92 weeks). Australian study requirement met.
Post-Study Work · Course Completion · Stream Selection
Student visa to 485. The graduate pathway.
The Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa lets eligible international students stay in Australia to work after graduation. Timing, stream choice, and compliance history all matter. Our education specialist Vishal Sharma manages these transitions.
Core 485 eligibility
Four requirements.
Every 485 application is assessed against these four.
Within 6 months of completion
485 application lodged within 6 months of course completion date (date specified by institution).
Student visa compliance
Compliance with student visa conditions throughout study period, especially condition 8105.
Age, English, health, character
Under 35 (50 for Hong Kong passport holders). Competent English. Health and character requirements met.
Stream selection
Which 485 stream applies?
The 485 has multiple streams, each with different durations and eligibility.
Post-Study Work streamMost common. For Bachelor, Masters, or Doctoral graduates. 2-6 year stay depending on qualification. See PSW stream guide.
Graduate Work streamFor trade and vocational graduates. Requires skills assessment. 18-month stay typical.
Second Post-Study Work streamRegional extension for applicants who studied at a regional institution. Additional stay period.
Replacement streamFor previous 485 holders whose circumstances qualify for replacement. Limited eligibility.
Timing strategy
Three timing considerations.
When you lodge the 485 affects the outcome and follow-on opportunities.
Course completion date
The 6-month window starts on the completion date set by the institution. Lodge within this window.
Post-completion work
Many graduates work during the 6-month window before lodging. Income helps financial capacity for later applications.
Regional bonus pathway
Studying at regional institution opens Second PSW stream. Factor into study location decision years earlier.
The 485 fee doubled to $4,600 in 2024-2025.
The Subclass 485 application charge rose significantly in recent reforms. Budget for this cost. See fee change guide. Timing your application to maximise the pathway value matters more with the higher fee.
Common questions
The questions we hear most.
For 485 transitions, book with Vishal Sharma.
Can I apply for 485 from outside Australia?
Yes. 485 is available to eligible graduates whether they remain in Australia or have departed. Specific rules for each stream.
Does my student visa expire before 485 is granted?
Usually. Bridging visa bridges the gap. Work rights typically continue on the bridging visa.
Can I change course after applying for 485?
No. 485 is a post-study visa based on completed course. Changes to the completed course do not apply.
What if I fail part of my course?
Depends on whether you ultimately complete the course and by when. Speak to the institution and an agent about the specific situation.
Some information on this page has been sourced from the Department of Home Affairs and has been interpreted and approved by Principal Migration Agent Sourabh Aggarwal (MARN 1462159). Last reviewed: May 2026.