Pathways / Subclass 485

Not permanent residency

Temporary Graduate visa

The post-study visa that buys you time to build a real PR case.

The 485 is not a permanent visa and does not lead to one on its own. What it does is give recent graduates two to three years of full work rights - time to gain Australian skilled experience, get a skills assessment, lift an English score and qualify for state nomination. Used deliberately it is powerful; drifted through, it expires with nothing gained.

Watch for thisAge is assessed at the date the Department receives your application. Graduates turning 35 should apply immediately rather than waiting for a testamur.
Grants
2 to 3 years temporary
Age limit
Under 35 for most (up to 49 for PhD and some passport holders)
Fee
Around AUD 5,750 from July 2026
Streams
Post-Higher Education Work, Post-Vocational Education Work
Leads to
Nothing automatically - you must build a case

What you need

  • Have completed a CRICOS-registered qualification meeting the Australian study requirement.
  • Apply within 6 months of course completion.
  • Be under the age limit at the date of application, not at graduation.
  • Hold or have recently held an eligible student visa.
  • Meet English and health insurance requirements.

How it works, step by step

  1. Apply promptly - the six-month window and the age cut-off are both strict.
  2. Immediately start your skills assessment; do not wait until year two.
  3. Get skilled work in your nominated occupation, not just any job.
  4. Sit English tests early and retake for Proficient or Superior.
  5. Track state nomination programs from month one.

Strengths

  • Full work rights
  • Time to build Australian experience worth up to 20 points
  • Access to state nomination programs favouring local graduates

Trade-offs

  • Temporary and non-renewable in most cases
  • Age limit dropped to 35
  • Expensive
  • Expires with nothing if you do not act
Where this leadsThis visa is a step, not the destination. The usual next move is the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190).
Check whether this fits you →

Registered migration agents

We are building a directory of MARN-registered agents and immigration lawyers. Listings are checked against the public register before they appear.

How the directory works

Placement shown on the subclass 485 page.

General information, not migration advice. myPRJourney summarises publicly available information about Australian visas so you can understand your options. It does not assess your case, and it is not a substitute for advice from a registered migration agent (MARN) or Australian legal practitioner. Migration rules, occupation lists, income thresholds and state nomination criteria change frequently and sometimes without notice. This page was last reviewed on 21 July 2026. Always confirm current requirements directly with the Department of Home Affairs at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.