Australia 485 Graduate Visa: Complete 2026 Guide
The moment you graduate from an Australian institution, the clock starts. The Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa is arguably the most important visa in the international student lifecycle — not because of what it lets you do immediately, but because of what it sets you up for.
In 2026, this visa has become more expensive, more scrutinised, and more strategically important than at any point in its history. Here is a comprehensive breakdown of what you need to know.
What Is the 485 Graduate Visa?
The Subclass 485 is a temporary visa that lets international graduates work in Australia after completing a qualifying course. It is designed as a bridge period — giving you time to gain Australian work experience, complete a skills assessment, build your PR points, and submit your Expression of Interest before transitioning to a permanent visa.
Without the 485 visa (or an equivalent skilled or employer-sponsored pathway), most graduates would need to leave Australia shortly after their course ends. The 485 changes that entirely: it gives you full work rights, no restrictions on hours or employers, and time to build the employment history that permanent residency pathways require.
The 2026 Fee Increase
On 1 March 2026, the Australian Government increased the 485 visa primary applicant fee to AUD $4,600 — up from AUD $2,300 in mid-2025, and more than double what it was prior to that. For secondary applicants (partners aged 18+), the fee is AUD $2,300. For children under 18, it is AUD $1,150.
This makes the Australian post-study work visa the most expensive in the world — more than 10 times the equivalent Canadian fee. It is a significant cost to factor into your study budget from the start.
Eligibility Requirements
Study Requirement
To qualify for the Post-Higher Education Work stream (the most common stream), you must have completed at least one degree, diploma, or trade qualification from a registered Australian institution within the last six months. The course must have been at least two years in duration (92 weeks) to be eligible.
Age
For the Post-Higher Education Work stream, you must be under 35 years of age at the time of application. An exception exists for graduates of a Master's by Research or PhD program, for whom the age limit is 50.
English Language
You must have functional English at the time of application. This typically means a recent English test result — IELTS 5.5 or equivalent.
How Long Does the 485 Visa Last?
The duration depends on what you studied and where you studied it:
- Bachelor degree (onshore study): 2 years
- Honours, Master's coursework, or Graduate Diploma (onshore study): 3 years
- Master's by Research or PhD: 4 years
- Any qualifying degree completed in a regional area: additional 1–2 years
The regional study extension is significant: if you studied in a designated regional area of Australia, you receive a longer 485 visa, which translates to more time to build your work experience and PR points.
Work Rights on the 485 Visa
Full, unlimited work rights. You can work for any employer, in any role, for any number of hours. This is unrestricted — which is the key difference from your student visa period where you were limited to 48 hours per fortnight.
Many graduates use the 485 period to work full-time in their qualified occupation (often at the same facility they did their placement), build a year or more of Australian work experience, and submit a skills assessment while simultaneously saving money for the next visa stage.
How to Use the 485 Period Strategically
Get Your Skills Assessment Done Immediately
Do not wait. Occupational skills assessments (ANMAC for nursing, TRA for trades, ACECQA for childcare, AITSL for teaching) can take 60–90 business days. You want a valid assessment in hand before you submit your Expression of Interest to SkillSelect. Some assessments also have specific employment documentation requirements that take time to gather.
Build Australian Work Experience Points
Australian work experience in your skilled occupation earns you PR points. One year earns you 5 points. Three years earns 15 points. Five or more years earns 20 points (combined with overseas experience, the maximum is capped at 20 points for work experience in total). These points can be the difference between receiving an invitation and waiting in the pool indefinitely.
Consider Your English Score
IELTS 8.0 in all bands earns you 20 PR points — compared to 10 points for IELTS 7.0. That 10-point gap is enormous in a competitive pool. If your score is currently at 7.0, sitting the IELTS or PTE again during your 485 period is one of the most efficient ways to improve your PR prospects.
Apply State Nomination or Regional Visa Early
State nomination (190 visa) adds 5 points to your EOI score. Regional nomination (491 visa) adds 15 points — and for occupations where the independent 189 threshold is above 90 points, those 15 points can be the difference between an invitation and a multi-year wait.
Gemini Migration has helped hundreds of graduates navigate the 485 visa and plan their route to PR. Our MARA-registered agents assess your current points, identify gaps, and build your pathway forward. Book your free consultation at geminieducation.com.au
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the 485 graduate visa cost in 2026?
The Subclass 485 visa application fee was increased to AUD $4,600 for primary applicants on 1 March 2026. Secondary applicants (partners) pay AUD $2,300 and children under 18 pay AUD $1,150. This fee is non-refundable once lodged.
What is the age limit for the 485 visa in Australia?
For the Post-Higher Education Work stream (bachelor's, master's, and graduate diplomas), the age limit is 35 at the time of application. For PhD and Master's by Research graduates, the limit is 50. If you are approaching a critical age boundary, timing your graduation and application is important.
Can I work anywhere in Australia on a 485 visa?
Yes. The 485 visa gives you unrestricted work rights — you can work for any employer in any location across Australia, for any number of hours. There are no limitations on work type or hours, which is a significant upgrade from your student visa work rights.
Does studying in a regional area affect my 485 visa?
Yes, positively. If you completed a qualifying degree in a designated regional area of Australia, you are eligible for a longer 485 visa — typically one to two additional years depending on the specific region and course. Regional study also gives you five extra PR points and access to the regional 491 visa pathway.
Can I apply for the 485 visa if my partner is also a graduate?
Yes. Your partner can be included as a secondary applicant on your 485 visa, paying the secondary applicant fee. Alternatively, if your partner also qualifies in their own right, they can apply separately. Including your partner as a secondary applicant may affect some visa conditions — check with a migration agent for your specific circumstances.
What happens after the 485 visa expires?
You would typically transition to either a skilled migration visa (189, 190, or 491) if you have received an EOI invitation, an employer-sponsored visa (482 or 186) if an employer is willing to sponsor you, or another eligible visa subclass. It is important to have your next visa lodged or invited before the 485 expires.
