What is the 485 Visa? Requirements, Cost & Duration 2026
The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) is a temporary Australian visa for eligible international students who have recently completed studies in Australia. It can allow eligible graduates to live, work and study in Australia after finishing their course.
What is the subclass 485 visa?
The subclass 485 visa is designed for eligible international graduates who have completed qualifying Australian studies. The visa has different streams, and the stream you qualify for depends on matters such as your qualification, occupation pathway and, for some applicants, regional study and residence.
It is a temporary visa. It is not itself a permanent residence visa, although some graduates later become eligible for other skilled, employer-sponsored or family visa pathways.
Main 485 visa streams and duration
| Stream | Who it is generally for | Indicative stay |
|---|---|---|
| Post-Vocational Education Work | Eligible graduates with an associate degree, diploma or trade qualification relevant to an eligible nominated occupation. | Up to 18 months. Different arrangements apply to some passport holders. |
| Post-Higher Education Work | Eligible graduates with a recent degree-level or higher qualification from a CRICOS-registered course. | Usually 2–3 years depending on the qualification. Different arrangements apply to some passport holders. |
| Second Post-Higher Education Work | Certain eligible 485 holders who studied and lived in a designated regional area. | Generally an additional 1–2 years depending on eligible regional circumstances. |
Basic 485 visa requirements
Eligibility depends on the stream and your individual circumstances. Home Affairs currently lists the following among the basic requirements for the subclass 485 visa:
- be 35 years of age or under when applying, unless an exception applies;
- hold an eligible visa;
- have held a Student visa in the previous 6 months;
- have a recent qualification from a CRICOS-registered course;
- apply under the stream for which you are eligible;
- provide the required evidence at the time of application;
- meet the relevant English language requirement;
- meet health and character requirements; and
- have evidence of adequate health insurance where required.
How much does a 485 visa cost?
The main applicant visa application charge is from AUD 5,750 as at September 2026. Additional applicant charges may apply for family members included in the application. Other costs can also arise, including health examinations, police certificates, biometrics (where required), English testing, skills assessment costs for relevant applicants and health insurance.
Australian visa charges can change. Before applying, check the Department of Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator for the current charge.
Can you work on a 485 visa?
The subclass 485 is intended to allow eligible graduates to live, work and study in Australia temporarily. Your actual visa conditions are shown on your visa grant notice and in VEVO, so those should always be checked.
Can family members be included?
Eligible members of the family unit may be included in, or in some circumstances join, a subclass 485 visa application. Family members must also meet relevant health and character requirements and appropriate visa application charges may apply.
Do you need health insurance for a 485 visa?
Adequate health insurance is an important part of the subclass 485 visa framework. Depending on the visa and conditions applying to you, you may need to hold and maintain adequate health insurance while in Australia. Many graduates move from Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) to a suitable Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) or worker health insurance product when transitioning from a Student visa to a 485 visa.
Compare 485 Visa Health Insurance
What should you compare when choosing 485 health insurance?
Do not compare premium alone. Look at whether the selected product is appropriate for your visa requirements, together with hospital cover, medical benefits, excess, waiting periods, pre-existing condition rules, pregnancy cover where relevant, pharmaceutical benefits, exclusions and policy limits.
Where should you check the official 485 visa rules?
Visa legislation and policy can change. For official and current visa information, use the Department of Home Affairs Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) page.