If you are an international student planning to stay back in Australia after completing your studies, understanding the eligibility for 485 visa is one of the most important steps in your migration journey. The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) allows graduates to live, work, and gain valuable Australian experience—but only if all eligibility conditions are met precisely.
This in-depth guide breaks down 485 visa eligibility, explains every requirement clearly, highlights common mistakes, and answers the most searched questions—so you can confidently assess your temporary graduate visa eligibility and plan your next move in Australia.
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) is designed for international students who have recently completed an eligible qualification in Australia. It lets graduates remain in Australia temporarily to gain work experience, improve employability, and potentially prepare for permanent residency pathways.
There are two main streams under this visa, and eligibility differs slightly for each—making it essential to understand which stream applies to you before checking your eligibility for a graduate visa.
This stream is for students who completed a higher education degree (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD) in Australia.
This stream is for graduates with skills related to occupations on Australia’s skilled occupation list.
Your visa 485 eligibility depends on the stream you apply for, so let’s break down the criteria step by step.
Before looking at stream-specific conditions, every applicant must meet these non-negotiable eligibility for 485 visa requirements.
You must be under 35 years of age at the time of application (some exemptions apply for select qualifications and cohorts).
You must hold:
A qualifying bridging visa linked to a student visa
To meet temporary graduate subclass 485 visa eligibility, you must:
Have studied in Australia for at least 2 academic years (92 weeks)
Complete the study within 16 calendar months
Undertake the study in English
This is one of the most common refusal points if misunderstood.
Your qualification plays a central role in temporary graduate visa eligibility.
Bachelor’s degree
Bachelor (Honours)
Master’s by coursework
Master’s by research
Doctoral degree (PhD)
Certain diplomas and trade qualifications (Graduate Work stream)
The qualification must be:
CRICOS-registered
Completed at an Australian institution
Closely aligned with your chosen stream
You may be eligible if:
You completed a higher education degree
Your first student visa was granted after 5 November 2011
You apply within 6 months of course completion
Work Rights:
Full-time, unrestricted work rights.
Visa Duration (Indicative):
Bachelor’s degree: 2–4 years
Master’s degree: 3–5 years
PhD: 4–6 years
Duration depends on qualification level and location of study.
To meet eligibility for graduate visa under this stream:
Your qualification must be closely related to an occupation on the skilled occupation list
You must obtain a positive skills assessment
Your course must be vocational or trade-based
Work Rights:
Full-time work, but aligned with skilled employment goals.
English proficiency is mandatory for visa 485 eligibility.
Accepted tests include:
IELTS
PTE Academic
TOEFL iBT
OET
Cambridge C1 Advanced
Minimum scores vary by test but must be valid at the time of application.
Tip: Always check test validity dates—expired English results are a frequent cause of refusal.
Meeting health and character standards is essential for temporary graduate subclass 485 visa eligibility.
Undergo medical examinations if requested
Hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) or equivalent
Provide police clearance certificates
Declare any prior visa refusals or breaches honestly
One of the strictest aspects of eligibility for 485 visas is the application timeframe.
You must apply within 6 months of:
Course completion date (not graduation ceremony date)
Missing this deadline means losing eligibility entirely.
Many students lose their eligibility for 485 visas simply because their student visa expires before they complete their course or lodge the application on time. In such situations, applying for a student visa extension in Australia can help you maintain lawful status, complete your studies, and remain eligible for the Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485.
Common refusal reasons include:
Incorrect course completion dates
Failure to meet Australian Study Requirement
Invalid English test results
Wrong stream selection
Missing health insurance
Incomplete documentation
Yes. If you meet eligibility for graduate visa, you may include:
Spouse or de facto partner
Dependent children
They receive full work and study rights during the visa period.
Although not a PR visa, meeting 485 visa eligibility can strengthen your long-term migration plan by:
Gaining Australian work experience
Improving points for skilled migration
Meeting employer sponsorship requirements
Enhancing occupation relevance
Use this quick checklist to self-assess your eligibility for 485 visa:
✔ Under age limit
✔ Completed eligible Australian qualification
✔ Met Australian Study Requirement
✔ Applied within 6 months
✔ Valid English test
✔ Correct visa stream selected
✔ Health cover arranged
✔ Character requirements met
If all boxes are ticked, your temporary graduate visa eligibility is strong.
To meet the eligibility for 485 visa, you must be under the age limit, complete an eligible Australian qualification, meet the Australian Study Requirement, and apply within six months of course completion.
No. A skills assessment is required only for the Graduate Work stream. Applicants under the Post-Study Work stream do not need a skills assessment to meet temporary graduate visa eligibility.
No. To satisfy visa 485 eligibility, you must be physically present in Australia when you lodge your Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485 application.
Yes. Excessive offshore or online study may impact your temporary graduate subclass 485 visa eligibility, especially if it affects the Australian Study Requirement or study duration in Australia.
No. The Temporary Graduate Visa is not a permanent visa, but it helps you build eligibility for graduate visa pathways such as skilled migration or employer-sponsored permanent residency.
Understanding the eligibility for 485 visas is more than ticking boxes—it’s about timing, accuracy, and long-term planning. With strict deadlines and detailed requirements, even small mistakes can cost you this opportunity.
If you meet the temporary graduate subclass 485 visa eligibility, this visa can be your gateway to valuable Australian experience and future PR pathways. Plan early, document carefully, and choose the right stream to make the most of your post-study journey.
