At The Visa Trail, we understand that completing your studies in Australia is a significant milestone. For many international graduates, the next logical step is to gain practical work experience or begin the journey toward permanent residency. The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) allows eligible graduates to stay in Australia temporarily to live, work, and enhance their skills after graduation.

We support graduates across all disciplines in identifying the correct visa stream, preparing a complete and accurate application, and planning their next migration steps with confidence.

As of July 1, 2024, the Subclass 485 visa comprises three distinct streams:

1. Post-Vocational Education Work Stream

This stream is for graduates who have completed an:

• Associate degree
• Diploma
• Trade qualification

To be eligible:

• Your qualification must be closely related to an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
• You must obtain a positive skills assessment in your nominated occupation

Visa validity: Up to 18 months

2. Post-Higher Education Work Stream

This stream is available to graduates who have completed a Bachelor’s degree or higher (e.g., Master’s, PhD) from a CRICOS-registered Australian institution.

To apply under this stream:

• No nominated occupation or skills assessment is required
• You must meet the Australian study requirement
• Your qualification must be completed within the last 6 months

Visa validity:

• 2 years for Bachelor’s or Master’s by Coursework
• 3 years for Master’s by Research
• 4 years for Doctoral (PhD) graduates

3. Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream

This stream is an extension for graduates who:

• Previously held a Subclass 485 visa under the Post-Higher Education stream, and
• Completed their studies and lived in a designated regional area of Australia for at least two years prior to lodging the visa

Visa validity:

An additional 1 to 2 years depending on the region where you lived and studied.

Graduate Visa Eligibility Review

Eligibility for the 485 visa depends on several factors, including age, study history, qualifications, and visa history.

To be eligible for any of the Subclass 485 visa streams, you must:

• Be under 35 years of age at the time of application (unless applying as a PhD graduate)
• Hold a valid visa (e.g., Subclass 500) or have held one recently
• Apply within 6 months of completing your course
• Meet the Australian Study Requirement (minimum two academic years of study in Australia)
• Provide evidence of English language proficiency (unless exempt)
• Meet health and character requirements
• Maintain adequate health insurance for the duration of your stay

English requirements for 485 Temporary Graduate Visa

• The minimum English score required for 485 visas increases from IELTS 6.0 to 6.5 (or equivalent), and the score for each skill (listening, reading, writing and speaking) can’t be under 5.5.
• The test validity window is reduced from 3 years to 1 year only. This means that you must achieve the required test scores within 1 year prior to the day you lodge your 485 visa application.
• The new rule for 485 English requirements doesn’t apply to Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders. This means that the applicants from these regions only need to obtain an IELTS overall of 6.0, with no band score under 5.0, to be eligible for a 485 visa.

What English language tests are accepted for the 485 visa application?

The Department of Home Affair only accepts the following language tests:

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
• Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE)
• Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based test (TOEFL iBT)
• Cambridge English: Advanced test (CAE)
• Occupational English Test (OET)

What is specific score required for each English test?

Below is the minimum test score required for each component of the English test.

English Requirements for 485 Visa for Hong Kong and British National (Overseas) Passport Holders

At The Visa Trail, we don’t just help you lodge a graduate visa—we guide you in building a long-term migration plan tailored to your personal and professional goals.

We simplify the transition from student to graduate visa holder, helping you gain valuable Australian work experience while preparing for your next visa pathway. Let us guide you on your migration journey.