The graduate visa (Temporary Graduate, subclass 485) is one of the most frequent questions among those thinking of studying in Australia. It is worth understanding it well before you start, because it is a temporary visa with specific requirements and because it does not guarantee any outcome. In this guide we explain it honestly, without promises, so you can make informed decisions. Remember to always verify the information in force on the official site: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
What the subclass 485 is
The subclass 485 is a temporary visa from the Government of Australia that, in certain cases and if all the requirements are met, may allow someone who has completed eligible studies at an Australian institution to remain in the country for a time to work, gain experience or further their education.
The key word is temporary: it has a limited duration and specific conditions. Each application is assessed individually and the decision to grant it rests exclusively with the Department of Home Affairs. We do not take part in that decision nor can we influence it.
What the 485 visa is NOT
To avoid mistaken expectations, it is important to be clear about what this visa is not:
- It is not a permanent residency. It is a temporary visa; having the 485 does not mean staying to live indefinitely in Australia.
- It is not automatic. It is not obtained simply by finishing a course: you must apply for it and meet the requirements the Government sets at any given time.
- It is not for everyone. It is only considered for profiles and studies that meet the official eligibility criteria.
- It is not a guaranteed pathway to any other visa. We do not promise —nor should anyone promise— that this visa leads to another one or to residency.
General indicative requirements
Broadly speaking, and for guidance only, the Government usually considers factors such as the following. This is not a closed legal list and the exact requirements are set and updated by the Government itself:
- Having completed an eligible qualification or studies at an Australian institution.
- Meeting a certain English level.
- Being within the age ranges considered.
- Other health, character and documentation requirements that the Government establishes.
Each of these points has nuances, conditions and deadlines that change over time. That is why we do not give exact figures or lists here: the right approach is to review your case in a personalised way and always verify what is in force at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
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🎥 Book your free video callWhy choosing the right course from the start matters
If the possibility of applying in the future for a visa like the 485 is part of your goal, it is worth keeping in mind from the moment you choose the course and the institution. Not all programs or all paths are considered in the same way, and some decisions made at the start can shape your options later on.
This does not mean a course "secures" the visa —no course does— but rather that planning with information reduces the risk of making decisions that later limit your alternatives. That is why it is useful to inform yourself well before enrolling. You can start with our guides on studying a master's in Australia, the student visa requirements and the overview of studying in Australia.
The rules change (and who decides)
Australian migration policy is reviewed and updated frequently: requirements, English levels, ages, lists of eligible studies and conditions can change from one year to the next. What is valid today may not be tomorrow.
That is why we insist on two things: first, that the decision on any visa —including the subclass 485— rests exclusively with the Department of Home Affairs; and second, that the official and always up-to-date source is immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. Any information in this guide is indicative and may become out of date.
How we help you plan your study pathway
Our support focuses on helping you inform yourself and plan your study pathway with this possibility in mind, without promising or guaranteeing any visa or outcome:
- 🏢 Our own office in Melbourne and our own staff who support you throughout the process.
- 🛡️ Migration assistance provided by a registered migration agent (MARN 2318321, AnuPreet Singh).
- 🎯 We help you understand the options and choose a course and institution with clear information from the start.
- 🤝 Practical support on arrival: guidance on accommodation, bank account and first steps.
- 💬 Close support by video call and WhatsApp. +800 students over the last few years.
Important: guiding and supporting is not guaranteeing. We do not promise visas, residency or outcomes. The grant of any visa rests solely with the Department of Home Affairs and the rules can change; always verify on the official site.
Plan your studies with honest information
Tell us about your case on a video call and we'll guide you on how to plan your study pathway. Free, no obligation and no promises: the final decision always rests with the Government of Australia.
🎥 Book your free video callFrequently asked questions
It is a temporary visa from the Government of Australia that, in certain cases and if the requirements are met, may allow someone who has completed eligible studies at an Australian institution to stay for a time to work or further their education. It is not a permanent residency and the decision rests exclusively with the Department of Home Affairs.
No. It is a temporary visa and not an automatic pathway to residency. It does not guarantee any outcome: each application is assessed individually and the decision rests solely with the Department of Home Affairs. In addition, migration rules can change.
No. It is only considered with qualifications and studies that meet the eligibility criteria set by the Government, completed at an Australian institution. That is why it is advisable to plan your study pathway from the start and always verify the requirements in force at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
In general, factors such as English level, age and having completed eligible studies are assessed, among others. The exact requirements are set by the Government and may be updated, so they must be verified on the official site. In your consultation we review your case in general terms, without promising any outcome.
No. VisaStudents is a private education advisory agency and does not promise or guarantee visas, residency or outcomes. Our support focuses on helping you plan your study pathway and inform yourself; the decision on any visa rests exclusively with the Department of Home Affairs.