The Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa is the most important visa for international graduates planning a future in Australia. It lets you live, study, and work in Australia after completing your Australian studies, and critically, it's the bridge between your student visa and your permanent residency.

Key Requirements

• Completed an eligible Australian qualification (at least 2 academic years for most streams)

• Applied within 6 months of completing your course

• Met the Australian Study Requirement (16 calendar months of study in Australia)

• English: Competent level (IELTS 6.0 / PTE 50 / TOEFL 60), all components

• Must be under 50 years of age at the time of application

• Held a valid student visa (500 or 572–576) at some point

• Health and character requirements

Who is This Visa For?

International students who have recently completed a qualification at an Australian institution that was at least 2 years in length. Must have held a student visa at some point and apply within 6 months of completing your course.

Visa Conditions and Key Details

•  Graduate Work Stream: 18 months for occupations on the skilled occupation list

•  Post-Study Work Stream: 2–4 years depending on highest qualification level (e.g., Diploma 2yrs, Bachelor 2yrs, Master's 3yrs, PhD 4yrs)

•  Unlimited work rights for any employer, any occupation

•  Can be used to build Australian work experience for 189/190/482 applications

•  Extended to 5 years for STEM graduates from select regional institutions

Processing Time and Cost

•  Processing Time: 75% within 60 days; 90% within 5 months

•  Visa Application Charge: AUD 1,945 (2024–25) primary applicant; AUD 975 per dependant

How We Help

Gemini advises on which stream to apply under, ensures your qualification meets the Australian Study Requirement, assists with the English language evidence, and positions your 485 as the first step in a clear PR strategy.