Are you looking for a stay in Australia after completing your studies? A subclass 485 visa is the right path for you. It’s a temporary graduate visa that allows international students to stay for more than 18 months in Australia. However, the 485 visa requirements allow applicants who hold a Hong Kong passport to stay for 3-5 years in Australia.
Turn your Australian degree into a career. The 485 visa offers you unlimited work rights, Medicare, and a real chance at PR, no matter where you studied.
In this guide, we provide all the information about subclass visa 485 with a Quick comparison of eligibility breakdown with three streams, step-by-step application process, document checklist, and complete cost breakdown.
What is a 485 visa? Why is it important?
The subclass 485 visa is a temporary visa for international students who have completed their studies in Australia. It allows you to work, live, and study in Australia, according to your course and location. The visa comes in three streams:
- Post-vocational education work stream
- Post-higher education work stream
- Second post-education work stream
Comparison Table Between Three Streams :
Here is the comparison between the streams: post-vocational education work stream, post-higher education work stream, and Second post-education stream.
|
Post-vocational education work stream |
Post-higher education work stream |
Second post-education work stream |
|
Live, study, and work in Australia |
Live, study, and work in Australia |
Live, study, and Work in Australia |
|
Diploma |
Graduation () |
Lived study in Australia |
|
Stay: up to 18 Months |
stay: Between 2 and 3 years |
stay: Between 1 and 2 years |
|
Cost: AUD2,300.00 |
Cost: AUD2,300.00 |
Cost: AUD905.00 |
|
Age 35 years or under |
Age 35 years or under |
Age 35 years or under |
Eligibility Criteria For Subclass 485 Visa
Here is the eligibility criteria for subclass 485 for all work streams.
Post-Vocational Education Work Stream
Age: You must be 35 years of age or under when you apply for this visa.
Have this visa:
Your application will only process if :
- You must be in Australia and hold an eligible student visa.
- You must held a student visa within the past 6 months and now hold a Bridging Visa A or Bridging Visa B.
- You held a student visa within the past 6 months and now hold a substantive visa
To be Eligible for this visa, you have to complete your course within 6 months of applying for this visa.
Qualification: Certificate III/IV, Diploma, or Advanced Diploma (must be 2 years of study).
Occupation List: Your job must be on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
Skills Assessment: Mandatory. You need a Provisional Skills Assessment (PSA) from TRA or VETASSESS.
Visa Duration: Up to 18 months.
English language: You must provide evidence for the required level of English with your application.
Post-Higher Education Work Stream
Age: you must have:
- 35 or under for Bachelor’s and Master’s (Coursework) graduates.
- 50 or under for Master’s (Research) and PhD graduates.
- 50 or under for Hong Kong & BNO passport holders.
Qualification: Bachelor’s degree or higher.
Occupation List: None. You can study any degree (e.g., Marketing, Arts, Science) and be eligible.
Skills Assessment: Not Required.
Visa Duration:
- Bachelor’s & Master’s (Coursework): 2 years.
- Masters (Research) & PhD: 3 years.
- English language: You must provide evidence for the required level of English with your application.
Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream
Best For: Students who studied and lived in Regional Australia.
Eligibility: You must already hold the first Post-Higher Education visa.
Location Rule: You must have lived, studied, and worked in a designated regional area for at least 2 years while holding your first 485 visa.
Visa Duration:
-
Category 2 Areas+1 Year
-
Category 3 Areas+2 Years
English language: You must provide evidence for the required level of English with your application.
Why Documents Matter For 485 Visa Requirements?
Your 485 visa success depends on the quality of your paperwork.
- Accurate: Ensure all details match your passport.
- Complete: Do not miss a single required file.
- The Risk: Incorrect documents lead to instant delays or refusal.
Details About Documents Checklist
Documents are very important for student visa applications. Because they provide evidence proving you meet specific requirements such as identity, qualification, financial stability, health, and good character.
- Identity: Passport, birth certificate, national ID.
- Education: Degree certificate, transcripts, graduation letter, Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
- English: IELTS (6.5 overall, 5.5 per band) or equivalent.
- Health: Adequate health insurance (OSHC) for visa duration, medical exams.
- Character: Australian Federal Police (AFP) check (Code 33), other police certs if lived abroad.
- Skills (if Post-Vocational/needed): Skills assessment for relevant occupation.
Cost Breakdown:
To make a good financial plan, you need to know the exact cost of your temporary graduate visa 485. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of all expenses you can expect.
As of July 1, 2025, the Australian Government increased the visa application fees. The current charges are:
Primary Applicant:
- Post-Higher Education Work stream: AUD $2,300.00
- Post-Vocational Education Work stream: AUD $2,300.00
Secondary Applicants (family members):
- Applicants aged 18 and over: AUD $1,150.00
- Applicants under 18 years: AUD $580.00
Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream Cost:
If you’re applying for a subsequent 485 visa after studying and living in a regional area:
- Primary applicant: AUD $905.00
- Secondary applicants (18+): AUD $455.00
- Secondary applicants (under 18): AUD $230.00
Additional Costs to Budget For:
When applying for an Australian visa, remember that the application fee is just one part of what you’ll need to pay. You’ll also need health insurance that covers your entire stay in Australia. This is required, not optional so for these all documents charges applicable.
You can choose to pay for it monthly or all at once for the year, whichever is easier for you. If you need to prove your English skills, you’ll have to take a test like IELTS or PTE.
If you are an international student and want to complete the 485 Visa requirements, you can make an appointment with our registered migration agent in Australia.
STEP-BY-STEP APPLICATION PROCESS:
- Verify Eligibility: The First and most important step is to verify your documents.
- Gather documents: Collect all necessary identification, qualification, and supporting documents.
- Create an immiAccount: Register for an official Australian immigration account online.
- Complete Application: Fill out all required forms accurately and thoroughly.
- Upload Documents: Submit all gathered documents through your immiAccount.
- Pay the application fee: Complete the required visa application payment online.
- Wait for the Decision: Allow processing time for the Department of Home Affairs to review your application.
485 Visa Processing Time:
There are three streams in the 485 visa: post-vocational education work stream, post-higher education work stream, and second post-education work stream.
|
streams |
50% of application |
90% of application |
|
post-vocational education work stream |
54 days |
3 months |
|
post-higher education work stream |
38 days |
62 days |
Conclusion
Your 485 visa is your chance to stay, work, and build your future in Australia after completing your studies. The application process has specific rules and tight deadlines, but with the right documents and timely action, you can make it happen.
Don’t wait too long after graduation. Simple mistakes like outdated test scores or missing the 6-month deadline can cost you this opportunity. At The Migration Australia, we know this is an important step in your Australian PR journey, and we’re here to guide you through it. Book your consultation with The Migration experts and start preparing your documents now, check your eligibility, and take the first step toward your Australian future today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About 485 Visa & 485 Visa Requirements
1. How to apply 485 visa in Australia?
To apply for the 485 visa, create an ImmiAccount on the Home Affairs website, upload your documents (completion letter, transcripts, English test, police check), and pay the fee or book a registered MARA agent who can help you process your visa.
2.When can i apply for 485 visa?
You must apply within 6 months of completing your course in Australia. You must be in Australia when you apply for 485 visa. With a valid student visa.
3. What is subclass 485 visa in Australia?
It’s a temporary graduate visa that allows international students to stay for more than 18 months in Australia. However, the 485 visa requirements allow applicants who hold a Hong Kong passport to stay for 3-5 years in Australia.
4. What happens if my skills assessment for the post-vocational stream gets rejected after I’ve already applied?
Your visa will likely be refused, and you won’t receive a refund of the AUD 2,300 application fee. Always obtain your Provisional Skills Assessment (PSA) from TRA or VETASSESS before applying for the visa to avoid costly rejections.
5. I’m 35 years and 6 months old. Can I still apply for the Post-Higher Education stream?
No. You must be 35 years or under at the time of application for Bachelor’s and Master’s (Coursework) graduates. Even being a few days over 35 will result in automatic rejection.
6. My student visa expired 7 months ago. Am I still eligible for a 485 visa?
No. You must have held a student visa within the past 6 months of applying, or currently hold a Bridging Visa A, B, or another substantive visa. Apply as soon as possible after graduation to avoid missing this window.
7. Do I need to provide evidence of having AUD 20,000 in my bank account as I did for my student visa?
No, the 485 visa does not require proof of funds or bank statements. However, you must have adequate Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) for your entire visa duration, costing annually.
8. Can I include my partner and children in my 485 application even though they weren’t on my student visa?
Yes, you can include them by providing evidence of your genuine relationship and paying additional fees (AUD 1,150 for adults, AUD 580 for children under 18). All secondary applicants must also meet health and character requirements.
9. If I studied a Bachelor’s in Melbourne and a Master’s in Sydney, which city counts for the Second Post-Higher Education stream?
What matters is where you lived, studied, and worked while holding your first 485 visa—not where you completed your degree. You must spend at least 2 years in a designated regional area during your initial 485 visa to qualify.
10. My IELTS test was taken 13 months ago. Do I need to retake it?
Yes. English language test results must be less than 12 months old at application time. Budget AUD 475 for IELTS Academic or AUD 410 for PTE Academic, and allow 2-3 weeks for results.
11. I graduated in December, but my official graduation ceremony isn’t until March. When can I apply?
You can apply once you receive your completion letter from your institution—you don’t need to wait for the ceremony. Request your completion letter immediately after final results to avoid missing the 6-month application window.
