Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa – Requirements, Steps & Checklist

Who is this visa for?

Recent graduates who completed at least 2 academic years (92 weeks) of CRICOS study in Australia while holding a student visa.

Age	35 or under at time of applying (Hong Kong / British National (Overseas) passport holders: under 50).
Australian study requirement	At least 2 years of CRICOS study in Australia, completed in the last 6 months.
English	IELTS 6.5 overall, minimum 5.5 in each band (or equivalent).
Health insurance	Adequate health insurance (OVHC) for the whole stay.
Skills assessment	Post-Vocational Education Work stream only – occupation on the relevant list plus skills assessment.
Visa	Must apply in Australia holding (or having recently held) a student visa.

Diploma / trade graduates – up to 18 months (Hong Kong/BNO up to 5 years).

Bachelor: 2 years · Master’s coursework: 2 years · Master’s research / PhD: 3 years.

Extra 1–2 years if you studied and lived in regional Australia (category 2 or 3) while on your first 485.

Passport	What applies
India (AI-ECTA)	Bachelor: 2 years · Bachelor with first-class honours in STEM/ICT: 3 years · Master’s: 3 years · PhD: 4 years.
Hong Kong / BNO	Up to 5 years, age limit under 50.
India – MATES (403)	Separate 2-year work visa for Indian graduates aged 30 or under in engineering, mining, renewable energy, ICT, AI, fintech or agtech – ballot based.
Other passports	Standard stay periods above.

1Finish courseGet completion letter and transcript.

2English testIELTS 6.5 (5.5 each) or equivalent.

3Buy OVHCHealth insurance for the full stay.

4AFP police checkApply early – it is required.

5Lodge within 6 monthsApply onshore in ImmiAccount (bridging visa while waiting).

6Work & plan PRUse the time for experience, PY, NAATI and skills assessment.