485 Visa Requirements: Your 2025 Guide to the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa

By Nilesh Nandan — Australian Immigration Lawyer, MyVisa® Immigration Lawyers

This blog is intended for discussion purposes only and does not constitute advice. You should seek independent legal advice before relying on any information provided on this site.

Immigration policies, systems, and processes can change without notice. I’d like to know your own experience with the immigration challenges noted above — feel free to contact me.

As a recent international graduate or migration agent, you may be searching: **“485 visa requirements”** — wondering exactly what’s needed to stay, work, and plan your future in Australia. In this guide, I (Nilesh Nandan) will walk you through every requirement, recent changes (especially for 2025), practical examples, internal links to relevant MyVisa pages, and a comprehensive FAQ section. At the end, if you’re unsure about anything, you can Book a consultation with me to assess your 485 visa eligibility.

What is the 485 Visa?

The Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) allows eligible international students who have recently completed Australian study to live, work and study in Australia temporarily.

It is often used by graduates to bridge the gap between student life and gaining work experience, and may help improve your pathway to permanent residency.

Streams & How They Differ

From 1 July 2024, the 485 visa was restructured into two main streams plus a possible second-chance stream: the Post-Vocational Education Work Stream (for trade / diploma / associate degree holders) and the Post-Higher Education Work Stream (for bachelor’s, master’s, PhD).

A Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream may also be available in limited cases if you meet extra criteria and studied in a regional area.

Post-Vocational Education Work Stream

• For holders of diploma, trade, or associate degree qualifications.
• Visa stays up to **18 months** for most applicants.
• Must nominate an occupation on the Medium- and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

Post-Higher Education Work Stream

• For those with a **bachelor’s, master’s or PhD** degree.
• Duration depends on level:
  • Up to **2 years** for bachelor’s (including honours) & master’s by coursework/extended degrees.
  • Up to **3 years** for master’s by research and doctoral (PhD) qualifications.

Key Changes from 1 July 2024 / 2025 Updates

The 485 visa has seen significant changes in its structure, age limits, English test requirements, and validity durations. It’s crucial you know which rules apply to your application.

Changes implemented 1 July 2024

• Restructuring into the two streams above.
• Closure of the older “Replacement stream.”
• Tighter definition for eligible courses (CRICOS-registered, studied in Australia, valid length).
• New age limits (usually under 35), with exceptions.

English Test & Language Changes (effective 7 August 2025)

One of the biggest recent changes is the update to the **English language requirement**. From 7 August 2025, new tests and minimum scores apply.

Tests newly accepted include IELTS (Academic & General), PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, OET, CELPIP General, LANGUAGECERT Academic, MET, and (limited) Cambridge C1 Advanced. 

The overall minimum score is **6.5**, with at least **5.5 in each component** (listening, reading, writing, speaking).

For **Hong Kong / BNO passport holders**, lower thresholds remain: overall **6.0** and **5.0 per component**.

English test results must be no more than **12 months old** at time of application.

Eligibility Criteria (Detailed)

To satisfy the 485 visa requirements, you must meet a number of criteria in combination. Below is a breakdown.

1. Visa status and timing

• Hold a valid *Student visa* or hold a visa with student rights within the past 6 months.
• Apply for the 485 visa within **6 months** of completion of your eligible qualification.
• You must be in Australia at the time of applying.

2. Qualification / Course eligibility

• Your qualification must be CRICOS-registered and taught in English.
• The course must meet the **Australian study requirement** (see next section).
• Graduate certificates now have stricter eligibility rules: they must start within the same or next academic year after a relevant degree.

3. Age requirement

You generally must be **under 35** when applying.

Exception: if you hold a **Hong Kong / British National (Overseas)** passport, the age limit can extend to **under 50** for certain degrees.

For research master’s and PhD graduates, the age rule is more flexible under those passport exceptions.

4. English language requirement

As noted above, from 7 August 2025, you must pass one of the approved tests with the minimum scores required.

Some nationalities (UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland) may be exempt from the test.

5. Character, health & other checks

• You and any dependants must meet Australia’s character requirements (e.g. police checks).
• Health examinations may be required depending on your country and circumstances.
• Inclusion of partners and dependents must meet additional criteria (relationship proof, consent, dependency).

Australian Study Requirement

You must have completed in the **6 months immediately before** applying either:

• A single eligible qualification that required **at least 2 academic years’ full-time study**; or
• Multiple eligible qualifications whose combined duration is at least 2 academic years.

This is a strict threshold to prevent minimal study periods being used to satisfy eligibility.

English Language Requirement (as of 7 August 2025)

Below is the table of tests and minimum scores required for most applicants under the new rules.

For **Hong Kong / BNO passport holders**, different thresholds apply (overall 6.0 / 5.0 per skill) for certain streams.

Any test result must be no older than 12 months at the date of application.

Age Requirement & Exceptions

Generally, you must be **under 35 years** to apply.

Exceptions include:

• Hong Kong / BNO passport holders, where the age limit extends to under 50.
• Those with research master’s or PhD qualifications may also benefit from extended age limits under the above passport exceptions.

Document Checklist

Here’s a simplified, yet comprehensive, checklist of documents you’ll need to satisfy the 485 visa requirements:

Application Process & Timing

Here is a simplified step-by-step process for lodging your 485 visa application:

1. Gather all required documents (checklist above).
2. Ensure your English test is valid and meets the minimum threshold.
3. Be in Australia at the time of application.
4. Complete the application online via **ImmiAccount**.
5. Pay applicable visa application charge. (See next section)
6. Await processing. Department may request additional information or schedule health checks.
7. If approved, your visa starts from a date chosen by the Department and your stay period depends on your qualification.

Processing Time

Processing times vary by stream, country, and volume, so always check the current Home Affairs estimates. It’s wise to lodge your application well before your student visa expires.

Example Scenarios & Stream Comparisons

Here are a few examples to help you understand which stream you might fall into and what your stay might look like:

Scenario 1: “Aria, a Bachelor’s Graduate in Sydney”

Aria completed a 3-year Bachelor of Commerce degree in Sydney, CRICOS-registered, studied full-time for 3 academic years. She is 24 years old. Under the new rules, she qualifies for the Post-Higher Education Work Stream and may receive **2 years** stay. Her English test (IELTS) must be 6.5 overall and 5.5 in each component. Because she doesn’t hold a Hong Kong / BNO passport, she doesn’t benefit from extended age. She must apply within 6 months of her degree completion, be in Australia at lodgment, and satisfy character, health, and document requirements.

Scenario 2: “Rahul, Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, Regional Campus”

Rahul completed a 2-year diploma in mechanical engineering at a regional campus (CRICOS) and is aged 28. He applies using the Post-Vocational Education Work Stream. He meets the 16-month Australian study requirement, passes the English test, and nominates his occupation from MLTSSL. His visa is granted for **18 months**. If his diploma was part of a pathway to his earlier degree, this must be shown with strong evidence. If he studied in a regional area, he might later qualify for a second-stream opportunity.

Comparison Table: Streams at a Glance

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I apply for a 485 visa more than once?

No — in general the 485 visa is a **one-time** grant. Once you’ve held one, you can’t apply again unless under a second-stream or exceptional rules.

What happens if my visa expires before I apply? 

You must apply while your student visa (or eligible visa) is still valid or within the 6-month grace window after completion. If your visa expires before you apply, you may lose eligibility.

Does online/remote study count toward the study requirement? 

No — from 25 November 2023, study done outside Australia or online no longer counts.

Can I include my spouse/dependants on the 485 application? 

Yes — you can include your partner and dependent children. They must also meet health, character, identity and dependency criteria.

Do I need a skills assessment? 

Not for the 485 visa itself (except for Post-Vocational stream you must nominate via MLTSSL), but for future skilled visas you may need a skills assessment.

What is the cost (visa application charge)?

From 1 July 2025, the main applicant charge is **AUD 2,300**. Secondary applicants over 18 incur AUD 1,150, under 18 incur AUD 580. For Second Post-Higher Education streams, it’s AUD 905 for primary.

What if my English score is slightly below the minimum?

It’s risky. Your application may be refused. You may consider retaking the test, or consulting an expert to assess if there is discretion or transitional acceptance.

When does the 2025 English requirement apply?

New English rules take effect **7 August 2025**. If your test was taken earlier (but within the prior system), it may be accepted under transitional rules.

Summary & Key Tips

• Know which rules apply to your application date — older vs new rules.
• Aim for buffer in your English test — don’t just hit the minimum.
• Prepare documents early and double-check your study history.
• Make sure your application is lodged from within Australia before your student visa ends.
• Use the 18-month or 2–3 year stay wisely to build work experience or a pathway to permanent residency.

If any of this sounds complex, or you’re worried your eligibility is tricky, Book a consultation with me to assess your 485 visa eligibility. Let’s map your path carefully.

For further resources, visit Visa Refusals, Visa Cancellations, Partner Visas, and Contact MyVisa to arrange your consultation.

Legal Disclaimer

This blog is intended for discussion purposes only and does not constitute advice. You should seek independent legal advice before relying on any information provided on this site. Immigration policies, systems, and processes can change without notice. I’d like to know your own experience with the immigration challenges noted above — feel free to contact me.

MyVisa: Nilesh Nandan, Attorney at Law
BBus(Accy) LLB(QUT) GDLP MBA(IntBus)
Head of Practice