485 Visa Australia 2026: Requirements & How to Apply
Navigating the path to working in Australia after your studies can be a complex journey, but with the right guidance, it becomes a much clearer process. I'm Nilesh Nandan, an Australian immigration lawyer with 27 years of experience in immigration law, and I have helped many graduates move from their student visa to the Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa. This guide gives you a comprehensive overview of the 485 visa in 2026, including the significant changes introduced over the last couple of years.
What is the Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa?
The Temporary Graduate visa, or subclass 485, is a work visa for international students who have recently graduated from an Australian educational institution. It allows you to live, study, and work in Australia temporarily after you have finished your studies. The length of your stay depends on the stream you apply for and your qualification.
This visa is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable work experience in your field, improve your English language skills, and potentially pave the way for a future permanent residency application. It's a bridge between your studies and your professional life in Australia, and understanding the nuances of this visa is the first step towards making the most of it.
Key Changes to the 485 Visa in 2024-2026
The Australian government has made some significant changes to the Temporary Graduate visa program, which came into effect from 1 July 2024. It's crucial to be aware of these changes to ensure you meet the current requirements.
These changes reflect the government's strategy to streamline the migration program and ensure that graduates have the best chance of finding skilled work and contributing to the Australian economy. The government's Migration Strategy aims to build a skilled workforce and a stronger, more sustainable migration system. These changes to the 485 visa are a direct result of that strategy, with a focus on attracting and retaining graduates with skills in high-demand areas.
Understanding the 485 Visa Streams
The 485 visa has two main streams, and it's essential to apply for the correct one based on your qualifications. You cannot change your stream after you have submitted your application.
Post-Vocational Education Work Stream
This stream, formerly known as the Graduate Work stream, is for international students who have graduated with qualifications relevant to a specific occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). This stream is suitable for those with an associate degree, diploma, or trade qualification.
For example, if you have completed a Diploma of Nursing and the occupation of "Nurse" is on the MLTSSL, you may be eligible for this stream.
Post-Higher Education Work Stream
This stream, formerly the Post-Study Work stream, is for international students who have graduated with a degree from an Australian institution. This includes bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.
For instance, if you have completed a Bachelor of Information Technology, you would apply for this stream. Unlike the Post-Vocational Education Work stream, you are not required to nominate an occupation on a skilled occupation list.
<!-- VERIFY: confirm current 485 stay periods per stream/qualification as at 1 July 2026 — the figures above (18 months / 2-3 years) moved in the 2024-2026 changes -->
Because stay periods have moved more than once, treat the figures above as a guide only and confirm the current period for your exact qualification before you plan around it.
Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream (extension)
A Second Post-Higher Education Work stream has historically allowed some 485 holders who lived, worked and studied in a designated regional area to extend their stay. This regional extension pathway has been wound back as part of the 2024-2026 changes.
<!-- VERIFY: confirm whether the Second Post-Higher Education Work (regional extension) stream is still open as at 1 July 2026, and on what terms — sector sources indicate it has been wound back -->
If you are counting on a regional extension, confirm it is still available before you make decisions based on it.
Eligibility Requirements for the 485 Visa
To be eligible for a 485 visa, you must meet several requirements. These are generally consistent across both streams, but there are some key differences.
Age
As of the changes in 2024, you must be under the age of 36 when you apply. There are exceptions for Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders, and for those who have completed a Masters (research) or Doctoral Degree (PhD).
English Language Proficiency
You must provide evidence of your English language proficiency by achieving a minimum score on a recognised English language test. The required scores vary depending on the test you take. Here are the minimum scores for the most common tests:
Australian Study Requirement
You must have completed a CRICOS-registered course in Australia within the last six months. The course must have been taught in English and have been at least two academic years (92 weeks) in duration. It's important to note that you can use more than one course to meet this requirement. The two-year study rule catches many applicants out, so I have written a dedicated guide on navigating the 2-year study rule.
Health and Character
Like all Australian visa applications, you must meet the health and character requirements. This typically involves a health examination with a panel physician and providing police certificates from every country you have lived in for 12 months or more over the past 10 years.
Health Insurance
You must have adequate health insurance for the duration of your stay in Australia. This is a crucial requirement, and you will need to provide evidence of your policy when you apply.
How to Apply for the 485 Visa: A Step-by-Step Guide
Applying for a 485 visa can be a detailed process, but by following these steps, you can ensure a smooth application.
- Check your eligibility: Before you start, ensure you meet all the eligibility requirements for the stream you are applying for. Use the Department of Home Affairs website as your primary source of information.
- Gather your documents: This includes your passport, academic transcripts, English language test results, health insurance, and police certificates. Ensure all your documents are certified copies where required.
- Lodge your application online: All 485 visa applications must be lodged online through ImmiAccount. Create an account if you don't have one already, and carefully fill out the application form. (The old paper Form 1409 is no longer the pathway — see my Form 1409 guide for why the 485 is now online-only.)
- Pay the application fee: The visa application charge must be paid at the time of application. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or BPAY.
- Await a decision: Processing times can vary, so it's important to be patient. You can check the current processing times on the Department of Home Affairs website. While your application is being processed, you will generally be granted a bridging visa, which will allow you to remain in Australia lawfully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Over my many years as an immigration lawyer, I've seen a few common mistakes that can lead to a visa refusal. Here are some to watch out for:
- Applying for the wrong stream: As mentioned, you cannot change streams after applying, so make sure you choose the correct one.
- Not meeting the Australian Study Requirement: This is a strict requirement, so ensure your course meets the criteria.
- Providing incorrect information: Always double-check your application for any errors or omissions.
- Failing to provide all necessary documents: A missing document can delay your application or even lead to a refusal.
- Lodging your application too late: You must apply for the 485 visa within six months of completing your course.
If your application is refused, you may have the right to a review of the decision by the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART). The ART is an independent body that reviews government decisions, and it replaced the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) in 2024. An appeal to the ART can be a complex process, and I strongly advise seeking legal assistance if you find yourself in this situation.
Life on a 485 Visa
Once your 485 visa is granted, you'll have the freedom to live, work, and study in Australia. You can work for any employer in any occupation, and there are no restrictions on the number of hours you can work. You can also travel in and out of Australia as many times as you like while your visa is valid.
Pathways to Permanent Residency
The 485 visa is a temporary visa, but for many, it's a stepping stone to permanent residency. The work experience you gain on a 485 visa can be invaluable for a future skilled migration application. Depending on your occupation and qualifications, you may be eligible for a skilled independent visa (subclass 189), a skilled nominated visa (subclass 190), or a skilled work regional (provisional) visa (subclass 491).
What Should You Do Next?
Navigating the 485 visa application process can be challenging, especially with the recent changes. To ensure you have the best possible chance of success, I recommend seeking professional advice.
Questions and answers
What is the age limit for the 485 visa in 2026?
Following the 2024 changes you must generally be under 36 at the time you apply. There are exceptions, including for Hong Kong and British National (Overseas) passport holders and for those who have completed a masters by research or a doctoral degree. Because these settings have moved, confirm the current rule before you rely on it.
What are the two 485 visa streams?
The Post-Vocational Education Work stream (formerly Graduate Work) is for associate degree, diploma or trade qualifications tied to an occupation on the MLTSSL. The Post-Higher Education Work stream (formerly Post-Study Work) is for bachelor, masters or doctoral degrees and does not require you to nominate an occupation. You cannot change stream after lodging, so choosing correctly matters.
What is the Australian Study Requirement?
You must have completed a CRICOS-registered course, taught in English, of at least two academic years (92 weeks registered duration, generally 16 calendar months), within the six months before you apply. You can combine more than one course to meet it. This requirement is strict and is a common reason applications fail.
How long can I stay on a 485 visa?
The stay period depends on your stream and qualification, and these periods have changed in the 2024-2026 reforms. Historically the Post-Vocational Education Work stream has been shorter than the Post-Higher Education Work stream, with longer periods for higher degrees and, in some cases, a regional extension. Confirm the current period for your exact qualification before you plan around it.
When must I lodge my 485 application?
You must lodge within six months of completing the course that satisfies the Australian Study Requirement. Missing that window is one of the most common and most avoidable reasons a 485 application is lost, so diarise the date as soon as you finish your course.
Can the 485 lead to permanent residence?
It is a temporary visa, but the work experience and skills you build on it can support a later skilled application — for example a subclass 189, 190 or 491, or an employer-sponsored pathway. The 485 is best used deliberately as a bridge to a permanent pathway, not just as extra time in Australia.