For countless international students, completing a degree in Australia is just the beginning. The 485 visa, officially known as the Temporary Graduate visa, offers a crucial pathway to gain valuable work experience, enhance career prospects, and explore potential long-term migration options in the Land Down Under. As of August 2025, understanding the intricacies of this visa is more important than ever, with recent changes impacting eligibility, duration, and costs.

This in-depth guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the 485 visa, from its core purpose to the latest updates, ensuring you have the most accurate and actionable information at your fingertips.

What is the 485 Visa?

The 485 visa is a temporary Australian visa designed for international students who have recently graduated from an Australian educational institution. It allows them to live, study, and work in Australia for a temporary period after completing their studies. This visa is invaluable for graduates seeking to:

• Gain skilled work experience: Apply theoretical knowledge in a real-world Australian professional setting.
• Improve English language proficiency: Further hone their English skills through daily interaction and work.
• Explore permanent residency pathways: Many temporary graduate visa holders use this time to meet criteria for other skilled migration visas.
• Experience Australian culture: Immerse themselves fully in the Australian lifestyle and expand their global network.

The 485 visa has two main streams, each catering to different qualification levels and career aspirations:

• Post-Higher Education Work stream (formerly Post-Study Work stream): For international students who have recently graduated with a Bachelor's degree, Master's degree, or Doctoral degree from an Australian institution. This stream typically offers longer stays.
• Post-Vocational Education Work stream (formerly Graduate Work stream): For international students who have recently graduated with an Associate Degree, Diploma, or Trade Qualification relevant to an occupation on Australia's skilled occupation list.

485 Visa Requirements: Your Eligibility Checklist

Meeting the 485 visa requirements is paramount for a successful application. As of August 2025, here's a detailed breakdown of what you'll generally need:

• Age Limit: You must be 35 years or under when you apply. There are limited exceptions, so it's crucial to verify if any apply to your specific situation.
• Eligible Visa Holding: You must hold an eligible visa when you apply for the 485 visa, and have held a Student visa (subclass 500) in the last 6 months.
• Recent Qualification: You must have a recent qualification from a CRICOS-registered course. This typically means completing your studies within six months immediately before the day you apply for the visa.
• Australian Study Requirement: You must have met the Australian study requirement. This generally means you have completed a course or courses registered on CRICOS, studied in Australia for at least 16 months, and completed your studies in English. Online study requirements reverted to pre-COVID settings from November 25, 2023, meaning study conducted outside Australia generally no longer counts.
• English Language Proficiency: You must demonstrate the required level of English. We'll delve deeper into this in the "485 Visa English Requirements" and "PTE Score for 485 Visa" sections.
• Health Insurance: You must provide evidence of adequate 485 visa health insurance for all applicants when you apply. This is a non-negotiable requirement.
• Character Requirements: All applicants over the age of 16 must provide evidence they have applied for an Australian Federal Police check.
• Skills Assessment (for Post-Vocational Education Work stream): If applying for the Post-Vocational Education Work stream, you typically need to nominate an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and obtain a skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority. However, it's vital to check the latest updates, as this requirement has seen temporary waivers in the past.
• No Further Stay Condition (where applicable): Ensure your previous visa does not have a "no further stay" condition (e.g., condition 8503, 8534, or 8540) if you are applying onshore.

Actionable Advice: Begin gathering all your documents well in advance. This includes academic transcripts, course completion letters, English test results, health insurance details, and police certificates. Incomplete applications are a common cause of processing delays.

485 Visa Fee / 485 Visa Cost / 485 Visa Fees

Understanding the 485 visa fee is crucial for budgeting your application. As of July 1, 2025, the application fees for the 485 visa increased.

• Main Applicant: The base application charge for the 485 visa is now AUD 2,300.00.
• Additional Applicant (18 years or older): AUD 1,150.00
• Additional Applicant (under 18 years): AUD 580.00
• Second Post-Higher Education Work stream: AUD 905.00 for the main applicant.

Important Note: These fees are subject to change by the Department of Home Affairs. It's always best to check the official Department of Home Affairs website for the most current pricing before lodging your application. Beyond the visa application charge, you might also incur other costs for health examinations, police certificates, and biometrics.

Example: If you are a single applicant applying for the Post-Higher Education Work stream, your minimum visa cost would be AUD 2,300.00, plus any associated costs for health checks or police certificates. If you are applying as a couple, the 485 visa fee for couple would be AUD 2,300 (main applicant) + AUD 1,150 (partner) = AUD 3,450, excluding other potential costs.

485 Visa New Rules & Temporary Graduate 485 Visa Changes (Effective 2025)

The Australian government has introduced several significant 485 visa new rules and temporary graduate 485 visa changes that are crucial for prospective applicants in 2025. These changes aim to refine the temporary graduate program to better align with Australia's skilled migration needs.

Key updates effective from July 1, 2025, and other recent changes include:

• Visa Durations Tied to Qualification Level: The length of stay on the 485 visa is now more directly linked to your qualification.
  • Bachelor's degree (including honours) and Master's degrees (coursework and extended programs): 2 years
  • Master's (research) and Doctoral degree programs (PhD): 3 years
  • Applicants with diplomas or trade qualifications (Post-Vocational Education Work stream): 18 months
  • Note: Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders may still be eligible for a 5-year stay. Indian nationals also have specific longer durations based on the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA).
• Removal of Extended Post-Study Work Rights: The previous provision for an additional two years of post-study work rights for graduates with select degrees in areas of skill shortages has been removed. This means students generally face shorter stays and need to plan their career steps more strategically.
• Age Limit Reduction: The maximum age for applicants has been reduced to 35 years or younger at the time of application for all streams (with specific exceptions). Previously, it was generally 50 years.
• English Language Requirements Increase: The minimum English test scores have increased for most applicants (details below).
• Graduate Certificates and Diplomas: Graduate Certificates no longer qualify as degrees for the 485 visa. Graduate Diplomas are now only eligible if they were directly related to a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD program and commenced within the same or next academic year.
• Online Study: As mentioned, online study requirements reverted to pre-COVID settings from November 25, 2023. Study undertaken outside Australia no longer counts towards visa eligibility (except for the COVID concession period from 1 February 2020 to 25 November 2023).

Impact & Planning: These changes emphasize the importance of strategic planning for international graduates. With shorter visa durations for many, securing skilled employment, gaining relevant experience, or identifying pathways to employer-sponsored or permanent visas becomes more critical than ever.

485 Visa Processing Time

The 485 visa processing time can vary significantly based on the visa stream, the completeness of your application, and the Department of Home Affairs' current workload. While official processing times are subject to change, here's a general indication as of mid-2025:

• Post-Higher Education Work stream: Processing times can range from a few weeks to several months.
• Post-Vocational Education Work stream: Similar to the Post-Higher Education Work stream, with variations.
• Second Post-Higher Education Work stream: These applications may also take several months.
• Subsequent Entrant Visas (for family members applying later): Typically between 3 to 6 months.

Factors Influencing Processing Time:

• Completeness of Application: Submitting a decision-ready application with all required documents significantly speeds up processing.
• Complexity of Your Case: Unique circumstances or issues with your application may lead to delays.
• Departmental Priorities: The Department of Home Affairs may prioritize certain visa streams at different times.
• Response to Requests: Promptly responding to any requests for further information from the Department is crucial.

Resource: You can use the Department of Home Affairs' "Visa processing time guide tool" on their official website for an indication of processing times for recently decided applications. Remember, this is a guide and not a guarantee for your specific application.

485 Visa Health Insurance / 485 Visa Insurance

Adequate 485 visa health insurance (also known as Overseas Visitor Health Cover or OVHC) is a mandatory requirement for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). Australian public healthcare (Medicare) is generally not available to most temporary visa holders. Without compliant OVHC, your visa application may be refused, or your visa could be cancelled.

What your 485 visa insurance must cover:

• Hospital Treatment: Cover for both public and private hospital treatments.
• Emergency Ambulance Services: Essential for unexpected medical emergencies.
• Doctor and Specialist Visits: Coverage for consultations with general practitioners (GPs) and specialists (in and out of hospital).
• Prescription Medicines: Benefits towards prescription medications listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
• Surgically Implanted Prostheses: Coverage for necessary medical devices.
• Visa Compliance Certificate: The insurer must provide a certificate confirming your policy meets visa condition 8501.

Switching from OSHC to OVHC: If you are transitioning from a Student visa (subclass 500) to a 485 visa, you will need to switch from Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) to OVHC. Most insurers can facilitate this switch, and many will refund unused OSHC premiums when you transition.

Choosing the Right Policy:

• Compare Providers: Reputable Australian health insurance providers like Medibank, Bupa, Allianz Care Australia, and NIB offer OVHC policies.
• Policy Levels: Plans typically range from basic (meeting minimum visa requirements) to comprehensive (including extras like dental, optical, and physiotherapy). Choose a plan that aligns with your health needs and budget.
• Waiting Periods: Be aware of waiting periods for certain services (e.g., pre-existing conditions) before you can claim benefits.
• Flexibility: Look for plans that offer flexible payment options (monthly, quarterly, or yearly).

Resource: Explore comparison websites or directly contact major Australian health insurance providers to compare policies and find one that suits your needs. Ensure the policy explicitly states it meets Subclass 485 visa requirements.

PTE Score for 485 Visa / PTE Requirement for 485 Visa

The PTE score for 485 visa has seen an increase as part of the recent English language requirement changes. As of March 2024, the minimum PTE Academic score required for a 485 visa application has increased.

• Minimum PTE Academic Score: An overall score of 50 with a minimum score of 36 in each of the four communicative skills (Listening, Reading, Speaking, Writing).

Important Considerations:

• Equivalency: Other approved English language tests (IELTS, TOEFL iBT, OET, Cambridge C1 Advanced) have equivalent score requirements. For instance, the equivalent IELTS score is generally an overall band score of 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component.
• Hong Kong and BNO Passport Holders: For Hong Kong and British National Overseas (BNO) passport holders, the English requirement typically remains at an overall IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent), with a minimum score of 5.0 for each component.
• Validity: English test results are typically valid for a specified period (commonly two years). Ensure your test result is valid at the time of your visa application.
• Single Sitting: For the 485 visa, generally, your English test scores must be from a single sitting/attempt.

Actionable Advice: If your PTE score (or equivalent English test score) doesn't meet the new requirements, consider retaking the test well before your current visa expires. Many resources are available for PTE preparation, including online courses and practice tests.

485 Visa English Requirements

Beyond the PTE score, it's crucial to understand the broader 485 visa English requirements. The Department of Home Affairs accepts results from several recognized English language tests to prove your proficiency:

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS): Both Academic and General Training versions are accepted.
  • Required Score (as of March 2024): Overall band score of 6.5, with no band score less than 5.5.
  • Exception: Hong Kong and BNO passport holders: Overall band score of 6.0, with no band score less than 5.0.
• Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic:
  • Required Score (as of March 2024): Overall score of 50, with no communicative skill score less than 36.
  • Exception: Hong Kong and BNO passport holders: Overall score of 50, with no communicative skill score less than 36. (Note: The general requirement for these passport holders is often lower than for other nationalities, so always check the specific details for your passport.)
• Cambridge English C1 Advanced (formerly CAE):
  • Required Score: Overall score of 169, with no component score less than 154. (Only paper-based tests taken before 12 February 2024, are accepted for tests taken before that date. For tests taken after, only official test center results are accepted.)
• Occupational English Test (OET): This test is typically for health professionals.
  • Required Score: B in each of the four components.
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT):
  • Required Score: Overall score of 64, with a minimum score of 4 for Listening, 4 for Reading, 14 for Writing, and 14 for Speaking. (Note: TOEFL iBT tests completed between 26 July 2023 and 4 May 2024 are not accepted for Australian visa and migration purposes.)

Key Point: Always ensure the test you undertake is approved by the Department of Home Affairs for visa purposes, and that your scores meet the current minimum requirements for the 485 visa subclass.

485 Visa Extension

While the 485 visa is a temporary visa and cannot be directly extended in the traditional sense, there are specific circumstances under which you might be eligible to apply for a Second Post-Higher Education Work stream visa. This is often referred to as a "485 visa extension" in common parlance.

Eligibility for a Second Post-Higher Education Work stream visa (the "extension"):

• Regional Study and Residence: This stream is primarily for those who obtained their first Temporary Graduate visa (Post-Higher Education Work or Post-Study Work stream) by graduating from an Australian institution located in a "regional area" (categorised as Category 2 or 3 regional centres and other regional areas).
• Continued Regional Residence: You must have lived and worked in a designated regional area for a specified period while holding your first 485 visa.
• New Age Limit: You must still be 35 years or under at the time of application (with limited exceptions).
• Other Standard Requirements: You must continue to meet health, character, and English language requirements.

Duration of Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream Visa: The length of stay for this "extension" depends on the regional classification of your educational institution and where you resided:

• Category 2 regional centres (e.g., Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Canberra, Newcastle/Lake Macquarie, Wollongong/Illawarra, Geelong, Hobart): May be eligible for an additional 1 year.
• Category 3 regional centres and other regional areas (all other regional areas): May be eligible for an additional 2 years.

Actionable Advice: If you are currently on a 485 visa and considering a longer stay, research the regional eligibility criteria thoroughly and start planning your move to a designated regional area if you haven't already. Maintaining meticulous records of your residence and employment in regional areas is crucial for this application.

Ready to navigate the complexities of the Australian 485 visa with confidence? Go Ahead Migration (MARN-1685730) is your trusted partner for expert advice and seamless visa application services. With a deep understanding of the latest Australian immigration laws, including all 485 visa new rules and requirements effective in 2025, our experienced registered migration agents are dedicated to maximizing your chances of success. From meticulous document preparation and eligibility assessments to comprehensive guidance on English language tests and health insurance, Go Ahead Migration provides tailored solutions for your Australian journey. Don't leave your future to chance – reach out to Go Ahead Migration today for a personalized consultation and take the first step towards a rewarding experience in Australia!

Reputable External Links

Here are some reputable external links that can be used for providing official and reliable information:

• Australian Department of Home Affairs – Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485): This is the most crucial official source
• Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA): For verifying registered migration agents
• PTE Academic Official Website: For information on the PTE test
• IELTS Official Website: For information on the IELTS test
• Medibank Overseas Health Cover: Example of a reputable health insurance provider

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Australia's migration system is a strategic framework designed to attract skilled workers and talent to contribute to the nation's economy. For many international students, the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) is the critical bridge between their studies and a long-term future in Australia. Let's explore the key aspects of this visa and the pathways to permanent residency.

Can a 485 visa lead to permanent residency?

Yes, a subclass 485 visa is a foundational stepping stone for many international students on their journey to permanent residency (PR). The 485 visa itself is temporary, but it provides a crucial window of opportunity to gain valuable Australian work experience, enhance skills, and meet the eligibility criteria for a permanent visa.

The most common pathways from a 485 visa to permanent residency include:

• Skilled Migration Visas: During your time on a 485 visa, you can work towards meeting the requirements for points-tested visas such as the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190), or the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491). This involves gaining a positive skills assessment, accumulating work experience, and achieving a competitive score on the points test.
• Employer-Sponsored Visas: The experience you gain on a 485 visa can make you an attractive candidate for an Australian employer. A company may be willing to nominate you for a temporary visa like the Skills in Demand (SID) visa (subclass 482), which now offers a more streamlined pathway to the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) permanent visa.
• Family Stream Visas: If you are in a genuine relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, you may be eligible to apply for a Partner visa (subclass 820/801).

The 485 visa is your chance to solidify your credentials, build professional networks, and strategically position yourself for a successful permanent residency application.

What is a 485 Australia visa?

The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) is a post-study work visa for international students who have recently completed a course of study at an Australian educational institution. It is designed to allow graduates to remain in Australia to gain practical work experience, which can be invaluable for their career and future migration prospects.

The 485 visa has two main streams:

• Post-Higher Education Work stream: This is for international students who have completed a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree. The length of the visa depends on your qualification, with longer periods for higher-level degrees.
• Graduate Work stream: This is for international students who have completed a diploma or trade qualification. You must nominate an occupation from a relevant skilled occupation list and have a positive skills assessment for that occupation.

What is the new rule about 485 visa Australia?

Recent and upcoming changes to the 485 visa have been significant, aiming to better align the visa with Australia's economic needs. Key changes include:

• Age Limit Reduction: The maximum age to apply for the 485 visa has been reduced to 35 years old (or under) for the Post-Higher Education Work stream.
• Reduced Visa Durations: The length of stay on the 485 visa has been adjusted. For a bachelor's or master's (coursework), it is now typically two years, and for a master's (research) or PhD, it is three years. The two-year extension for specific occupations has been removed.
• Increased English Language Requirements: The minimum IELTS score (or equivalent) has been increased to 6.5 overall, with no band score lower than 5.5.
• Higher Application Fees: As of July 1, 2025, the government visa application charge has been increased.

These changes emphasize the government's focus on attracting high-achieving, younger graduates who are more likely to transition into a permanent skilled role.

How long can you stay on the 485 visa?

The duration of a 485 visa grant depends on your specific stream and qualification level. As per the latest rules (effective from late 2024 onwards):

• Post-Higher Education Work stream:
  • Bachelor's degree (including Honours) and Master's by Coursework: Up to two years.
  • Master's by Research and Doctoral Degree: Up to three years.
• Graduate Work stream: Up to 18 months for those with diploma or trade qualifications.

Can I extend my 485 visa in Australia?

The Australian government has previously offered extensions for 485 visa holders, particularly during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the latest changes have largely phased out these ad-hoc extensions.

You cannot "extend" your first 485 visa in the traditional sense. However, in some circumstances, you may be eligible to apply for a Second Post-Study Work stream visa. This is typically available to graduates who have lived and studied in a designated regional area of Australia. If you meet the criteria, you can gain an additional one or two years on your visa, depending on your location of study.

How long must I stay in Australia to keep my permanent resident status?

Your Australian permanent resident status is indefinite, but your ability to travel in and out of Australia is not. The visa component of your PR grant, called the travel facility, typically has a validity of five years.

To maintain your unrestricted right to travel as a permanent resident, you must either:

• Reside in Australia for at least two years out of the last five years as a permanent resident. If you meet this requirement, you can apply for a Resident Return Visa (RRV) (subclass 155), which will grant you a new five-year travel facility.
• Demonstrate substantial ties to Australia, such as employment, business, or family connections, if you have been absent for longer than two years. In this case, you may still be granted an RRV, but for a shorter period (e.g., 12 months).

Do you lose permanent residency if you leave Australia?

You do not lose your permanent residency status simply by leaving Australia. As long as you remain inside Australia, your permanent residency is valid indefinitely. However, if you leave Australia after your travel facility expires, you will not be able to re-enter the country as a permanent resident.

To re-enter, you would need to apply for a Resident Return Visa (RRV), which is subject to the residency and ties requirements mentioned above. It's a common misconception that PR "expires"; it's the right to re-enter the country that has a time limit.

Can I lose my permanent resident status?

Yes, while your PR status is indefinite, it can be cancelled under specific circumstances, such as:

• Breaching character requirements: This could occur if you are convicted of a serious crime, even after your visa has been granted.
• Providing fraudulent information: If it is discovered that your visa was granted based on false or misleading information, it may be cancelled.
• Failure to comply with visa conditions: Although permanent visas have fewer conditions than temporary visas, failure to comply with any remaining conditions could lead to cancellation.

What are the new rules for permanent residency in Australia?

Australia's immigration policy is constantly evolving to address economic needs and social priorities. Recent and upcoming changes for permanent residency (PR) in Australia include:

• Expanded Employer-Sponsored PR Pathways: The government has made it easier for temporary sponsored workers (on the new SID 482 visa) to transition to PR. All 482 visa holders can now access the Employer Nomination Scheme (186) visa after working for their employer for two years.
• Increased Income Thresholds: Higher salary thresholds for temporary visas like the SID visa can indirectly impact PR pathways.
• Refinement of the Points-Based System: The points test for skilled visas is regularly adjusted to reflect in-demand skills, age, and other factors. Points for a positive skills assessment, English language proficiency, and work experience are constantly being reviewed.
• Focus on Regional Migration: The government continues to incentivize migration to regional areas through dedicated visa subclasses and state nomination programs.

How many years do you need to live in Australia to get permanent residency?

There is no single answer to this, as "getting permanent residency" can refer to many different visa pathways. Many skilled and family visas do not require you to have lived in Australia for a minimum number of years before applying.

However, if you are asking about the path from a temporary visa to a permanent one, the most common pathways are:

• Temporary to Permanent: A skilled worker on a 482 visa can now apply for PR after two years of working for their sponsoring employer.
• Provisional to Permanent: Holders of a provisional visa like the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) can apply for PR after living and working in a designated regional area for at least three years.

It is important to distinguish this from the residency requirement for Australian Citizenship. To be eligible to apply for citizenship, you must have been a permanent resident and lived in Australia for four years, including one year as a permanent resident.

Can you renew permanent residency in Australia?

You cannot "renew" your permanent residency status, as it does not expire. However, you can renew your permanent visa's travel facility by applying for a Resident Return Visa (RRV). The RRV allows you to travel in and out of Australia as a permanent resident after the initial five-year travel period on your original visa has expired.

To be eligible for an RRV, you must meet the residency or ties requirements, as outlined in an earlier answer.

What is the new PR point system in Australia 2025?

Australia's skilled migration point system is a dynamic tool used to select the most desirable candidates for independent and state-nominated visas. While the core point system has remained relatively stable, changes in 2025 are focused on refining eligibility criteria and awarding points more strategically:

• Increased Points for Higher Education and English: Greater emphasis is being placed on tertiary qualifications and superior English language skills.
• Review of Occupations: The skilled occupation lists are continually reviewed and updated to reflect current and future labour market needs, influencing which occupations receive invitations for PR.
• State and Territory Nomination: State governments are increasingly playing a pivotal role, with their nomination programs offering additional points and a clearer pathway to PR for candidates who commit to living and working in their respective regions.

The key is for prospective migrants to stay informed of these changes and to ensure their skills, work experience, and personal profile are aligned with the government's current priorities for a successful application.

‍