Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
Stay, Work & Build Your PR Pathway in Australia
Finish your Australian studies and move into your next chapter with confidence. Aspire Global Migration helps you lodge a decision-ready 485 application and plan your pathway to PR from day one.
Registered Migration Agent (MARN 2518834) • Australia-based guidance for temporary visa holders
Overview
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) is a temporary visa that allows eligible international graduates to
live, work and study in Australia after completing their studies. It is a key “bridge visa” that helps many graduates gain
Australian work experience, improve PR points, complete skills assessments and progress towards employer sponsorship or skilled/state pathways.
Full-time work rights
Work unrestricted and build local experience in your field.
Stay after graduation
Remain in Australia after completing eligible studies and plan your next visa.
Include family
Add eligible partner and dependent children (requirements apply).
PR pathway planning
Use your 485 time wisely for skills assessment, points and sponsorship strategy.
485 Visa Streams (Choose the Right One)
The 485 program has multiple streams. Choosing the correct stream based on your qualification, study history and location is critical.
We help you select the right stream and prepare a decision-ready application.
1) Post-Vocational Education Work Stream
For graduates with an associate degree, diploma or trade qualification aligned with stream requirements.
2) Post-Higher Education Work Stream
For graduates with eligible higher education qualifications (Bachelor, Master, Doctorate level studies) who meet stream requirements.
3) Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream (Regional Extension)
A second 485 option for eligible graduates who already held a post-study 485 and meet regional requirements.
Note: The “Replacement stream” is closed to new primary applicants from 1 July 2024.
Key Eligibility (What Case Officers Look For)
Australian Study Requirement
You must have completed eligible studies in Australia (CRICOS-registered) and apply based on that completion.
Apply on Time
Timing is critical. Many refusals happen due to missed deadlines or lodging without correct completion evidence.
Correct Stream Selection
Choosing the wrong stream (or misunderstanding qualification requirements) can lead to delays or refusal.
English, Health & Character
You must meet English evidence requirements (as applicable) and satisfy health and character checks.
Health Insurance Planning
After your student OSHC ends, you must maintain appropriate health cover (a common compliance gap we fix early).
Family Inclusion (if applicable)
If including your partner/children, relationship and dependency evidence must be strong and consistent.
How long can you stay? Stay periods vary by stream, qualification and regional eligibility. We confirm your eligibility and expected duration before lodgement.
Step-by-Step: Our 485 Lodgement Process
- Eligibility & stream check — confirm stream, course completion evidence and timing.
- PR pathway planning — map skills assessment, points strategy, state nomination and employer options.
- Decision-ready checklist + audit — verify every document for consistency (names, dates, course details).
- Health, police checks & insurance setup — complete the correct steps in the right sequence.
- Lodgement + post-lodgement support — lodge, monitor, and respond to any Department requests.
Document Checklist (Subclass 485)
Identity & Travel
- Passport bio page (and previous passports if relevant)
- Photo ID (as applicable)
- Name change evidence (if any)
Study & Completion
- Completion letter from education provider
- Official academic transcript
- Award certificate (if issued)
- CRICOS course evidence (if needed)
English Evidence
- IELTS / PTE Academic / TOEFL iBT (if required)
- Any applicable exemptions (where allowed)
Health, Character & Compliance
- AFP check / police checks (as required)
- Health examinations (if requested)
- Appropriate health insurance evidence post-study
Family (If Including)
- Marriage certificate / relationship evidence
- Partner passport + ID documents
- Child birth certificates (if applicable)
- Dependency evidence (if applicable)
Stream-Specific (As Required)
- Evidence aligned to your chosen stream requirements
- Regional eligibility evidence (for second 485 stream)
- Any occupation/qualification documents requested for your case
Tip: We provide a customised checklist based on your stream and course — and audit every file before lodgement.
Common Mistakes That Cause Delays or Refusals
- Lodging before you have correct “course completion” evidence
- Selecting the wrong stream (or misunderstanding stream requirements)
- Inconsistent dates across completion letter, transcript and application
- Missing English/character evidence when required
- No PR strategy — wasting valuable 485 time and scrambling later
How Aspire Global Migration Can Help
Stream selection & eligibility
We confirm the correct stream and lodge only when your evidence is ready.
Decision-ready audit
Full checklist + file review so your application is consistent and complete.
Timing strategy
We manage critical dates so you don’t miss deadlines or apply too early/late.
PR pathway planning
Skills assessment + points + state/employer options aligned to your profile.
Ready to Lodge Your 485 the Right Way?
Book a consultation to confirm the correct stream, check your eligibility, and build a PR pathway plan from day one.