Finishing your studies in Australia and being able to stay and work for a while is one of the most common goals. The path most often mentioned for that is the 485 visa. This is a general information guide — not an assessment of your case — so you understand the landscape.
What is the 485 visa?
Broadly, the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) is a temporary visa for people who have studied in Australia and meet certain criteria. The official information sets out the steps and conditions; it isn’t automatic and usually has different streams.
Study first, 485 after
The 485 builds on having studied in Australia, so it’s best seen as a natural continuation of the student path. If you’re still at that stage, look first at the student visa (500) and working while you study; the 485 comes in later.
Requirements that usually come up
Without this being a checklist for your case, this kind of visa usually mentions things like having completed eligible study in Australia, a level of English, health and character requirements, and time limits to apply after graduating. Which ones apply, and in what detail, depends on your situation and the relevant stream.
Duration: why we don’t give figures
How long the 485 lasts depends on the stream, the type of qualification and rules that update; there have been changes in recent years. That’s why we don’t put numbers here: the right move is to check what’s current at the official source and review your case before planning.
Myth vs Reality
Four ideas that keep coming up —and what the general information says.
Myth“Once you finish studying, the 485 is automatic.”RealityIt isn’t automatic: it has criteria and streams. The official information describes the steps.
Myth“It lasts the same for everyone.”RealityHow long it lasts depends on the stream and the qualification, and the rules update. The current detail is in the official source.
Myth“I can apply whenever I want.”RealityThere’s usually a time limit for applying after you graduate. It’s worth confirming the current timeframes.
Myth“Any course counts.”RealityYou’re usually asked to have completed eligible studies in Australia. Every situation is reviewed in detail.
The next step
Every situation has its nuances, and every country of origin its own. If you’d like to look at how this applies to your case, contact us and we’ll go through it with you.
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General information · not individual legal advice.
Last reviewed: 2026-07-03 · Source: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au