Australia Subclass 485 Visa –
Stay Back After Your Degree
Just finished your Bachelor's or Master's in Australia? The Subclass 485 lets you stay, work with full rights, and build your path to PR — up to 5 years for Indian nationals who study in a regional area. Use our free calculator below to see your exact years.
Stay-Back Calculator — How Many Years Will You Get?
Pick your course, your university campus, and whether it's a city or regional area. The calculator shows your first 485 visa plus any regional second visa — based directly on the Department of Home Affairs rules for Indian passport holders (AI-ECTA), updated July 2026.
Work Out Your Australia Stay-Back
Two things decide your total years: your qualification (the course) and where your campus is (city vs regional). Change any option to see it update instantly.
Master's degree — 3 years for Indian nationals
Category 3 area — up to 2 extra years
The Australia Temporary Graduate Visa — Your Stay Back Visa After Graduation
The Subclass 485 has three streams — the most relevant for bachelor's and master's graduates is the Post-Higher Education Work stream. This page covers that stream in detail. The Post-Vocational Education Work stream (for diploma/trade graduates) and the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream (the regional extension used in the calculator above) are also referenced below.
This visa is not points-tested, does not require employer sponsorship, and most applicants apply within 6 months of finishing their degree. It is the most popular visa among Indian and GCC students who completed their degrees in Australia.
Stay Periods — Know Your Entitlement (2026)
Your stay period depends on your qualification level. Indian nationals receive extended stay periods under the AI-ECTA agreement — a significant advantage over most other nationalities.
🌏 General Stay Periods — All Nationalities
| Qualification | Stay Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor Degree (including Honours) | 2 Years | Most common outcome |
| Graduate Diploma | 2 Years | Default; longer if prior study qualifies |
| Masters by Coursework or Extended | 2 Years | General stream |
| Masters by Research | 3 Years | All nationalities |
| Doctoral Degree (PhD) | 3 Years | All nationalities |
| HK / BNO Passport Holders | 5 Years | Special provision |
🇮🇳 Extended Stay for Indian Nationals — AI-ECTA Agreement
| Qualification | Stay — Indian Nationals (AI-ECTA) | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor Degree (including Honours) | 2 Years | Same as general |
| Bachelor — First-Class Honours in STEM / ICT | 3 Years ⭐ | +1 year vs general |
| Masters (Coursework, Extended or Research) | 3 Years ⭐ | +1 year vs general (coursework) |
| Doctoral Degree (PhD) | 4 Years ⭐ | +1 year vs general |
Regional Areas — How to Add 1 or 2 More Years
Australia rewards graduates who study and stay in regional areas. If your first 485 was based on a degree from a regional campus, and you then live only in a regional area for 2 years, you can apply for a separate second 485 (the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream) that adds 1 or 2 years.
| Tier | Where | Second 485 Bonus |
|---|---|---|
| City (Metro) Category 1 | Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane | No bonus |
| Cities & Major Regional Centres Category 2 | Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Canberra, Newcastle/Lake Macquarie, Wollongong/Illawarra, Geelong, Hobart | +1 Year |
| Regional Centres & Other Regional Areas Category 3 | All other regional areas (e.g. Wagga Wagga, Armidale, Toowoomba, Ballarat, Bendigo, Darwin, Cairns, Townsville, Launceston) | +2 Years |
Am I Eligible? — Complete Checklist
You must meet all of the following. A single unmet condition makes you ineligible — check every point carefully before applying.
- You are 35 years old or under when you apply — exceptions: Masters by Research / PhD applicants under 50, HK/BNO passport holders
- You are physically inside Australia when you lodge (not in immigration clearance)
- You currently hold a Student Visa (Subclass 500), or a Bridging Visa A/B where your student visa was held within the last 6 months
- You completed your CRICOS-registered course within the last 6 months of applying — late applications are not accepted
- Your qualification is degree level or above from a CRICOS-registered Australian institution (Post-Higher Education Work stream)
- You meet the Australian Study Requirement — at least 2 academic years (92 weeks equivalent) of study in Australia, physically present for at least 16 months
- You meet the English requirement — IELTS 6.5 / PTE 57 or equivalent, taken within 12 months of application (for tests on or after 7 August 2025)
- You have adequate health insurance for yourself and all family members included
- You meet health and character requirements — AFP police check and health examination if required
- Your current visa does not have a 'No Further Stay' condition (8503 or 8534) — if it does, you may not be able to apply via the standard process
- You have not previously held a Subclass 485 or 476 as a primary applicant — if you have, you cannot be granted this visa again as primary applicant
How Much Does the 485 Visa Cost?
From 1 July 2026, the main applicant fee rose to AUD 5,750. All fees are in Australian Dollars (AUD) and are non-refundable. GCC parents: figures below include approximate AED and INR conversions (rates move daily — treat as a guide).
| Applicant Type | Fee (from 1 July 2026) | Approx. AED / INR |
|---|---|---|
| Main Applicant (Primary) | AUD 5,750 | ≈ AED 14,650 · ₹3.8 L |
| Second 485 (Regional Extension) — Main Applicant | from AUD 2,265 | ≈ AED 5,775 · ₹1.5 L |
| Each additional family member | Charge applies | Use the Pricing Estimator |
- A charge for each family member on the application
- Health examination — varies by clinic
- AFP Police Check — approx. AUD 42
- OVHC health insurance for the full stay
- NAATI translation fees (if needed)
- Biometrics if requested — varies
How to Apply for the 485 Visa
- Get your official course completion letter from your university
- Check your current visa conditions on VEVO ↗ — look for 8503/8534 conditions
- Ensure your passport is valid for your intended stay — renew before applying if needed
- Apply for your AFP National Police Check at afp.gov.au ↗ — at least 1 day before lodging (never the same day)
- Book a health examination at an approved panel physician — completing it before lodging speeds up processing
- Switch from OSHC to OVHC / private health insurance covering you and all family for the full stay
- Confirm your English test is valid — within 12 months of applying (from 7 August 2025 onwards)
Use the full checklist below. Scan documents in colour and clearly, and save multi-page documents as a single file. Non-English documents must be translated by a NAATI-accredited translator ↗ (for translators in Australia).
- Log in or create your account at ImmiAccount ↗
- Select Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) — Post-Higher Education Work stream
- ⚠️ You cannot change the stream after submission — choose carefully
- Upload all documents, add family members, and pay the full charge — the application won't process without full payment
- Submit well before your 6-month deadline
- A Bridging Visa A is automatically granted — you stay lawful if your student visa expires while waiting
- Do not cancel your current visa after lodging — you'd become unlawful immediately
- Check ImmiAccount regularly and respond to any requests on time
- You can travel in and out while processing (apply for a Bridging Visa B before leaving)
- You receive a grant email with your visa number, start date and conditions
- Save the email — your visa is digitally linked to your passport (no sticker)
- Verify conditions on VEVO and start job searching — you have full work rights from grant
485 Visa — Complete Document Checklist 2026
Everything you need to lodge a complete, correct Subclass 485 application. G2H reviews all documents before submission for clients — one missing item can delay or reject your application.
1. Identity Documents
2. Qualification & Study
3. English Evidence
4. Health Insurance
5. Character Documents
6. Health Examination
7. Partner (If Applicable)
8. Children / Dependants
English Scores Required — 485 Visa 2026
Your test must be taken within 12 months before you apply (for tests on or after 7 August 2025 — changed from the previous 3-year validity). Minimum scores:
| Skill | IELTS | PTE Academic | TOEFL iBT | OET |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 6.5 | 57 | 83 | B |
| Each band (min) | 5.5 | 50 | see official | C+ |
Getting Longer Stay — Options for Indian Nationals
Indian students have multiple pathways to maximise time in Australia after graduation. The AI-ECTA advantage applies to your first 485; regional study opens the second 485 on top.
🇮🇳 Your Extended Stay Options as an Indian National
Strategies available specifically for Indian passport holders under AI-ECTA and beyond
Option 1 — AI-ECTA Extended Stays
Applied on your first 485 when you use your Indian passport — just ensure it's current in your application.
- Masters (any) → 3 years
- PhD → 4 years
- Bachelor STEM/ICT First-Class Honours → 3 years
Option 2 — Second 485 (Regional)
If your first 485 was from a regional campus and you lived regionally for 2+ years, apply for the second 485. Fee from AUD 2,265 (≈ AED 5,775 / ₹1.5 L).
- Category 2 → +1 year · Category 3 → +2 years
- Combined: potentially 5–6 years total
- Regional unis: Deakin (Geelong/Warrnambool), La Trobe (Bendigo), Charles Sturt, UNE, CQU, Federation
Option 3 — Skilled Migration Visas
Use your 485 time to gain experience and move toward PR:
- Subclass 189 — Skilled Independent (points-tested)
- Subclass 190 — State Nominated (+5 points)
- Subclass 491 — Skilled Work Regional (PR via 191 after 3 years)
- Subclass 482 / 186 — Employer Sponsored
Option 4 — Study for Maximum Stay
Choosing a regional campus from the start sets you up for both the second 485 and regional PR points.
- Regional study/living/work adds points in the EOI
- Faster PR timelines in many regional states
- IT & Engineering also qualify for the Professional Year (+5 points)
→ Talk to a G2H counsellor about your situation — completely free
What You Can Do on the Subclass 485
The 485 provides broad rights. Here's exactly what you're entitled to while holding this visa.
Full Unrestricted Work Rights
Work for any employer, in any industry, for any number of hours. You are protected by the Fair Work Act — minimum wages, fair hours, safe conditions.
Further Study
Enrol in additional courses, professional development, or certifications. Upskilling during your 485 boosts your PR points and prospects.
Multiple Entry Travel
Travel in and out as often as you like. Time outside Australia does not extend your visa — plan travel to make the most of your stay.
Bring Your Family
Your partner and children can apply as dependants — in your original application (if in Australia) or as subsequent entrants after grant.
Superannuation
Employers contribute to your super above the threshold. When you permanently leave, claim it via the ATO DASP system ↗.
Health Access
Some 485 holders access Medicare through bilateral agreements — check at Services Australia ↗. Otherwise keep private cover throughout.
PR Pathways to Plan During Your 485 Visa
The 485 doesn't lead directly to PR, but with planning it's the most common bridge to Australian permanent residency. Popular pathways:
Skilled Independent Visa
Points-tested, no sponsor. For occupations on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). Nurses, engineers, IT and accountants regularly receive invitations. Age below 45.
Skilled Nominated Visa
Requires state/territory nomination and adds 5 points to your EOI. Graduates already living in the state have an advantage.
Skilled Work Regional
For regional graduates — adds 15 bonus points and leads to PR (Subclass 191) after 3 years of eligible regional living and work.
Employer-Sponsored Visas
The Skills in Demand (SC 482) and Employer Nomination Scheme (SC 186) if an employer sponsors you. Many 485 holders transition through this route.
How Long Does the 485 Visa Take?
Processing times vary. A complete, decision-ready application is decided much faster — always check the official tool for current estimates for the Post-Higher Education Work stream.
⚡ What Speeds Up Processing
- Complete, accurate application at lodgement
- Health exam done early (HAP ID obtained in advance)
- AFP check done 1–2 weeks before lodging
- Documents clearly scanned and labelled
- English results attached at lodgement
- All family documents included upfront
- Correct charge paid in full
⏱️ What Causes Delays or Refusal
- Incomplete or incorrect forms (80, 1221)
- Slow response to Home Affairs requests
- Wrong charge paid — won't be processed
- Health exam not completed at lodgement
- AFP check applied same day as lodgement
- English results expired or near expiry
- Wrong stream selected — can't be changed
Dos & Don'ts — What Students Commonly Get Wrong
✅ Always Do This
- Apply within 6 months of course completion — start the day you get your letter
- Apply for the AFP check 1–2 days before your visa application
- Keep your passport valid for the full intended stay
- Maintain OVHC health insurance for you and all family throughout
- Check VEVO regularly for conditions and expiry
- Start job searching immediately — full work rights from grant
- Plan your PR pathway from month one
- Consider a regional campus to unlock the second 485
❌ Never Do This
- Don't miss the 6-month window — no second chance
- Don't apply for the AFP check the same day as your visa
- Don't select the wrong stream — it can't be changed
- Don't cancel your current visa after lodging
- Don't assume time outside Australia extends your visa
- Don't apply if you held a 485/476 as primary before
- Don't use state police checks — AFP only
- Don't let health insurance lapse at any point
Frequently Asked Questions — Subclass 485 Visa 2026
Official Government Links & G2H Tools
All the official sources and tools you need to research, prepare, and apply for your Subclass 485 visa.
Apply for Your 485 Visa with Expert Help — Free
Guide to Heights is a PIER-certified (QEAC #10439) and British Council registered consultancy with offices in Kochi (Kerala), Sharjah (UAE), and Melbourne (Australia). We provide complete 485 visa preparation, document review, and PR pathway planning — at zero cost to you.