Australia Subclass 485 Visa –
Stay Back After Your Degree
Just finished your Bachelor's or Master's in Australia? The Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa lets you stay, work with full rights, and build your path to PR — up to 4 years for Indian nationals under AI-ECTA.
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 this stream in detail. The Post-Vocational Education Work stream (for diploma/trade graduates) and the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream (regional extension) 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 (related study, same/next academic year) | 2 Years | Conditions apply |
| 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 Period — Indian Nationals (AI-ECTA) | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor Degree (including Honours) | 2 Years | Same as general |
| Bachelor Degree — First-Class Honours in STEM / ICT | 3 Years ⭐ | +1 year extra vs general |
| Masters (Coursework, Extended, or Research) | 3 Years ⭐ | +1 year extra vs general |
| Doctoral Degree (PhD) | 4 Years ⭐ | +1 year extra vs general |
Am I Eligible? — Complete Checklist
You must meet all of the following criteria. 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 the application (not in immigration clearance)
- You currently hold a Student Visa (Subclass 500), OR Bridging Visa A/B if your student visa was held within the last 6 months
- You held a Student visa within the last 6 months before applying — this window is strict
- You completed your CRICOS-registered course within the last 6 months of the application date — late applications are not accepted
- Your qualification is a degree level or above from a CRICOS-registered Australian institution (for Post-Higher Education Work stream)
- You meet the Australian Study Requirement — completed at least 2 academic years (92 weeks equivalent) of study in Australia, physically present for at least 16 months
- You meet the English language requirement — IELTS 6.5 / PTE 57 or equivalent, taken within 12 months of application (for tests taken on or after 7 August 2025)
- You have adequate health insurance for yourself and all family members included in the application
- 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) attached — if it does, you may still apply but cannot do so via the standard online process
- You have NOT previously held a Subclass 485 or Subclass 476 visa as a primary applicant — if you have, you cannot be granted this visa again as primary applicant
Eligible Qualifications (Post-Higher Education Work Stream)
How Much Does the 485 Visa Cost?
From 1 March 2026, the Australian Government significantly increased the Temporary Graduate Visa fees. All fees are in Australian Dollars (AUD) and are non-refundable.
| Applicant Type | Fee (from 1 March 2026) | Previous Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Main Applicant (Primary) | AUD 4,600 | AUD 2,300 |
| Additional Applicant — 18 years or over | AUD 2,300 | AUD 1,155 |
| Additional Applicant — Under 18 years | AUD 1,160 | AUD 575 |
| Second 485 (Regional Extension) — Main Applicant | AUD 1,810 | AUD 905 |
- Each family member (18+) — AUD 2,300
- Each child (under 18) — AUD 1,160
- Health examination — varies by clinic
- AFP Police Check — approx. AUD 42
- 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 immediately
- Check your current visa conditions on VEVO ↗ — look specifically 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 right away at afp.gov.au ↗ — the system can take up to 24 hours, you must apply at least 1 day before lodgement
- Book a health examination at an approved panel physician clinic — completing before lodging significantly speeds up processing
- Purchase or extend health insurance (OSHC transitioning to OVHC or private) covering you and all family members for the full stay period
- Confirm your English test results are valid and meet minimum scores — must be within 12 months of your application date (from 7 August 2025 onwards)
Refer to the full checklist in the next section. Scan all documents in colour and clearly. Save multi-page documents as a single file. All non-English documents must be translated by a NAATI-accredited translator ↗ (for translators in Australia). Do not attach unnecessary documents.
- Log in or create your account at ImmiAccount ↗
- Select: Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) — Post-Higher Education Work stream
- ⚠️ Critical: You cannot change the stream after submission — choose your stream very carefully
- Upload all required documents as attachments to the application
- Add all family members as additional applicants and pay their VAC
- Pay the full Visa Application Charge — the application will not be processed without full payment
- Submit the application well before your 6-month deadline (AEST applies)
- A Bridging Visa A is automatically granted — this keeps you lawful in Australia if your student visa expires while waiting
- Do NOT cancel your current visa after lodging — you will become unlawful immediately
- Check ImmiAccount regularly for information requests from Home Affairs
- Respond to any document requests within the specified timeframe — ignoring them leads to refusal
- Attend health examinations if directed by the Department
- You can travel in and out of Australia while the application is being processed
- You receive a visa grant email with your visa grant number, commencement date, and all conditions
- Save this email and carry a copy — your visa is digitally linked to your passport (no sticker)
- Verify conditions on VEVO immediately after grant
- Withdraw any other pending undecided visa applications to avoid being granted an unwanted visa
- If refused — the reason is provided in the decision letter along with whether review rights (AAT) apply. The fee is non-refundable.
485 Visa — Complete Document Checklist 2026
Every document you need to lodge a complete, correct Subclass 485 application. Guide to Heights reviews all documents before submission for clients — missing a single item can delay or reject your application.
1. Identity Documents
2. Qualification & Study Documents
3. English Language Evidence
4. Health Insurance
5. Character Documents
6. Health Examination
7. Partner Documents (If Applicable)
8. Children / Dependants (If Applicable)
English Scores Required — 485 Visa 2026
Your English test must have been taken within 12 months before the day you apply (for tests taken on or after 7 August 2025 — this changed from the previous 3-year validity). Minimum scores are:
| Skill | IELTS Academic/GT | PTE Academic | TOEFL iBT | OET | CELPIP | MET |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 6.5 | 57 | 83 | 1310 | 8 | 58 |
| Listening | 5.5 | 43 | 7 | 260 | 6 | 53 |
| Reading | 5.5 | 48 | 8 | 280 | 6 | 51 |
| Writing | 5.5 | 51 | 18 | 260 | 6 | 51 |
| Speaking | 5.5 | 42 | 16 | 310 | 6 | 43 |
Getting Longer Stay — Options for Indian Nationals
Indian students have multiple pathways to maximise time in Australia after graduation. The AI-ECTA advantage is automatic, but there are additional strategies to extend further.
🇮🇳 Your Extended Stay Options as an Indian National
Strategies and pathways available specifically for Indian passport holders under AI-ECTA and beyond
Option 1 — AI-ECTA Extended Stays
Extended stay is automatically applied when you use your Indian passport — no separate application required. Just ensure your Indian passport is current and used in your 485 application.
- Masters (any stream) → 3 years automatically
- PhD → 4 years automatically
- Bachelor STEM First-Class Honours → 3 years
Option 2 — Second 485 (Regional Extension)
If your first 485 was granted based on a degree from a regional Australian university and you lived in a regional area for 2+ years on your 485, you can apply for the Second 485 — adding 1 to 2 more years. Fee: AUD 1,810 (from 1 March 2026).
- Must live in eligible regional area for 2 years immediately before applying
- Combined: potentially 5–6 years total post-graduation
- Eligible universities: Deakin, La Trobe, Federation, Newcastle, Wollongong, etc.
Option 3 — Skilled Migration Visas
Use your 485 time to gain Australian work experience and move towards PR through the points-tested or employer-sponsored streams:
- Subclass 189 — Skilled Independent (points-tested, no sponsor)
- Subclass 190 — State/Territory Nominated (adds 5 points)
- Subclass 491 — Skilled Work Regional (leads to PR via SC 191 after 3 years)
- Subclass 482 / 186 — Employer Sponsored (fastest for some)
Option 4 — Study Strategy for Maximum Stay
Choosing a regional university from the start and living in that region on your 485 sets you up for both the Second 485 and regional PR pathways. Regional areas also attract additional points in the skills assessment system.
- Regional unis: Deakin, Newcastle, Federation, Charles Darwin, La Trobe (Bendigo)
- Additional 5–15 points in EOI for regional study/living/work
- Faster PR timelines in many regional states
→ Talk to a G2H counsellor about your specific situation — completely free
What You Can Do on the Subclass 485
The 485 provides broad rights. Here's exactly what you're entitled to do while holding this visa.
Full Unrestricted Work Rights
Work for any employer, in any industry, for any number of hours. No restrictions. You are fully protected by the Fair Work Act — minimum wages, fair hours, and safe working conditions apply.
Further Study
You can enrol in additional courses, professional development, or certifications while holding this visa. Upskilling during your 485 period significantly boosts your PR points and prospects.
Multiple Entry Travel
Travel in and out of Australia as many times as you like. Note: time spent outside Australia does not extend your visa duration. Plan travel accordingly to make the most of your stay period.
Bring Your Family
Your partner and children can apply as dependants — either in your original application (if in Australia) or as subsequent entrants from inside or outside Australia after your visa is granted.
Superannuation Entitlements
If you earn above the super threshold, your employer must contribute to your superannuation. When you permanently leave Australia, you can claim your accumulated super through the ATO DASP system ↗.
Health & Medicare Access
Some 485 holders are eligible for Medicare coverage through bilateral health agreements. Check your eligibility at Services Australia ↗. Otherwise, maintain private health insurance throughout.
PR Pathways to Plan During Your 485 Visa
The 485 visa does not lead directly to PR. However, with strategic planning during your stay, it is the most common bridge to Australian permanent residency. Popular pathways include:
Skilled Independent Visa
Points-tested visa. No employer or state sponsorship required. Available to graduates in occupations on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). Requires 65+ points. Nurses, engineers, IT, and accountants regularly achieve invitation. Age below 45.
Skilled Nominated Visa
Requires nomination from an Australian state or territory government. Adds 5 points to your EOI score. Available for a broader range of occupations. Victoria, NSW, and South Australia run regular nomination rounds. Graduates already living in the state have an advantage.
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional)
For graduates who study or work in regional Australia. Adds 15 bonus PR points. Leads to the Subclass 191 (PR) after 3 years of regional residence and eligible work. Regional study and living during 485 period counts towards this requirement.
Employer-Sponsored Visas
The Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) visa (SC 482) and the Employer Nomination Scheme (SC 186) are available if your employer is willing to sponsor you. Many 485 holders transition through this route after gaining permanent roles in their field. Uses the 2026 CSOL / Core Skills Framework.
How Long Does the 485 Visa Take to Process?
Recent data from Home Affairs shows that approximately 75% of Post-Higher Education Work stream applications are decided within 2 months. However, individual processing times vary significantly. Always check the official tool for current estimates.
⚡ What Speeds Up Processing
- Complete, accurate application at lodgement
- Health examinations completed before applying (HAP ID obtained in advance)
- AFP Police Check done 1–2 weeks before lodging
- All documents clearly scanned and correctly labelled
- English test results attached at lodgement
- All family members' documents included upfront
- Correct VAC paid in full at time of lodgement
⏱️ What Causes Delays or Refusal
- Incomplete or incorrectly filled forms (80, 1221, etc.)
- Home Affairs requesting additional information — slow response
- Wrong Visa Application Charge paid — application won't be processed
- Health examinations not yet completed at lodgement
- AFP Police Check applied on the same day as lodgement
- English test results expired or close to expiry
- Applying in the wrong stream — cannot be changed post-submission
Dos & Don'ts — What Students Commonly Get Wrong
✅ Always Do This
- Apply within 6 months of your degree award date — start the day you get your completion letter
- Apply for AFP check at least 1–2 days before your visa application date
- Keep your passport valid for the full intended stay period
- Maintain health insurance for you and all family members throughout
- Check VEVO regularly to monitor your visa conditions and expiry
- Notify Home Affairs of any address, contact, or passport changes
- Obey all Australian laws throughout your visa period
- Start job searching immediately — you have full work rights from grant
- Save your visa grant email — carry a copy with you when in Australia
- Begin planning your PR pathway from the first month of your 485
- Consider regional study or living to qualify for the Second 485 extension
❌ Never Do This
- Don't wait — apply immediately after graduation. Missing the 6-month window means no 485
- Don't apply for the AFP check on the same day as your visa application
- Don't select the wrong visa stream — it cannot be changed after submission
- Don't cancel your current visa after you lodge — you become unlawful immediately
- Don't assume time outside Australia extends your visa — it doesn't
- Don't apply if you already held a 485 or 476 as a primary applicant — you are ineligible
- Don't use state/territory police checks — AFP National Police Check (AFP only) is required
- Don't use non-NAATI translators for document translations
- Don't ignore information requests from Home Affairs — this leads to refusal
- Don't let health insurance lapse at any point while on this visa
- Don't assume your 485 can be re-applied for if refused — seek advice from a MARN agent immediately
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.