🇦🇺
🎓 Temporary Graduate Visa 2026
Subclass 485 &
Post-Higher Education
Work Stream Guide
Just finished your bachelor's or master's in Australia? The 485 visa gives you full work rights to live and build your career after graduation — up to 4 years for Indian nationals.
Updated March 2026
🇮🇳 Indian Students: Up to 4 Years (AI-ECTA)
Full Open Work Rights · No Employer Restriction
SUBCLASS 485
Visa Type
Temporary Graduate Visa
AUD 4,600
Visa Cost
Main applicant (from)
2–4 yrs
Stay Period
Indian nationals (AI-ECTA)
FULL WORK RIGHTS
No Restrictions
Any employer, any industry
PR PATHWAY
Skilled Visas
189 · 190 · 491 · 482
How Long Can You Stay
Stay Periods — Know Your Entitlement
Your stay period depends on your qualification level. Indian nationals receive extended stay periods under the AI-ECTA agreement — a significant advantage over other applicants.
🌏 General Stay Periods — All Nationalities
| Qualification | Stay Period |
|---|---|
| Bachelor Degree (including Honours) | 2 Years |
| Graduate Diploma (related study, same/next academic year) | 2 Years |
| Masters (Coursework or Extended) | 2 Years |
| Masters (Research) | 3 Years |
| Doctoral Degree (PhD) | 3 Years |
🇮🇳 Extended Stay for Indian Nationals (AI-ECTA)
| Qualification | Stay Period (Indian Nationals) |
|---|---|
| Bachelor Degree (including Honours) | 2 Years |
| Bachelor Degree — First-Class Honours in STEM / ICT | 3 Years ⭐ |
| Masters (Coursework, Extended, or Research) | 3 Years ⭐ |
| Doctoral Degree (PhD) | 4 Years ⭐ |
Eligibility Check
Am I Eligible? — Quick Checklist
Before applying, confirm you meet all of the following criteria. A single unmet condition will make you ineligible — check every point carefully.
- You are 35 years old or under when you apply — exceptions apply for research/PhD applicants (under 50) and HK/BNO passport holders
- You are physically inside Australia when you apply (not in immigration clearance)
- You currently hold an eligible visa — Student visa, 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
- You completed your course within 6 months of the application date — late applications are NOT accepted
- Your qualification is from a CRICOS-registered Australian institution at degree level or above
- You meet the Temporary Graduate visa study requirement (2 academic years equivalent in Australia)
- You meet the English language requirement (IELTS 6.5 overall / PTE 57 or equivalent, within 12 months)
- You have adequate health insurance for yourself and all family members
- You meet health and character requirements (AFP check, health exam if required)
- Your current visa does NOT have a 'No Further Stay' condition (8503 or 8534) — if it does, you cannot apply online
- You have NOT previously held a Subclass 485 or 476 visa as the primary applicant — if you did, you cannot be granted this visa again as primary
Eligible Qualifications
🎓 Bachelor Degree
🎓 Bachelor Honours Degree
🎓 Masters (Coursework)
🎓 Masters (Extended)
🎓 Masters (Research)
🎓 Doctoral Degree (PhD)
🎓 Higher Doctoral Degree
📋 Graduate Diploma (conditions apply)
Visa Costs
How Much Does the 485 Visa Cost?
The main applicant pays AUD 4,600. Each family member who applies with you also pays the full Visa Application Charge. Additional costs may apply.
Main Applicant
AUD 4,600
Visa Application Charge
Additional Costs
- Each family member — full charge applies
- Health examinations (varies by clinic)
- AFP Police Check (~AUD 42)
- Biometrics (if requested)
- NAATI translation fees (if needed)
Step-by-Step Application
How to Apply for the 485 Visa
Step 1 · Immediately After Graduation
- 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 — renew before applying if needed
- Apply for AFP National Police Check right away — the system takes up to 24 hours to generate a receipt, and you must apply at least 1 day before lodgement
- Book a health examination at an approved panel clinic (booking early speeds up processing)
- Purchase health insurance (OSHC or private) for yourself and all family members for the full stay period
- Confirm your English test results are valid and meet the required scores (taken within 12 months)
Step 2 · Gather Your Documents
See the full checklist in the next section. Get original documents plus clear colour scans. Translate all non-English documents using a NAATI-accredited translator. Save multi-page documents as a single file.
Step 3 · Apply Online in ImmiAccount
- 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 very carefully
- Attach all required documents to the application
- Add family members and ensure their VAC is paid
- Pay the full Visa Application Charge (application won't be processed without payment)
- Submit before your 6-month deadline (AEST applies)
Step 4 · After You Lodge
- A Bridging Visa is automatically granted — keeps you lawful if your current visa expires while waiting
- Do NOT cancel your current visa after lodging — you will become unlawful
- Check ImmiAccount regularly for information requests from Home Affairs
- Respond to any requests within the timeframe specified
- Attend health examinations if directed
- You can travel in/out of Australia while the application is being decided
Step 5 · Visa Granted
- You receive an email with your visa grant number, date, and conditions
- Save and carry a copy of this email when in Australia
- Visa is digitally linked to your passport — no sticker is placed in your passport
- Check your conditions on VEVO
- Withdraw any other undecided visa applications to avoid being granted a different visa
- If refused — you will be told the reason and whether review rights apply. The fee is non-refundable.
Full Document Checklist
485 Visa — Complete Document Checklist
Every document you need to lodge a complete Subclass 485 application. Check all items before submitting to avoid delays.
1. Identity Documents
✓
Passport — photo page, bio data, issue & expiry dates
Valid for intended stay duration
✓National Identity Card (if applicable)
✓
Proof of name change (if applicable)
Marriage certificate, legal name change documents
2. Qualification & Study Documents
✓Award / degree completion letter from your Australian university
✓Official final transcripts showing all completed subjects
✓Evidence of CRICOS-registered course completion
✓
Proof meeting the Temporary Graduate visa study requirement
2 academic years equivalent of study in Australia
3. English Language Evidence
✓
Valid English test scorecard — IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, OET, CELPIP, or MET
Test taken within 12 months of application date
✓
OR: Valid passport from UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, or Republic of Ireland
Citizens of these countries are exempt from English testing
!
IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR) accepted — must complete before lodging
4. Health Insurance
✓
Signed letter from health insurance provider confirming coverage
Must cover you for the entire visa period or expected stay
✓
Medicare card or proof of Medicare enrolment — OR
Evidence of private health insurance policy
✓Insurance must cover all family members on the application
5. Character Documents
✓
AFP National Police Check receipt or application confirmation
Applied between 1 day and 12 months before visa application date. Must be National Police Certificate (Immigration — Australia Name Check Only) by AFP only.
✓Form 80 — Personal particulars for character assessment
✓Form 1221 — Additional personal particulars information
!
Overseas police certificate (if you lived abroad 12+ months in last 10 years)
!
Military service records / discharge papers (if served in armed forces)
6. Health Examination
✓
HAP ID — generated in ImmiAccount before attending medical
Book at a DIBP-approved panel clinic. Results valid for 12 months. Completing before lodging speeds up processing.
!Chest X-ray (if directed by Home Affairs)
!
Health exam may be requested after lodgement for some applicants
7. Partner Documents (If Applicable)
✓Partner identity documents (passport, ID)
✓
Marriage certificate — if married
Or proof of de facto relationship (12+ months)
✓Partner character documents (Form 80, Form 1221, AFP check)
✓Health insurance for partner
8. Children / Dependants (If Applicable)
✓
Birth certificates for all dependent children
✓Adoption papers (if applicable)
✓
Form 1229 — consent if child under 18 and other parent not travelling
✓
Form 47a — for dependants over 18 (with proof of dependency)
✓Identity & character documents for dependants aged 16+
✓Health insurance for all children on the application
English Scores
English Language Requirements
Your English test must have been taken within 12 months before the day you apply. The scores below apply to tests taken on or after 7 August 2025.
| Skill | IELTS Academic/GT | PTE Academic | TOEFL iBT | OET | CELPIP General | 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 |
Critical Tips
Dos & Don'ts — What Students Get Wrong
✅ Do This
- Apply within 6 months of your degree award date
- Apply for AFP check at least 1–2 days before lodging
- Keep your passport valid throughout the process
- Maintain health insurance for you and all family members
- Check VEVO regularly to know your visa conditions
- Notify Home Affairs of address/contact/passport changes
- Obey all Australian laws and visa conditions
- Start job searching early — you have full work rights
- Save your visa grant email — keep a copy with you
- Plan your PR pathway during your 485 period
- Consider regional study/living for the Second 485 extension
❌ Don't Do This
- Don't delay — apply immediately after graduation
- Don't apply for AFP check on the same day as your visa
- Don't select the wrong visa stream — can't change after submission
- Don't cancel your current visa after you apply
- Don't overstay — check expiry on VEVO regularly
- Don't think time outside Australia extends your visa
- Don't apply if you already held a 485/476 as primary applicant
- Don't use state/territory police checks — AFP only is accepted
- Don't use unaccredited/non-NAATI translations
- Don't ignore information requests from Home Affairs
- Don't let your health insurance lapse while on this visa
Indian Students
Getting Longer Stay — Options for Indian Nationals
Indian students have multiple pathways to maximise time in Australia after graduation. Here's what's available to you.
🇮🇳 Your Extended Stay Options
Strategies and pathways available specifically for Indian passport holders
💡 Strategy tip: A PhD student from India can stay up to 4 years on the 485 — and if they studied and lived in a regional area, add another 1–2 years with the Second 485. That's potentially 5–6 years to build your PR application before returning or settling permanently.
→ Talk to a G2H counsellor about your specific situation
→ Talk to a G2H counsellor about your specific situation
On Your Visa
Life on the 485 — What You Can Do
Work
Full, unrestricted open work rights. Any employer, any industry, any number of hours. You must find your own employment — no sponsorship needed. Protected by Australian workplace law.
Further Study
You can enrol in additional courses or professional development programs while on this visa. Upskilling during your 485 boosts your PR prospects significantly.
Travel Freely
Multiple entry visa — travel in and out of Australia as many times as you like. Note: time spent outside does NOT extend your visa. Plan trips accordingly.
Bring Family
Partner and children can join you. Family members can apply as subsequent entrants from inside or outside Australia after your visa is granted.
Workplace Rights
Protected by the Fair Work Act. You are entitled to minimum wage, fair hours, and safe working conditions. Report exploitation at fairwork.gov.au.
Superannuation
If you earn AUD 450+ per month, your employer must contribute to your super fund. You can claim your superannuation when you permanently leave Australia.
Processing
Processing Times & What Causes Delays
Processing times vary. Recent data suggests around 50% of applications are decided within 7 days and 90% within 31 days — but this changes. Always check the official tool.
⚡ What Speeds Up Processing
- Complete, accurate application at lodgement
- Health examinations completed before applying
- AFP Police Check done well in advance
- All documents clearly scanned and labelled
- English test results attached at lodgement
⏱️ What Causes Delays
- Incomplete or incorrectly filled forms
- Home Affairs needing additional info from you
- Verification of documents taking time
- Wrong Visa Application Charge paid (application won't process)
- Health exams not yet completed at time of lodgement
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
QCan I extend my 485 visa?
The 485 visa cannot be directly extended. However, if your first 485 was granted based on a degree from a regional Australian institution AND you lived in a regional area for 2+ years while holding your 485, you may apply for a Second Post-Higher Education Work stream visa (1–2 additional years). You can also apply for other skilled migration visas using the Home Affairs visa finder.
QDo I need an English test for the 485 visa?
Yes, unless you hold a valid passport from the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, or Republic of Ireland. All other applicants must provide a valid English test result taken within 12 months of application: IELTS 6.5 overall (no band below 5.5), PTE Academic 57 overall (no component below their band minimum), or equivalent scores in TOEFL iBT, OET, CELPIP, or MET.
QWhat happens to my visa status while waiting for the 485 to be decided?
When you lodge your 485 application, a Bridging Visa is automatically granted. This keeps you lawful in Australia while your application is being processed, even if your current student visa expires during that time. Do NOT cancel your current visa after lodging.
QI graduated with a PhD — how long can I stay as an Indian national?
Under the AI-ECTA agreement, Indian nationals who completed a Doctoral Degree (PhD) are entitled to 4 years on the 485 visa — the longest stay available. This is automatically applied when you use your Indian passport in your application. No separate process or application is needed.
QCan my family join me on the 485?
Yes. You can include family members in your original application if they are in Australia. After your visa is granted, family members can apply as subsequent entrants from inside or outside Australia. All family members must meet health and character requirements and pay their own Visa Application Charge.
QWhat is the AFP Police Check and how do I get it?
The AFP National Police Check is a mandatory background check for all 485 applicants aged 16 and over. Apply online at afp.gov.au. Apply between 1 day and 12 months before your visa application — not on the same day. The AFP system can take up to 24 hours to generate a receipt; save the confirmation page as proof. Only AFP certificates are accepted — not state/territory police certificates.
QCan I work on the 485 visa?
Yes — you have full and unrestricted work rights. You can work for any employer, in any field, for any number of hours. You are also protected by Australian workplace laws including the Fair Work Act minimum wages and entitlements. You must find your own employment — this visa does not require employer sponsorship.
Essential Resources
Official Links & G2H Tools
Everything you need — official government tools, G2H calculators, and resources to plan your 485 and PR pathway.
Official 485 Visa Page — Home AffairsThe complete official government source for all 485 requirements
→
ImmiAccount — Apply OnlineCreate or log in to your ImmiAccount to lodge the application
→
VEVO — Check Your Visa StatusVerify your visa conditions, expiry date, and work rights
→
Visa Processing Times ToolCurrent estimates for recently decided 485 applications
→
AFP National Police CheckApply for your mandatory AFP police check online
→
Second 485 — Regional ExtensionOfficial details on the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream
→
G2H Student Visa Funds CalculatorCalculate exact funds required for your course and duration
→
PTE Discount Voucher — G2HGet a discounted PTE Academic exam voucher through G2H
→
Apply for Your 485 Visa with Expert Help
Guide to Heights is a PIER-certified (QEAC #10439) and British Council registered consultancy with offices in Kerala and UAE. We've helped hundreds of Indian and GCC students navigate their post-study visa journey in Australia — with personalised guidance, document preparation, and end-to-end application support.
✓ Personalised eligibility check
✓ Document preparation & review
✓ English test strategy & discount vouchers
✓ HAP ID, medicals & insurance guidance
✓ Full ImmiAccount lodgement support
✓ PR pathway planning post-485