Are you an international student dreaming of staying in Australia after graduation? The Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa could be your golden ticket to not just work, but flourish in Australia’s job market. Imagine the opportunity to gain valuable work experience, build your career, and even take a step closer to permanent residency—all while enjoying life Down Under.

In 2025, the requirements and pathways for this visa have been updated, making it more crucial than ever to stay ahead of the curve. Whether you’re just finishing your studies or planning your post-study future, understanding these updates can make all the difference in securing your post-graduation plans.

Ready to unlock your future in Australia? Let’s dive into everything you need to know about the Subclass 485 visa in 2025—from eligibility criteria and English language requirements to the latest changes that could impact your application.

What is the 485 Visa?

The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) is intended for international students who just graduated from an Australian university. It offers a unique opportunity to study, live and work in Australia temporarily while gaining valuable experience and potentially transitioning to permanent residency.

In 2025, several updates have reshaped the visa landscape. These adjustments are intended to better match the visa with Australia’s growing economic and migratory priorities.

Who is Eligible for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)?

The Subclass 485 work Visa is intended for international students who have recently completed a CRICOS-registered course in Australia. Applicants must meet the Australian study requirement, which includes completing at least 92 weeks (equivalent to 2 academic years) of study in Australia in a relevant course.

Eligibility also includes:

• Be 35 years old or under at the time of application. (Exceptions apply for select Hong Kong and BNO passport holders, who may apply up to age 50.)
• Hold an eligible visa, such as a valid Student visa or have held one in the last 6 months.
• Have a recent qualification from a CRICOS-registered course in Australia.
• Meet the Australian study requirement—at least 92 weeks (2 academic years) of study in a CRICOS-registered course.
• The course must be:
  • A bachelor’s degree or higher, diploma, advanced diploma, or trade qualification.
  • Undertaken in Australia while holding a valid visa that allowed you to study.
  • Taught in English.
• Apply for the correct visa stream, based on your qualification level—note that once submitted, you cannot switch streams.
• Attach all required evidence when you apply, including proof of study, English proficiency, health insurance, and health/character checks.

Depending on the qualification completed, applicants can apply through one of two streams: the Post-Higher Education Work Stream or the Post-Vocational Education Work Stream (formerly known as the Graduate Work Stream).

Wondering if your qualifications meet the requirements for a 485 visa? Our team can assess your eligibility and assist you in preparing a flawless application. Reach out now for professional guidance and support!

Subclass 485 Visa Requirements for International Students

To apply for temporary graduate visa 485 in 2025, international graduates must meet the following key requirements:

General Requirements

Applicants must hold a valid student visa or have held one within the past six months prior to submitting their application. The course must be completed in a CRICOS-registered institution and meet the Australian study requirement, which involves at least two academic years (equivalent to 92 weeks).

The course must:

• Be a bachelor’s degree, diploma, advanced diploma, or trade qualification.
• Be completed at an Australian educational institution.
• Be taught in English.
• Be registered on CRICOS.
• Be undertaken while the applicant held a valid student visa.

Health & Character Requirements

Applicants must undergo and pass a health examination conducted by a certified panel physician. Additionally, they must provide police clearance certificates from every country where they have lived for 12 months or more over the past 10 years. These clearances prove the applicant does not have a substantial criminal record.

Health Insurance Requirements

Applicants must maintain adequate health insurance for the entire duration of their stay in Australia. This typically means purchasing an Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) policy before submitting your visa application. Proof of coverage must be submitted at the time of application.

English Language Requirements

A crucial component of the visa application is proving proficiency in English. The following are the English requirement tests and scores that are accepted in 2025:

• IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5, with no individual band less than 5.5.
• PTE Academic: A minimum score of 57 overall, with no communicative skill below 50. (Listening: 43, Reading: 48, Speaking: 42, Writing: 51)
• TOEFL iBT: A complete score of 83 (Listening: 7, Reading: 8, Speaking: 16, Writing: 18)
• Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE): An overall score of 176 and at least 162 for each test component.
• OET (Occupational English Test): A minimum B grade in each band.

These test results must be no older than 3 years at the time of application. Native English-speaking applicants from countries like the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, and Ireland may be exempt.

Struggling with your IELTS or PTE scores? Our expert coaching can help you achieve the results you need for your 485 visa application. Contact us today to schedule a personalised IELTS or PTE coaching session!

Streams Available For 485 Visa: Visa Options

Under the Subclass 485 Visa for international students, there are two primary streams:

a. Post-Higher Education Work Stream

Those who have earned a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from an Australian university are best suited for this program. It does not require applicants to nominate an occupation from the Skilled Occupation List. Visa duration in this stream ranges from 2 to 4 years, depending on the qualification level.

b. Post-Vocational Education Work Stream

International students who have earned a diploma or trade certification are eligible to enroll in this track. However, the qualification must be closely linked to an occupation listed on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). The visa granted under this stream is usually valid for 18 to 24 months.

Important 2025 Update: The Australian Government has renamed the Graduate Work Stream to Post-Vocational Education Work Stream and has introduced stricter eligibility measures. Only qualifications closely related to occupations on the MLTSSL will be accepted, and applicants must complete a relevant skills assessment.

c. Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream (Previously called Second Post-Study Work Stream)

This stream is available to applicants who have already held a 485 visa under the Post-Higher Education Work Stream and who graduated from an educational institution located in a regional area of Australia. It provides an additional stay period of 1 to 2 years, depending on the institution’s location and the applicant’s residence. This extension supports regional education and workforce development strategies.

Are you on top of the new 485 visa updates? Don’t risk delays or complications. Contact our experienced team for a comprehensive review of your situation and ensure a seamless application process.

Temporary Graduate Visa Duration by Qualification

The duration of the 485 visa is directly tied to the applicant’s highest qualification:

• Bachelor’s Degree: 2 years
• Master’s by Coursework: 2 years
• Master’s by Research: 3 years
• Doctoral Degree (PhD): 4 years
• Diplomas and Trade Qualifications: Up to 24 months

For graduates from Hong Kong and British National Overseas (BNO) passport holders, the visa may be granted for up to 5 years, subject to special arrangements introduced by the Australian Government.

Important Considerations for 2025

Stay Informed on Policy Changes

Immigration rules can shift rapidly. Regularly check the Department of Home Affairs website for updates or consult with a qualified agent to stay informed.

Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Requirement

Applicants must prove they genuinely intend to stay in Australia temporarily. This includes showing strong ties to their home country and a clear purpose for studying and working in Australia.

Professional Help Can Make a Difference

While applying independently is possible, many students benefit from using a MARA-registered migration agent, especially in cases with complex histories or missing documents.

Conclusion

The Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa is an incredible opportunity for international students to extend their stay in Australia, gain professional experience, and prepare for potential permanent residency. In 2025, changes to eligibility requirements, English scores, and visa fees make it essential to be well-prepared.

By understanding the updated requirements and starting your application early, you increase your chances of success. Whether you’re aiming to explore career prospects, build local experience, or take the next step toward a PR pathway, the 485 visa is a strong foundation.

Need assistance with your 485 visa application? Reach out to our experienced migration consultants for personalised support and guidance tailored to your circumstances.