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Graduate Visa Australia (subclass 485) – ONEderland Consulting

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Temporary Graduate Visa Australia (subclass 485) – Complete Guide 2025

If you’ve completed your studies in Australia, the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) is one of the best ways to gain valuable work experience. The visa allows you to both extend your stay in Australia and work for any job legally. The visa could also be your first step toward Australian permanent residency.

In this guide, we will cover everything that you should know about the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) in 2025, including the latest updates, requirements, application process, and PR options.

What is the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)?

The Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) is a temporary visa that allows international students who have recently graduated from an Australian institution to live, study, and work in Australia.

The 485 Visa has three streams:

  1. Post-Vocational Education Work stream, which is for graduates who have completed AQF Certificate, Diploma, or Advanced Diploma studies and possess skills related to occupations on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL).
  2. Post-Higher Education Work stream, which is for graduates who have completed a Bachelor’s degree and other higher degrees in Australia.
  3. Second Post-Higher Education Work stream, which is for graduates who have completed a higher degree in a regional area of Australia.

Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) 2025 Update

Several changes to the 485 Visa took effect in July and August 2025 that you shouldn’t miss. These changes include:

Visa application charge has increased across all 485 Visa streams

As of July 2025, the cost for a Temporary Graduate Visa is:

Application cost for Post Vocational Education Work Stream and Post Higher Education Work Stream:

  • AUD 2,300 for main applicant
  • AUD 1,150 for an additional applicant aged 18 and older
  • AUD 580 for an additional applicant aged under 18

Application cost for Second Post Higher Education Work Stream:

  • AUD 905 for main applicant
  • AUD 455 for an additional applicant aged 18 and older
  • AUD 230 for an additional applicant aged under 18

The above cost may change in July every year.

New English language requirement for 485 Visa submitted on and after 07 August 2025

1. Updated Minimum Scores and Revised English Tests

As of 7 August 2025, the Cambridge Advanced (C1 Advanced) exam is no longer recognised. Nonetheless, the Australian government has added three more approved English language tests, increasing the number of recognised English language tests to eight to satisfy the 485 Visa’s English criterion. These consist of:

  • Michigan English Test (MET),
  • Occupational English Test (OET),
  • Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic),
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language online-based test (TOEFL iBT),
  • Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program General (CELPIP General),
  • International English Language Testing System Academic (IELTS Academic),
  • International English Language Testing System General Training (IELTS General Training), and
  • LanguageCERT Academic Test (LANGUAGECERT Academic).

These apply to both the post-vocational and post-higher education work streams of the 485 Visa.

2. Test Results Have to Be Recent

Before filing your application for a 485 Visa, you have to take the test within a year. Test results obtained between 6 and 7 August 2025 are still valid under the transitional provisions as long as they satisfy the new requirements.

3. Certain Passport Holders Are Exempt

Test results are no longer required of applicants who hold valid passports from the US, UK, Canada, New Zealand, or Ireland.

Learn more: 485 Visa Update 2025 – Latest Updates Available

New English Test Result for 485 Visa (other passports)

Graduate Visa English Requirements 2025 - Other Passport Holders

New English Test Result for 485 Visa Hong Kong & British National passports)

Graduate Visa English Requirements 2025 - Hong Kong & British National Passport Holders

485 Visa Eligibility Requirements

To apply for the 485 Visa in 2025, you must:

  • Be under 35 years old (unless exempt),
  • Hold an eligible Student Visa in the last 6 months,
  • Meet the Australian study requirement (minimum 2 years of a CRICOS-registered course),
  • Provide an acceptable English language test result,
  • Meet the health and character requirements,
  • Have health insurance during your stay.

Read more: Document Checklist for 485 Visa: Key to Secure Your Visa

Graduate Visa (subclass 485) Streams Comparison

Graduate Visa (subclass 485) streams comparison

Step-by-step Application process

To submit a Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485), you must follow these steps:

  1. Check your eligibility based on the stream.
  2. Prepare the required documents, such as a passport, qualification evidence, English test results, health insurance, and AFP.
  3. Submit your application online through ImmiAccount and provide complete information and documents.
  4. Pay the visa application charge accordingly.
  5. Wait for the decision (7-9 months average)
  6. Receive the decision in writing sent to your email.

Common reasons for Graduate Visa refusal

Many international students face 485 Visa refusal due to simple mistakes, such as:

1. Lodging the application late

You must apply for the 485 Visa within six months of completing your course, while still holding a valid Student Visa. Many 485 visa refusals happen because applicants miscalculate the “completion date”. If you apply for the 485 Visa after your Student Visa expires, your application will be invalid.

2. English language requirement not met

When applying for the 485 Visa, you must prove your English proficiency at the time of application by providing one of the English test results listed above. 485 Visa refusal often occurs because the test result has expired, the score is below the minimum requirement, or the applicant failed to attach the result at the time of visa lodgment. Therefore, ensure that your English test is taken within one year before your visa submission and meets the minimum score requirement.

3. Health insurance not maintained

You must have adequate health insurance, typically Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC), from the day you apply until the visa is granted. You may face a 485 Visa refusal if you submit an expired OSHC instead of the OVHC or fail to upload evidence of continuous coverage.

4. Incorrect or incomplete document

The Department of Home Affairs requires you to provide identity documents, academic transcripts, a course completion letter, a police check certificate, health checks, etc., in your 485 Visa application. Your 485 Visa application will be refused if your completion letter doesn’t clearly state course dates, if your police check is missing, or if you don’t attach evidence of relationship for your dependents.

5. Course or study is not eligible for a 485 Visa

Note that only CRICOS-registered courses that are at least 2 academic years (92 weeks) qualify for the 485 Visa. If your course is too short, not at the required level, or not completed in Australia physically, your 485 Visa application will be refused.

“ONEderland Consulting assisted me with my 485 visa application. They handled my case with care, professionalism, and remarkable attention to detail, particularly Daiva and Indah. They guided me through every step of the process, answering my questions along the way. Their support was both helpful and friendly, and I received my 485 visa much faster than I had anticipated. 😊” – Helia Ranjbar

Pathways to Permanent Residency after Graduate Visa (subclass 485)

The Graduate Visa (subclass 485) could be your stepping stone towards Australian permanent residency. Common pathways include:

  • Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)
  • Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190)
  • Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491)
  • Employer-sponsored Visa (subclass 482 or 186)
  • Partner Visa (if you’re in a genuine relationship with an Australian citizen or PR)

Applying for a Graduate Visa Australia can be complex, especially with the 2025 changes. ONEderland Consulting has 15 years of experience in helping international students successfully transition from study to work and eventually obtain their permanent residency in Australia.

We have explained the PR pathway in detail for all international graduates holding a 485 Visa here. Otherwise, you are very welcome to discuss the best option with our Registered Migration Agent in a private consultation:

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We’re here to help you

Our visa specialists at ONEderland Consulting will assist you in navigating the Graduate Visa Australia application, ensuring a smooth and stress-free application. We have a 98% success rate and are one of Australia’s most highly recommended migration agents. Read our 4.9* score customer reviews.

We are committed to being open and honest with you, keeping you updated and involved at every stage. We will work tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome for your future in Australia, and you can rely on us to be your dependable partner and advocate.

We are complex visa specialists. As a registered Australian migration agent with the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA), we are subject to professional regulation and bound by the Code of Conduct issued by the MARA.

Take the first step and contact us. Our team members are honest, accountable and professional. Contact us via email at visa@onederland.com.au, by phone at 1300 827 159, or through WhatsApp at +61494372414. Alternatively, you can book your consultation online, and it is backed by our 100% Money-Back Guarantee Program.

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