What is the 485 visa?
The Temporary Graduate visa lets recent graduates live and work in Australia after completing their studies. It has two streams with different rules.
📘 Post-Study Work Stream
For students who completed a bachelor degree or higher at an Australian institution. Most international graduates use this stream.
- Bachelor, Honours, Masters or PhD degree required
- Must have studied in Australia for at least 2 academic years
- Qualification does not need to be occupation-specific
- Duration: 2 to 5 years depending on level and location
- No occupation list restriction
🔧 Graduate Work Stream
For students with an occupation on the MLTSSL. Shorter duration but opens skills assessment pathway faster.
- Occupation must be on MLTSSL
- Qualification must be relevant to that occupation
- Minimum 16 months equivalent study in Australia
- Duration: 18 months only
- Skills assessment required at application
Who qualifies? — all conditions required
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Recently graduated from an Australian CRICOS-registered institution
Online-only study completed entirely offshore does not qualify. COVID-period offshore study may qualify under temporary exemptions — check current DHA guidelines.
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Held a student visa (subclass 500) for the majority of your study
Must have held a student visa for most of your study period in Australia. Tourist visas or working holiday visas during study do not count. Bridging visas between student visas do count.
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Apply within 6 months of receiving final results notification
The clock starts from your official final results notification date — not graduation ceremony. This deadline is absolute — no extensions available.
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English proficiency — 6.0 in each band minimum
IELTS: 6.0 each band | PTE Academic: 50 each communicative skill | TOEFL iBT: L13 R13 W21 S12 | Cambridge: 169 each skill | OET: B in each. Test valid for 3 years. 6.0 overall with 5.5 in one band = FAIL.
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Health requirements — chest X-ray or full HAP exam
Chest X-ray required for most applicants over 11 years old. Full health examination (HAP) required if staying more than 12 months and from certain countries. Must be done by a DHA panel physician only.
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Character requirements — police clearances
Australian Federal Police (AFP) check plus national police check from every country you lived in for 12 or more months during the past 10 years.
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Have not previously held a 485 visa (granted)
Only one 485 in your lifetime. If your 485 was GRANTED you cannot apply again — even if you didn't use it. Check VEVO at border.gov.au/byCitizen before applying.
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Study duration — 2 academic years for Post-Study, 16 months for Graduate Work
Post-Study: qualifying degree must normally take at least 2 academic years AND you must have studied in Australia for at least 16 months of full-time equivalent.
What you can do on a 485
💼
Work — unlimited
Full-time work with any employer in any occupation. No restriction to your field of study. Contractor, casual, and self-employment all allowed.
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Study anything
Enrol in additional courses or short programs. Many use 485 time for a Professional Year, NAATI CCL prep, or postgraduate study to strengthen their EOI score.
✈️
Multiple entry travel
Travel in and out of Australia freely for the full visa duration. No separate travel facility required.
👨👩👧
Bring family
Partner and dependent children can be included. Partner gets full work rights. No English test required for partner.
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Medicare access
If from a reciprocal health agreement country: UK, NZ, Ireland, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Belgium, Malta, Italy, Slovenia, Netherlands.
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Build PR credentials
Get skills assessed, submit an EOI, apply for state nomination. The entire PR preparation window is available from day one of your 485.
485 Duration Calculator
Your visa length depends on your qualification level AND where you studied. Select both below.
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Your 485 visa duration
Australian work exp by end
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EOI points from Aus. work
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Select your qualification above to begin
Full duration reference table
| Qualification | Major City | Regional (+1 yr) | Aus. work exp at end | Points from work (city) |
|---|
| Graduate Work Stream | 18 months | 18 months | 1.5 yrs | 5 pts (1–2 yr bracket) |
| Bachelor Degree | 2 years | 3 years | 2 yrs | 5 pts |
| Honours / Grad Cert / Grad Dip | 2 years | 3 years | 2 yrs | 5 pts |
| Masters by Coursework | 2 years | 3 years | 2 yrs | 5 pts |
| Masters by Research | 3 years | 4 years | 3 yrs | 10 pts |
| Doctoral Degree (PhD) | 4 years | 5 years | 4 yrs | 10 pts |
Regional universities that qualify for +1 year duration bonus
Charles Sturt University · CQUniversity · Federation University Australia · James Cook University · University of New England · University of Southern Queensland · University of the Sunshine Coast · Charles Darwin University. Check your institution's campus postcode against DHA's regional area definition — not all campuses qualify.
Your 485 action plan — year by year
What you do during your 485 determines whether you get PR in 2 years or end up at the same points score you started with.
The biggest mistake on a 485 — working in the wrong occupation
If you studied accounting but worked in retail for 2 years on your 485, you have zero Australian work experience points in accounting. Work in your nominated occupation from month one.
Year 1 — Foundation (months 1–12)
Month 1–3
Start your skills assessment immediately
Skills assessments take 3–6 months. Start the same month you receive your 485. Without a positive skills assessment, you cannot lodge an Expression of Interest in SkillSelect.
Month 1–6
Get a job in your assessed occupation
Australian work experience only counts toward your EOI if it is in your nominated occupation. One year of accounting work counts for 5 points. Start building that clock immediately.
Month 3–6
Decide: NAATI CCL, PTE upgrade, or Professional Year?
NAATI CCL = 5 pts for $800. PTE upgrade from 65 to 79+ = 10 more points. Professional Year = 5 pts but costs $5,000–$8,000 and takes 12 months. NAATI is the best value if your language qualifies.
Month 6–9
Skills assessment arrives → submit EOI immediately
As soon as your assessment arrives, calculate your total points and submit your Expression of Interest in SkillSelect. Your EOI queue position date starts from submission day.
Month 9–12
Apply for state nomination — 190 or 491
State nomination adds 5–15 points. South Australia at 65 pts and Queensland at 75 are most accessible for current graduates.
Skills assessment authority by occupation
| Occupation Group | Assessing Authority | Timeline | Cost (AUD) |
|---|
| Accountants (General / Tax / Management) | CPA Australia / CA ANZ / IPA | 4–8 weeks | $635–$820 |
| IT / Software / ICT Analysts | ACS (Australian Computer Society) | 6–12 weeks | $500–$800 |
| Civil / Electrical / Mechanical Engineers | Engineers Australia | 8–16 weeks | $700–$1,200 |
| Registered Nurses / Midwives / Physios | AHPRA (direct registration) | 4–8 weeks | $360–$700 |
| Teachers (Primary / Secondary) | AITSL + State Registration Body | 8–16 weeks | $200–$400 |
| Social Workers | AASW | 4–8 weeks | $400–$600 |
| Chefs / Cooks / Trades | TRA (Trades Recognition Australia) | 8–16 weeks | $300–$600 |
| Business / HR / Marketing / Scientists | VETASSESS | 8–16 weeks | $700–$900 |
NAATI CCL — the fastest 5 points most people ignore
What is NAATI CCL?
The Community Credentialing for Language (CCL) test proves you can interpret between English and a community language. Pass = 5 bonus points on your EOI. That can be the difference between an invitation this year and waiting 2 more years.
Cost: $800 for test. Preparation: $300–$600. Total ~$1,100 for 5 points.
Format: Two dialogues, 300 words each. Interpret from community language into English and back. Pre-recorded audio, 45 minutes.
Available languages (immigration-relevant)
- Urdu — Pakistani applicants · moderate pass rate · high demand
- Hindi / Punjabi — Indian applicants · high test frequency
- Nepali — Nepali applicants · good pass rates reported
- Filipino (Tagalog) — Filipino applicants · well-resourced prep materials
- Arabic · Bengali · Sinhalese · Tamil · Gujarati
- Mandarin · Cantonese · Vietnamese · Indonesian
⚠ Test dates fill 8–12 weeks in advance. Book as soon as you know your 485 lodgement date.
From 485 to Permanent Residence
No single path works for everyone. Which route is right for you depends on your occupation, points score, and how long your 485 is.
The 4 main PR pathways from 485
1
189 — Skilled Independent (no sponsor needed)
Skills assessment + occupation on MLTSSL or STSOL + competitive points score. Invited via SkillSelect rounds. Accountants and IT need 90–95+ points. Nurses and allied health typically need 75–80 points.
No sponsor needed Highly competitive
2
190 — State Nominated Skilled (+5 points)
State nominates you. +5 bonus points. Must commit to living in that state for 2 years. SA (65 pts), QLD (75 pts), and TAS (65 pts) are most accessible for current graduates.
+5 pts State sponsor 2 yr state commitment
3
491 — Regional Provisional (+15 points, PR after 3 years)
Regional nomination. +15 points. Must live in regional Australia for 3 years, then apply for 191 permanent visa. SA regional, QLD regional, and TAS are most active.
+15 pts Regional 3 yrs 191 → PR
4
482 → 186 ENS — Employer sponsored (2 years to PR)
Employer sponsors you on a 482 Skills in Demand visa. After 2 years, apply for the 186 permanent visa. No points test. Needs a willing sponsoring employer.
Employer required No points test 2 yr same employer
Points projection by graduate profile
| Graduate Profile | Base Pts | +190 nom | +491 nom | Recommended route |
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| Age 25, Masters IT, PTE 79+, 1yr Aus work | 65 | 70 | 80 | 491 regional fast track |
| Age 28, Bach. Nursing, IELTS 7.0, 2yr Aus work | 60 | 65 | 75 | SA 190 at 65 pts viable |
| Age 30, Bach. Accounting, IELTS 7.0, no work exp | 50 | 55 | 65 | Need 2+ yrs work exp urgently |
| Age 27, Masters Engineering, PTE 79+, 3yr work + NAATI | 75 | 80 | 90 | Strong 189 or VIC/ACT 190 |
| Age 26, PhD Engineering, IELTS 8.0, 2yr Aus work | 70 | 75 | 85 | 189 viable for engineers |
The NAATI advantage for Pakistani, Indian, Nepali and Filipino graduates
If your home language is Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi, Tagalog, or Nepali — NAATI CCL is 5 points your classmates from English-speaking backgrounds structurally cannot access. Use it.
485 Visa Costs — 2026
Full breakdown including government VAC, health exams, police clearances, and associated costs
Government VAC (Visa Application Charge)
| Main applicant | $4,600 |
| Secondary applicant 18+ | $2,300 |
| Secondary applicant under 18 | $1,150 |
Fee increased to $4,600 from 1 March 2026. Lodge before any upcoming fee increase date.
Other required costs
| Health exam (HAP — panel physician) | $300–$600 |
| AFP police check (Australia) | $42 |
| Home country police clearance | $50–$200 |
| English test (IELTS / PTE / TOEFL) | $340–$380 |
| Skills assessment (varies by authority) | $300–$1,200 |
| Migration agent (optional) | $800–$2,500 |
Processing times by nationality
Bridging Visa A — what happens while you wait
When you lodge a 485 application before your student visa expires, you automatically receive a Bridging Visa A (BVA).
- BVA work rights: full-time unlimited work from the day your student visa expires
- BVA study rights: can study any course
- BVA travel: does NOT allow re-entry. Apply for Bridging Visa B ($175) before any overseas travel
- If 485 refused: BVA remains valid for a period to allow appeal or other arrangements
Graduate Work Stream — detailed guide
Only 18 months duration but can fast-track your skills assessment pathway.
Post-Study vs Graduate Work — which should you choose?
If you qualify for both streams, Post-Study Work is almost always the better choice. It gives you 2–4 years (vs 18 months), does not require skills assessment at application time, and has no occupation restriction.
Graduate Work stream requirements
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Occupation on MLTSSL
Must nominate an occupation that appears on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List. Contains approximately 200 occupations weighted toward healthcare, engineering, IT, education and trades.
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Qualification relevant to nominated MLTSSL occupation
Your degree must be directly relevant to your nominated occupation.
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Positive skills assessment from the relevant authority
Must have a current positive skills assessment lodged WITH the 485 application — you cannot submit and wait for assessment to arrive.
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At least 16 months of full-time equivalent study in Australia
Minimum duration equivalent to one full academic year. Online offshore study does not count.
Common questions about the 485
Questions from r/AusVisa, Australian immigration forums, and thousands of graduate profiles.
Can I extend my 485 or apply for another one? +
You cannot extend a 485 visa and cannot apply for a second one. One 485 per lifetime — if it was ever granted, you cannot apply again. Check your VEVO record at border.gov.au/byCitizen to confirm your visa history.
I graduated in December — when exactly does my 6-month window start? +
Your 6-month window starts from the official date your final results were released — not the graduation ceremony. Check your student portal or results notification email. Counting from the ceremony date is one of the most common reasons for 485 refusal.
My IELTS shows 6.0 overall but 5.5 in Writing. Do I qualify? +
No. The 485 requires 6.0 in each of the four bands individually. An overall 6.0 with a 5.5 in Writing does not meet the requirement. You must re-sit and achieve 6.0 or higher in every band. PTE Academic is often easier — a score of 50 in each communicative skill meets the 485 requirement.
Can I include my partner and children? +
Yes. Your partner and dependent children can be included as secondary applicants. Your partner gets the same visa duration and full work and study rights. Secondary applicant charges: $2,300 for adults, $1,150 for children under 18 (at the new March 2026 fee rates).
I have a 3-year 485. Can I submit an EOI in Year 1 before I have work experience? +
Yes — and you should. Submit your EOI in SkillSelect as soon as you have a positive skills assessment and meet the minimum 65-point threshold. Your EOI date in the queue is your competitive advantage. You can always update your score later.
Does work on a 485 count as Australian work experience for the points test? +
Yes — but only if the work is in your nominated occupation. Points: 1–2 years = 5 pts, 3–4 years = 10 pts, 5–7 years = 15 pts, 8+ years = 20 pts.
I am on a 485 now. Can I apply for state nomination 190 or 491? +
Yes. The 485 is one of the eligible visa types for the vast majority of state and territory 190 and 491 nomination programs. Apply for state nomination while on your 485, receive nomination, update your EOI, receive DHA invitation, and lodge your permanent visa application — all before your 485 expires.
Can I do a Professional Year on my 485? +
Yes. The Professional Year Program is a 44-week structured work placement available to recent graduates in accounting, IT, and engineering. Completing it earns 5 bonus points on your EOI. Cost ranges from $5,000 to $8,000 depending on the provider.