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✓ Registered Nurse · SA 190 · 75 pts · granted 3 days ago📡 TAS ran a 491 round · Chefs invited · cutoff 65 pts · March 18⏱ 190 visa processing · NSW · now averaging 11 months📊 Accountant EOI pool · 15,240 active EOIs · up 340 this month⚠️ SA Talent stream · reopened March 20 · limited places✓ Software Engineer · ACT 491 · 80 pts · granted 5 days ago📡 189 Round 3 · 2026 · expected Jan-Mar 2026⏱ 485 visa fee · $4,600 from 1 March 2026✓ Electrician · QLD 190 · 65 pts · granted 1 week ago📊 Registered Nurse EOI pool · 2,100 active EOIs · Tier 1✓ Registered Nurse · SA 190 · 75 pts · granted 3 days ago📡 TAS ran a 491 round · Chefs invited · cutoff 65 pts · March 18⏱ 190 visa processing · NSW · now averaging 11 months📊 Accountant EOI pool · 15,240 active EOIs · up 340 this month⚠️ SA Talent stream · reopened March 20 · limited places✓ Software Engineer · ACT 491 · 80 pts · granted 5 days ago📡 189 Round 3 · 2026 · expected Jan-Mar 2026⏱ 485 visa fee · $4,600 from 1 March 2026✓ Electrician · QLD 190 · 65 pts · granted 1 week ago📊 Registered Nurse EOI pool · 2,100 active EOIs · Tier 1
📘 SUBCLASS 485 — TEMPORARY GRADUATE

485 Post-Study Work Visa Australia 2026 — Work Rights and Duration

Australia's graduate visa. This guide covers all 485 visa Australia requirements for 2026 — your bridge between study and permanent residence. The decisions you make during your 485 determine whether you reach PR in 2 years or 7.

Work rights on 485 visa — unlimited from day one
Once you hold a 485 visa you have full, unlimited work rights — no hours cap. You can work any number of hours, for any employer, in any industry.
No 48-hour limit applies on the 485 visa. The 48-hour fortnightly cap only applies to the 500 student visa while your course is in session. Once you graduate and are granted a 485, all hour restrictions are removed.
Source: DHA — immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. Check your specific visa grant notice via VEVO to confirm conditions.
40,000+
Granted annually
2–5 yrs
Duration range
$1,905
Application fee
6 months
Apply within
⏰ The 6-month rule — most students miss this You must lodge your 485 application within 6 months of receiving your final results notification. Not 6 months after graduation ceremony. After final results. Miss this window and you cannot apply for a 485 — ever.
Overview & Eligibility
Duration Calculator
What To Do Now
PR Pathway
Costs & Processing
Graduate Work Stream
Common Questions
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

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.

📚

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. Children can attend school.

🏥

Medicare access

If from a reciprocal health agreement country: UK, NZ, Ireland, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Belgium, Malta, Italy, Slovenia, Netherlands. Others should consider private cover — OSHC is not mandatory on 485.

📋

Build PR credentials

Get skills assessed, submit an EOI, apply for state nomination. The entire PR preparation window is available to you from day one of your 485.

485 Duration Calculator
Your visa length depends on your qualification level AND where you studied. Select both below.
Bachelor DegreeStandard 3-year undergraduate
Honours / Grad Cert / Grad Diploma1 additional year post-bachelor
Masters by CourseworkIncludes MBA, MCom, MPA, MIT
Masters by ResearchThesis/dissertation based
Doctoral Degree (PhD)All doctoral programmes
Graduate Work StreamMLTSSL occupation — 18 months only
Your 485 visa duration
Australian work exp by end
EOI points from Aus. work
Earliest EOI submission
Regional study bonus
Select your qualification above to begin

Full duration reference table
QualificationMajor CityRegional (+1 yr)Aus. work exp at endPoints from work (city)
Graduate Work Stream18 months18 months1.5 yrs5 pts (1–2 yr bracket)
Bachelor Degree2 years3 years2 yrs5 pts
Honours / Grad Cert / Grad Dip2 years3 years2 yrs5 pts
Masters by Coursework2 years3 years2 yrs5 pts
Masters by Research3 years4 years3 yrs10 pts
Doctoral Degree (PhD)4 years5 years4 yrs10 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 · University of Newcastle (some campuses) · University of Wollongong (some campuses) · Murdoch University (some campuses). Check your institution's campus postcode against DHA's regional area definition — not all campuses of the same university 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. This is the complete plan.
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. Your EOI score does not improve. You spent your entire 485 window building nothing toward PR. 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. See the occupational authority table below. Do not wait — this is the gate to submitting an EOI. 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 (or a closely related one at equivalent skill level). A month of hospitality work counts for nothing. 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 (7.0 equivalent) to 79+ (8.0 equivalent) = 10 more points. Professional Year (accounting, IT, engineering) = 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 with a positive outcome, calculate your total points and submit your Expression of Interest in SkillSelect. Your EOI queue position date starts from submission day. Early submission is a real competitive advantage when multiple people have the same points score.
Month 9–12
Apply for state nomination — 190 or 491
State nomination adds 5–15 points. For most graduates at 60–75 base points, state nomination is the difference between an invitation in 6 months and waiting 3+ years. South Australia at 65 pts and Queensland at 75 are most accessible for current graduates. Tasmania and ACT are strong for specific occupations.

Skills assessment authority by occupation
Occupation GroupAssessing AuthorityTimelineCost (AUD)Key Requirement
Accountants (General / Tax / Management)CPA Australia / CA ANZ / IPA4–8 weeks$635–$820Degree + work experience letters
External AuditorsCPA Australia / CA ANZ4–8 weeks$635–$820Audit-relevant work experience required
IT / Software / ICT AnalystsACS (Australian Computer Society)6–12 weeks$500–$800Degree transcripts + detailed resume
Cybersecurity / Data / NetworkingACS6–12 weeks$500–$800Professional experience letters required
Civil EngineersEngineers Australia8–16 weeks$700–$1,200KSA competency report, CPD log
Electrical EngineersEngineers Australia8–16 weeks$700–$1,200Academic transcripts + employment history
Mechanical / Structural / Environmental EngineersEngineers Australia8–16 weeks$700–$1,200Engineers Australia CDR report required
Registered NursesAHPRA (direct registration)4–8 weeks$360–$700NCLEX or equivalent, AHPRA registration
MidwivesAHPRA4–8 weeks$360–$700Midwifery qualification + AHPRA pathway
PhysiotherapistsAHPRA4–8 weeks$360–$700AHPRA registration assessment
Occupational TherapistsAHPRA4–8 weeks$360–$700Degree assessment via AHPRA pathway
PharmacistsAHPRA6–10 weeks$360–$700KAPS exam required for overseas quals
DentistsAustralian Dental Council (ADC)6–12 months$2,000+ADC written + practical exam required
Medical PractitionersAMC (Australian Medical Council)6–18 months$2,500+AMC exam + clinical assessment
PsychologistsAHPRA4–8 weeks$360–$7004+2 or 5+1 supervised practice pathway
Teachers (Primary / Secondary)AITSL + State Registration Body8–16 weeks$200–$400Teaching qual + state teacher registration
Social WorkersAASW4–8 weeks$400–$600AASW-accredited degree preferred
ArchitectsAACA4–8 weeks$300–$500Architecture degree + portfolio
SurveyorsSSSI / AIBS6–12 weeks$400–$700Surveying / spatial science degree
Chefs / Cooks / PastrycooksTRA (Trades Recognition Australia)8–16 weeks$300–$600Trade cert + work experience letters
Electricians / Plumbers / CarpentersTRA8–16 weeks$300–$600Trade certificate (Cert III/IV) + experience
Business Analysts / Managers / HR / MarketingVETASSESS8–16 weeks$700–$900Degree + post-qual work exp required
Accountants — Financial PlannersVETASSESS8–16 weeks$700–$900Degree must be accounting-specific
Scientists / Chemists / BiologistsVETASSESS / ACS8–16 weeks$700–$900Relevant science degree required

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 at a basic standard. 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 course: $300–$600. Total approximately $1,100 for 5 points.

Format: Two dialogues, 300 words each. You interpret from the community language into English and from English back into the community language. 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 · Khmer
  • Indonesian · Japanese · Korean · Thai · Malay
  • Farsi · Dari · Hazaragi · Pashto · Burmese

⚠ 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, English level, 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. No employer or state needed. Most competitive — 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 or territory government nominates you. +5 bonus points. Lower competition than 189 because each state has its own allocation. Must commit to living and working in that state for 2 years post-grant. 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 state or family member nominates you. +15 points. Major trade-off: must live and work in regional Australia for 3 years, then apply for 191 permanent visa. For many graduates, +15 points is the fast lane — regional living is the price. 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)
If an employer will sponsor you, you move to a 482 Skills in Demand visa. After 2 years in the nominated occupation with that employer, you can apply for the 186 Employer Nomination Scheme permanent visa. No points test. No skills assessment separately. But you need a willing sponsoring employer — harder for new graduates.
Employer required No points test 2 yr same employer

Points projection by graduate profile
Graduate ProfileBase Pts+190 nom+491 nomRecommended route
Age 25, Masters IT, PTE 79 (8.0+), 1yr Aus work 25+20+15+5 = 65 70 80 491 regional fast track
Age 28, Bach. Nursing, IELTS 7.0, 2yr Aus work 30+10+15+5 = 60 65 75 SA 190 at 65 pts viable
Age 30, Bach. Accounting, IELTS 7.0, no work exp 25+10+15 = 50 55 65 Need 2+ yrs work exp urgently
Age 27, Masters Engineering, PTE 79+, 3yr Aus work + NAATI 25+20+15+10+5 = 75 80 90 Strong 189 or VIC/ACT 190
Age 31, MBA, IELTS 7.0, 2yr Aus work 25+10+15+5 = 55 60 70 Upgrade English or add NAATI
Age 23, Bach. Nursing, IELTS 8.0, regional study + 1yr work 25+20+15+5(reg)+5(work) = 70 75 85 Very competitive — priority occupation
Age 26, PhD Engineering, IELTS 8.0, 2yr Aus work 25+20+20+5 = 70 75 85 189 viable for engineers at current cutoffs
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. In competitive EOI pools where 1 point separates thousands of applicants at the same score, this is a permanent structural advantage. 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$1,905
Secondary applicant 18+$955
Secondary applicant under 18$475

Government fees increase ~5–8% each 1 July. Lodge before 30 June to avoid the annual increase.

Other required costs

Health exam (HAP — panel physician)$300–$600
AFP police check (Australia)$42
Home country police clearance$50–$200
Third-country police clearance (if applicable)$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
Based on DHA median processing data — 2025 figures. Onshore applications in same state generally process faster than offshore.
🇬🇧 UK / 🇺🇸 USA
4–8 weeks
🇳🇿 New Zealand
3–6 weeks
🇵🇭 Philippines
2–4 months
🇳🇵 Nepal
2–4 months
🇮🇩 Indonesia
2–3 months
🇮🇳 India
3–5 months
🇵🇰 Pakistan
3–5 months
🇧🇩 Bangladesh
3–6 months
🇱🇰 Sri Lanka
3–5 months
🇨🇳 China
5–12 months
🇻🇳 Vietnam
3–5 months
Why Chinese nationals experience longer processing Character verification requirements for PRC nationals involve additional bilateral checks through DFAT. This is standard procedure under Australia's security agreements — not discretionary discrimination. The 6-month application window still applies regardless of processing time. Lodge early so your Bridging Visa A covers the wait.

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). This lets you stay in Australia lawfully while DHA processes your application.

  • BVA work rights: full-time unlimited work (same as graduate 485) from the day your student visa expires
  • BVA study rights: can study any course
  • BVA travel: does NOT allow re-entry to Australia. Apply for Bridging Visa B ($175) before any overseas travel
  • If 485 refused: BVA remains valid for a period to allow you to appeal or make other arrangements
  • If you apply after your student visa has already expired: you are unlawful and do not receive a BVA — this is a critical situation requiring immediate legal help
Graduate Work Stream — detailed guide
Only 18 months duration but can fast-track your skills assessment pathway. Most relevant for students who did not complete a 2-year qualification.
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. Choose Graduate Work only if you cannot meet the 2-year study requirement for Post-Study stream.
Graduate Work stream requirements

Key MLTSSL occupations for Graduate Work stream
OccupationANZSCO CodeAssessing Body
Accountant (General)221111CPA / CA ANZ / IPA
Management Accountant221112CPA / CA ANZ / IPA
Taxation Accountant221113CPA / CA ANZ / IPA
External Auditor221213CPA / CA ANZ / IPA
ICT Business Analyst261111ACS
Systems Analyst261112ACS
Software and Applications Programmer261312ACS
Software Engineer261313ACS
ICT Project Manager135111ACS
Database Administrator262111ACS
Cybersecurity Analyst262112ACS
Civil Engineer233211Engineers Australia
Structural Engineer233214Engineers Australia
Electrical Engineer233311Engineers Australia
Electronics Engineer233411Engineers Australia
Mechanical Engineer233512Engineers Australia
Environmental Engineer233915Engineers Australia
Registered Nurse254111AHPRA
Midwife254211AHPRA
Physiotherapist252511AHPRA
Occupational Therapist252411AHPRA
Social Worker272511AASW
Primary School Teacher241111AITSL
Secondary School Teacher241411AITSL
Architect232111AACA
Surveyor232212SSSI
Cook (not Chef)351411TRA
Pastrycook351112TRA
Electrician (General)341111TRA
Plumber (General)334111TRA
Carpenter331212TRA

The full MLTSSL contains 200+ occupations. This table shows the most common graduate pathways. Check immi.homeaffairs.gov.au for the complete current list.

Common questions about the 485
Questions from r/AusVisa, Australian immigration forums, and thousands of graduate profiles. Answered with DHA-accurate data.
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. If it was refused, you may re-apply. If you need more time after your 485 ends, your options are: 482 employer sponsor, partner visa, student visa (further study), or have your PR application granted before the 485 expires. 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 for the exact date. Graduation ceremonies are typically 3–6 months after results. Counting from the ceremony date is one of the most common reasons for 485 refusal. If your results date is unclear, contact your institution's student records office immediately.
I studied partly online from my home country during COVID. Does that count? +
DHA implemented COVID exemptions allowing students who studied offshore during specific periods in 2020–2022 to count that time toward the 2-year in-Australia study requirement. Whether this applies to you depends on your specific dates and your visa conditions at the time. The exemptions have specific date cutoffs that have changed multiple times. Check the current DHA website for the specific concession dates applicable to your situation, or consult a MARA agent before lodging — this is a common refusal ground when applicants assume the exemption applies to them when it doesn't.
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 — Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. 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 single band. This is the most common English-related reason for 485 refusal. PTE Academic is often easier to achieve band-by-band equivalence — a PTE score of 50 in each communicative skill meets the 485 requirement.
Can I include my partner and children? +
Yes. Your partner (spouse or de facto) and dependent children can be included as secondary applicants. Your partner must meet health and character requirements but does not need to meet the English language or study requirements. Your partner will receive the same visa duration and full work and study rights. Children can attend Australian schools. Secondary applicant visa application charges apply — $955 for adults, $475 for children under 18. De facto relationships require evidence of a genuine and continuing relationship of at least 12 months, unless your partner is a New Zealand citizen or you are registered under a state/territory relationship register.
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. If someone else has the same points score as you and submitted 6 months earlier, they get invited first when a round opens with limited places. You can always update your EOI score later when you gain more work experience or achieve NAATI. Getting in the queue early costs nothing and can save months or years.
What happens if my 485 is refused? +
If your 485 is refused, you have the right to apply for merits review at the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART — formerly the Migration Review Tribunal) within 21 days of the decision. The current ART success rate for 485 refusals is approximately 28–35%. The most common refusal grounds are: English test result below minimum in any band, application lodged outside 6-month window, student visa not held for majority of study period, failed health requirements, and character issues. If refused on grounds you believe are wrong or can be fixed (e.g., English now met, health issue resolved), consult a registered MARA agent before lodging the ART application — the 21-day deadline is absolute.
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. It includes classroom training and a minimum 12-week internship. Cost ranges from $5,000 to $8,000 depending on the provider. Providers include MIDA, Academies Australasia, Navitas Professional, and others. It requires near-full-time participation and is most valuable for graduates whose EOI score is borderline, where 5 extra points would change their invitation prospects significantly. For accounting and IT graduates stuck at 70–80 points, it can be the difference between a 190/189 invitation and waiting indefinitely.
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. You can apply for state nomination while on your 485, receive a nomination, update your EOI, receive an invitation from DHA, and then lodge your 190 or 491 permanent/provisional visa application — all before your 485 expires. This is exactly the intended use of the 485 window. The key is to start early: state nomination rounds are unpredictable and can close without notice. Don't wait until Year 2 of your 485.
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 (or a closely related occupation at the same skill level). A software engineer working as a software developer: counts. A software engineer working in data entry: does not count. The work must be paid employment or self-employment in Australia. Points: 1–2 years = 5 pts, 3–4 years = 10 pts, 5–7 years = 15 pts, 8+ years = 20 pts. Note the combined overseas + Australian work experience cap of 20 points total.
I studied at a regional university. Do I get extra points and a longer visa? +
There are two separate regional study benefits and both require your institution to be in a DHA-classified regional area. First: 485 duration bonus of +1 year if you studied your principal qualifying course at a regional institution. Second: 5 bonus EOI points for completing a degree in a regional area of Australia. Both benefits require that your campus location (not just your institution's headquarters) is in a classified regional area, and that you actually studied the qualifying course at that campus — a partial semester at a regional campus does not qualify for either benefit. Check your specific institution and campus postcode at DHA's regional area definition before making assumptions.
Calculate your exact PR points score

See how many points you have right now, the gap to competitive cutoffs, and which state gives you the fastest path to an invitation.

Calculate my points → Full PR intelligence report
VisaIQ data disclaimer: VisaIQ provides AI-informed research based on publicly available DHA data and community-submitted timelines. All historical rates shown reflect data from similar profiles in our dataset. This is not migration advice. For advice specific to your circumstances, consult a MARA-registered migration agent. Processing times and costs are indicative based on 2026 DHA schedules and subject to change without notice.
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Last updated: April 2026