Subclass 485 Application Process: 2026 Temporary Graduate Visa Guide
Applying for a Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) in 2026 requires using the current post-1 July 2024 framework. This page was originally published as a 2025 application guide and has now been updated so readers are not directed to the former Graduate Work/Post-Study Work structure.
Updated 26 September 2026.
Step 1: identify the correct current 485 stream
The current framework includes:
- Post-Vocational Education Work stream — generally for eligible graduates relying on an associate degree, diploma or trade qualification connected with an eligible nominated occupation;
- Post-Higher Education Work stream — generally for eligible graduates relying on degree-level or higher Australian qualifications; and
- Second Post-Higher Education Work stream — for certain eligible Temporary Graduate visa holders who meet the relevant regional requirements.
Step 2: check the age requirement before doing anything else
The old general “under 50” rule should not be used for a current application. Following the 1 July 2024 reforms, the usual maximum eligible age is 35 years or under, subject to specified exceptions. Some passport holders and certain research-degree graduates are treated differently. Check the exact exception rather than assuming it applies.
Step 3: confirm your visa history and application timing
Subclass 485 contains visa-history and timing requirements. Map your Student visa, any Bridging visa and course-completion dates before lodging. Do not rely solely on the expiry date printed on the Student visa.
Step 4: check the Australian study requirement
Prepare the relevant CoEs, transcripts and completion evidence and check the study against the Australian study requirement. Course completion and graduation are not always the same date, and the legal test is more specific than simply having studied in Australia.
Step 5: prepare English evidence
Check the current accepted tests, minimum scores, test validity and exemptions. The applicable English instrument can change, so use the rules applying when you lodge rather than a saved checklist from an earlier year.
Step 6: deal with any skills assessment early
The Post-Vocational Education Work stream can involve nominated-occupation and skills-assessment requirements. Confirm the assessing authority and the evidence required before the Student visa approaches expiry.
Step 7: obtain the correct police-check and insurance evidence
Check the Subclass 485 requirements for Australian Federal Police evidence and appropriate health insurance. Keep proof of the relevant application or cover and the dates on which it was obtained.
Step 8: lodge under the correct stream
Review names, passport details, course dates, qualification level, English evidence, police-check material and visa history before submission. Keep a complete PDF copy of the application and every attachment as lodged.
Step 9: monitor requests after lodgement
Check ImmiAccount and authorised-recipient correspondence. Respond to requests by the stated deadline and keep evidence of submission. A request for more information does not necessarily mean every time-of-application defect can be cured later.
How long does a 485 visa take?
Processing times fluctuate and differ by stream and case. This guide deliberately does not preserve old fixed-day estimates. Check the Department’s current processing-time guide and do not treat a published percentile as a guarantee for an individual application.
How long can a 485 visa be granted for?
The period depends on the stream, qualification and any special rules applying to the applicant. Older guides referring generally to an 18-month Graduate Work visa or broad Post-Study Work periods may no longer describe the current framework accurately.
Official Subclass 485 information
Before applying, check the Department of Home Affairs Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) page and the current legislative requirements.
Get help with a Subclass 485 application
Emigrate Lawyers can assess the correct stream, age position, Australian study requirement, English evidence, skills assessment and visa history before lodgement. Book a consultation with our migration team.
Disclaimer
This article provides general information only and is not legal advice. Australian migration law, policy and procedures can change. Obtain advice about the law applying to your individual circumstances before lodging.
