You’re about to complete your studies in Australia and gaining adequate work experience is your next goal. If you plan on staying and getting employed in Australia, the graduate temporary work visa – subclass 485 is a viable option at this point.
Finished your Australian studies and wondering what the next chapter holds?
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) is your primary pathway to staying in Australia after graduation. It grants international students full work rights, allowing you to gain professional experience, build your career, and explore long-term options for skilled migration or permanent residency.
Whether you’re looking to bridge the gap between study and a career or aiming for PR, this visa is a vital step in your Australian journey.
Important Update:As of 1 March 2026, visa application charges for the TGV have significantly increased. Revised pricing and specific exemptions now apply.
1. Stay Durations by Qualification
The length of your stay depends on your specific qualification and relevant trade agreements
: 2 years.
: 2 years (for Indian Nationals and Masters by Research graduates are eligible for 3 years).
3 years.
3 years (for Indian Nationals are eligible for 4 years).
5 years regardless of degree level.
An additional 1 to 2 years may be available if you lived and studied in a designated regional area.
2. 2026 Eligibility Requirements
Applying in 2026 requires meeting several high-integrity conditions:
Must be under 35 (Masters by Research and PhD graduates remain eligible up to 50).
Must hold a Student Visa (or held one in the last 6 months) and currently hold a substantive visa or Bridging Visa A or B.
IELTS overall score of 6.5 (no band lower than 5.5). Results must be no more than 1 year old.
Completion of a CRICOS-registered course in the last 6 months (minimum 2 academic years).
Evidence of adequate Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) is mandatory at lodgment.
Evidence of an Australian Federal Police (AFP) check application.
No outstanding debt to the Australian government; must meet all health and character requirements.
3. New Fee Structure (Effective 1 March 2026)
Following recent adjustments, applicants must budget for the following base charges:
Applicant Category | Base Charge (AUD) |
|---|---|
Primary Applicant | $4,600 |
Secondary Applicant (18+ years) | $2,300 |
Secondary Applicant (Under 18) | $1,160 |
If you are applying for a 485 visa again, the applicable fees vary based on the visa stream and your location.
1. Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream (for regional graduates living and working in a designated regional area)
Main Applicant: AUD 1,810
Secondary Applicant (18+): AUD 910
Secondary Applicant (Under 18): AUD 460
Note: Eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens pay lower fees (see below).
2. Fees for Eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste Citizens
a) First Post-Higher Education Work Stream (Bachelor or higher degree graduates) & Post-Vocational Education Work Stream (Diploma or trade qualifications)
Main Applicant: AUD 2,300
Secondary Applicant (18+): AUD 1,150
Secondary Applicant (Under 18): AUD 580
b) Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream (Regional graduates)
Main Applicant: AUD 905
Secondary Applicant (18+): AUD 455
Secondary Applicant (Under 18): AUD 230
Note: These rates generally apply to specific scenarios like follow-up regional extensions or replacement applications rather than the initial transition from a student visa.
4. Maximizing Your Stay & Strategic Pathways
The Subclass 485 is a “one-time” opportunity. To maximize your time:
The Regional Advantage: Living and working in Category 2 or 3 regional areas can grant an additional 1–2 years.
Policy Shift: Under 2026 regulations, 485 holders are generally prohibited from switching back to a Student Visa (Subclass 500) while onshore to prevent “visa hopping.”
Core Skills for PR: Students in high-demand sectors on the 2026 Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) often see more streamlined PR outcomes (Subclass 186 or 190).
Priority Sectors include:
Registered Nurses and Midwives.
Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Mining.
Early Childhood, Primary, and Secondary Teachers.
Cybersecurity, Software Developers, and Data Scientists.
Project Managers and specialized trades.
Note: While every field of study offers a unique contribution, students in high-demand sectors often see more streamlined outcomes. For instance, Cybersecurity is a key pillar of the 2026 Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). Students in this and other “Core Skill” fields often experience a higher success rate when transitioning to a Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination) or Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) visa before their 485 expires.