485 Visa Australia (Subclass 485): 2026 Requirements, Fee & Streams
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Last updated: 1 July 2026 · RACC Migration
The 485 visa (Subclass 485) lets you stay and work in Australia after graduating from an eligible Australian institution. You must apply within 6 months of your course completion date. Miss that deadline by one day and your application is invalid — no exceptions, no refund.
As of 1 July 2026, the government fee is AUD 5,750 for the primary applicant. Read the full age limit exceptions for the 485 visa if you are approaching this threshold. English test results must come from a single in-centre sitting taken within 12 months of lodging — online or at-home tests are not accepted.
Three streams are available depending on your qualification level and study location. Most graduates apply under the Post-Higher Education Work stream. Your stream determines your visa duration — 2 to 3 years for degree holders, 18 months for diploma and trade qualifications.
Stay: 2 to 3 years
Cost: From AUD 5,750 from 1 july 2026
Processing Time: Varies by stream
Work Rights: Full work rights in Australia
Main Requirements
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Under 35 years old
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Completed an eligible Australian qualification
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Held an eligible student visa
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Meet English language requirements
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Meet health and character requirements
2026 Temporary Graduate Visa Changes
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Visa application fee increased to AUD 5,750
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Maximum eligible age reduced to 35
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Updated English language requirements apply
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Stream eligibility rules updated
485 Visa Streams
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Post-Higher Education Work Stream
For graduates with eligible higher education qualifications, including bachelor, master, and doctoral degrees. -
Post-Vocational Education Work Stream
For graduates with eligible vocational qualifications linked to occupations on the skilled occupation list. -
Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream
For eligible graduates who studied and lived in regional Australia.
Why Apply for the 485 Visa?
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Live and work in Australia after study
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Gain Australian work experience
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Include eligible family members
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Build a pathway towards permanent residency
What Is 485 Visa?
The 485 visa forms part of Australia’s skilled migration pathway framework and is designed to support graduates in transitioning from study to employment. While the visa itself does not grant permanent residency, it is commonly used as a stepping stone toward skilled migration or employer-sponsored pathways.
The 485 visa is divided into three primary streams:
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Post-Higher Education Work Stream
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Post-Vocational Education Work Stream
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Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream (Regional)
Each stream has specific eligibility, duration and assessment criteria under legislation administered by the Department of Home Affairs.
Not sure which stream applies to you? Read our detailed guide on understanding the different TR 485 visa streams.
Want to stay updated on upcoming TR 485 events and migration seminars? Click the link below to view what’s coming up
Who Should Apply for the TR 485 Visa?
You can apply for the TR 485 if you recently graduated from an Australian institution, are under 35, and want to stay and work in Australia. It suits:
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International students who recently completed an Australian qualification
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Graduates seeking full-time work rights in Australia
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Applicants planning to gain skilled work experience
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Graduates considering a future skilled migration or employer-sponsored pathway
The 485 Visa Australia is commonly used as a temporary step before applying for permanent residency, although it does not automatically lead to PR.
TR 485 Visa Duration: How Long Can You Stay?
Below are the standard 485 visa Australia durations for eligible qualifications, as determined by the Department of Home Affairs:
Post-Higher Education Work Stream (Subclass 485 Post-Study Work Visa):
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Bachelor degree: 2 years
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Master degree (coursework): 2 years
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Master degree (research): 3 years
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PhD: 3 years
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Hong Kong/BNO passport holders: 5 years
Post-Vocational Education Work Stream:
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Eligible 2-year Diploma courses: 18 months
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Advanced Diploma: 18 months
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Trade qualifications: 18 months
Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream (Regional Extension):
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Regional Category 2 areas: additional 1 year
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Regional Category 3 areas: additional 2 years
Graduates who studied and lived in a designated regional area of Australia while holding a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) may be eligible for an additional year of stay, subject to Department of Home Affairs settings at the time of application.
Regional areas in Australia include Adelaide SA, Perth WA, Gold Coast QLD, Canberra ACT, Geelong VIC, Bendigo VIC, Newcastle NSW, Wollongong NSW, Sunshine Coast QLD, Hobart TAS, Cairns QLD, Townsville QLD, and Darwin NT. Eligibility depends on qualification type, location, and current policy arrangements.
Indian Nationals — Stay Periods Under AI-ECTA
If you hold an Indian passport, extended stay periods apply under the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA). These are the confirmed durations for Indian nationals completing eligible qualifications in Australia:
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Diploma or trade qualification: up to 18 months
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Bachelor degree (including honours): up to 2 years
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Bachelor degree with First Class Honours in STEM or ICT fields: up to 3 years
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Master by Coursework or Master by Research: up to 3 years
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Doctoral degree (PhD): up to 4 years
These stay periods apply specifically to Indian passport holders and differ from standard durations that apply to other nationalities. For all other applicants, standard stream durations apply.
For further detail, see the AI-ECTA post-study work visa side letter published by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Confused About the 485 Visa Requirements?
Get expert guidance on the current 2026 TR 485 requirements before you lodge.
485 Visa Fee (2026)
The government application charge for the Subclass 485 visa is set by the Department of Home Affairs. Fees vary by stream and passport.
How much is the 485 visa fee in 2026?
The standard primary applicant fee is AUD 5,750 for the Post-Higher Education Work stream and Post-Vocational Education Work stream, effective 1 July 2026. The Second Post-Higher Education Work stream fee is AUD 2,265.
Post-Higher Education Work stream — standard rates:
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Primary applicant: AUD 5,750
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Secondary applicant (18 or over): AUD 2,875
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Secondary applicant (under 18): AUD 1,450
Post-Vocational Education Work stream — standard rates:
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Primary applicant: AUD 5,750
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Secondary applicant (18 or over): AUD 2,875
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Secondary applicant (under 18): AUD 1,450
Second Post-Higher Education Work stream — standard rates:
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Primary applicant: AUD 2,265
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Secondary applicant (18 or over): AUD 1,140
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Secondary applicant (under 18): AUD 575
Not sure which fee applies to your situation?
Fees vary by stream, passport, and family members included. Book a free consultation and we'll confirm the exact cost for your case before you pay a cent. Book a Consultation
485 Visa Requirements: Are You Eligible?
To qualify for the TR 485, you must be under 35, hold a valid English test result, and have completed an Australian qualification within the last 6 months. Full requirements are below.
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Age
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Under 35 years old when you apply
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Exception: Hong Kong/BNO, Masters (research), PhD = under 50
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English Test (Valid for 12 months only)
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IELTS:
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Overall: 6.5
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Each component minimum: 5.5
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PTE score for 485 visa:
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Overall: 55
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Listening: 40 | Reading: 42 | Writing: 41 | Speaking: 39
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Also accepted: TOEFL iBT, OET, CELPIP General, LANGUAGECERT Academic, Michigan English Test (MET)
No test needed: UK, USA, Canada, NZ, Ireland passport holders
Hong Kong/BNO: IELTS 6.0 (5.0 each) or equivalent
Study
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Finished course in last 6 months
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Completed an eligible course in Australia
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CRICOS-registered institution
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Graduate Diplomas are only eligible if they commenced within the same or next academic year as your principal bachelor, master, or doctoral degree. Graduate Certificates are not eligible as a standalone qualification.
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Held Student visa (subclass 500)
To qualify for the 485 visa, you must complete at least 92 CRICOS weeks of study over a minimum of 16 months in Australia.
This is based on your course’s CRICOS registered duration, not simply how long you studied.
Other
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In Australia when applying
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Health insurance (OVHC)
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You must hold Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) at the time of lodgement — not Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). OSHC is student cover and expires with your student visa. Switch to OVHC before you lodge your 485 application.
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Police check (AFP)
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Health examination
Learn the age limit for the 485 visa and the English requirement for the 485 visa to make sure you qualify.
Hong Kong and BNO passport holders, what's different
If you hold a Hong Kong SAR or British National Overseas (BNO) passport, different rules apply:
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Age limit: up to 50 years old (not 35)
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Duration: 5 years (Post-Higher Education stream)
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English: IELTS 6.0 overall, minimum 5.0 per band (or equivalent)
These settings are specific to this passport category and do not apply to other applicants.
485 Visa Processing Time
Most Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) applications are processed within 4 to 9 months, depending on the visa stream and application readiness.
Estimated processing times may vary by stream:
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Post-Higher Education Work stream: 50% of applications are decided within 6 days. 90% are decided within 52 days. Most graduates in this stream get a decision in under two months.
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Post-Vocational Education Work stream: 50% of applications are decided within 58 days. 90% are decided within 5 months. This stream takes longer because the Department verifies your skills assessment alongside your qualification.
These figures come from the Department of Home Affairs Global Visa Processing Times tool. They reflect recently decided applications, not a fixed guarantee. Check the tool yourself before you lodge, since the numbers update monthly.
Delays commonly occur due to:
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Missing English test results
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Unclear completion letters
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Incorrect AFP police checks
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Health or character assessment requirements
Applicants should carefully plan the timing of their lodgement, particularly in relation to course completion and English test validity. Understanding the best time to apply for TR 485 visa can reduce the risk of refusal due to technical timing errors.
For applicants approaching the six-month completion deadline, it is critical to understand what happens if you miss the 6 month deadline, as late applications are generally invalid under migration legislation.
For a full breakdown of what affects your timeline, see: TR 485 Visa Processing Time (2026 Guide)
How to Apply for the TR 485 Visa (Step-by-Step)
Applying for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) involves several key stages:
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Confirm eligibility under the correct visa stream
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Complete an English test (if required)
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Obtain a skills assessment (if required for your stream)
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Prepare official completion documents. For a full breakdown of what to gather before you lodge, see: TR 485 Visa Document Checklist (2026)
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Lodge your Visa 485 application online through ImmiAccount
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Complete health checks and respond to Department requests
Applications are assessed under legislation in force at the time of decision.
What Happens After You Lodge Your 485 Visa Application?
After lodging a valid 485 visa application, most applicants are granted a Bridging Visa A (BVA) while waiting for a decision.
In most cases, the BVA allows you to remain in Australia lawfully and continue working while your application is being processed.
However, a BVA does not allow you to re-enter Australia if you travel overseas. You may need a Bridging Visa B (BVB) before leaving Australia.
Read the step-by-step guide on how to apply for the 485 visa.
Three TR 485 Visa Streams
For:
Diploma/Trade graduates
Duration:
18 months
Need:
Skills assessment + occupation on MLTSSL
Age:
Under 35 (or exempt)
For:
Bachelor/Master/PhD graduates
Duration:
2-3 years (depends on qualification)
Need:
Degree + held student visa
Age:
Under 35 (or exempt)
For:
Regional graduates extending stay
Duration:
+1 to 2 years extra
Need:
Already held first Visa 485 + studied/lived in regional area 2+ years
Age:
Under 35 (or exempt)
*This is a new visa application, not an extension.
Visa 485 Changes (2024–2026 Updates)
Significant reforms to the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) were introduced from 1 July 2024 as part of Australia’s migration strategy updates. For a detailed breakdown, visit latest 485 visa updates affecting this stream.
Key changes include:
Age Limit Reduction
The general age limit for most 485 visa applicants is now under 35 years at the time of application.
If you are over the age limit, you may need to explore alternative pathways. You can review available visa options if you are over 35 to assess other migration strategies.
Exceptions apply to:
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Master by Research graduates
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PhD graduates
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Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders
Stream Renaming
The former Graduate Work stream has been renamed the Post-Vocational Education Work Stream.
Extension Adjustments
Pandemic-era extensions and certain automatic extensions have been removed or adjusted.
English Requirement Changes
Updated minimum English test thresholds apply for new applicants.
Applicants should ensure they rely on current legislative instruments at the time of application, as policy settings may change.
Can 485 Visa Lead to PR?
The 485 visa does not automatically grant permanent residency. However, it is commonly used as a transitional visa to build eligibility for skilled or employer-sponsored pathways.
Common PR pathways after the 485 visa include:
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Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
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Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
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Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)
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Employer-Sponsored visas
Graduates commonly use this temporary visa period to build eligibility under General Skilled Migration or employer sponsorship programs. You can explore detailed pathways from 485 visa to permanent residency to understand how employment, state nomination and occupation eligibility interact.
For those considering sponsorship through an Australian employer, reviewing available employer sponsored visa options may assist in planning a structured migration strategy beyond the 485 visa.
Which PR pathway actually fits your situation?
Skilled migration, employer sponsorship, regional, or partner visa — the right one depends on your occupation, points, and timeline. Book a free consultation and we'll map out your realistic pathway from day one of your 485.
Common Reasons 485 Visa Applications Are Refused
Many 485 visa refusals happen because small requirements are missed during the application process.
The most common issues include:
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No course completion evidence provided at lodgement
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Expired or invalid English test results
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AFP police checks submitted incorrectly or too late
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No valid health insurance held at lodgement
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Missing deadlines for health checks or DHA document requests
Even small mistakes or missing documents can lead to delays or refusal. Read what to do after a 485 visa refusal.
Already been refused, or worried you might be?
Small mistakes cause most 485 refusals — and the application fee isn't refunded if it happens. Book a free consultation and we'll review your situation before you lodge (or help you understand your options if you've already been refused).
Work Rights on the 485 Visa
The TR 485 visa generally provides:
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Full work rights
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No restriction on employer
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Ability to change jobs
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Travel flexibility during validity period
The visa does not guarantee permanent residency, and eligibility for future skilled visas depends on occupation, experience and current migration settings. For a full breakdown of what activities are permitted, see what you can do during your TR 485 visa.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visa 485
Can I apply for a Visa 485 after 35?
In most cases, applicants must be under 35 years old at the time of application. However, exceptions apply to Master by Research and PhD graduates, as well as Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders, who may apply up to 50 years of age.
Can I include my partner in a 485 visa application?
Yes. Eligible family members, including a spouse or de facto partner and dependent children, can be included either at the time of lodgement or after the main application is submitted (subject to conditions).
All secondary applicants must meet health and character requirements.
Can I apply for a student visa while holding a 485 visa?
From 2 February 2026, you cannot apply for a Student Visa (Subclass 500) while onshore on a 485 visa. This onshore switching restriction is part of Australia's Migration 2.0 integrity reforms. To return to study, you must depart Australia first and apply for the student visa offshore after securing a Confirmation of Enrolment (COE) from your institution.
Before making any decision, assess the impact on your skilled migration eligibility — consecutive study periods may affect your points or employer-sponsored pathway. Learn more about applying for a student visa from offshore while on a 485 visa.
What if my 485 visa is refused?
If your 485 visa is refused, your options depend on the reason for refusal. You may be eligible to apply for merits review at the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART), explore alternative visa pathways, or assess your lawful status options. Each refusal is based on specific legislative criteria, get advice from a registered migration agent before taking any action. Read what to do after a 485 visa refusal.
What is the second 485 visa?
The Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream allows certain graduates who studied and lived in designated regional areas to apply for an additional 1–2 years of stay.
This is a new visa application and not an automatic extension.
Learn how to apply for the second 485 visa.
Do I need a skills assessment for a 485 visa?
A skills assessment is generally required for applicants under the Post-Vocational Education Work Stream, and the nominated occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list.
It is not required for the Post-Higher Education Work Stream.
How much does the TR 485 visa cost in 2026?
The primary applicant fee is AUD 5,750 as of 1 July 2026 — up from AUD 4,600 previously.
Can I travel outside Australia on a 485 visa?
Yes. The 485 visa allows unrestricted travel during the validity period. You may leave and re-enter Australia multiple times while the visa remains valid.
How long does a 485 visa take to process?
Current TR 485 processing times range from 4 to 9 months. Applications that are decision-ready at lodgement are generally processed faster. Common delays: incomplete English results, missing completion letters, or outstanding health checks. For a full timeline breakdown, see the TR 485 processing time guide.
Does a 485 visa guarantee permanent residency?
No. The 485 visa does not automatically lead to PR. However, it is commonly used as a pathway to skilled migration or employer sponsorship after gaining relevant work experience.
Explore pathways from the 485 visa to permanent residency.
Disclaimer
This information is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute immigration or legal advice. Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) requirements, evidence standards, including the 485 visa fee, and policy settings are determined by the Department of Home Affairs and may change over time.
Applicants should rely on current official guidance or seek advice from a MARA-registered migration agent before lodging a 485 Graduate Visa application.
Small careless mistakes may result in visa rejection. Book a consultation with Registered Migration Agents will help you get the visa without any headaches.
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