TEMPORARY GRADUATE VISA (TR 485)
What is Temporary Graduate Visa (TR 485)?
The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) is a temporary visa that allows eligible international graduates to live, study, and work in Australia after completing their studies. The visa supports post-study work experience and forms part of Australia’s national graduate migration framework.
TR 485 Visa Duration: How Long Can You Stay?
Below are the standard Temporary Graduate visa durations for eligible qualifications, as determined by the Department of Home Affairs:
Post-Higher Education Work Stream:
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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 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.
Confused about the requirements? Get expert guidance
485 Visa Requirements: Are You Eligible?
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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 Academic:
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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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Studied 16+ months in Australia
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CRICOS-registered institution
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Held Student visa (subclass 500)
Other
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In Australia when applying
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Health insurance (OVHC)
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Police check (AFP)
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Health examination
Three TR 485 Visa Streams
Post-Vocational Education Work Stream
For:
Diploma/Trade graduates
Duration:
18 months
Need:
Skills assessment + occupation on MLTSSL
Age:
Under 35 (or exempt)
Post-Higher Education Work Stream
For:
Bachelor/Master/PhD graduates
Duration:
2-3 years (depends on qualification)
Need:
Degree + held student visa
Age:
Under 35 (or exempt)
Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream
For:
Regional graduates extending stay
Duration:
+1 to 2 years extra
Need:
Already held first 485 + studied/lived in regional area 2+ years
Age:
Under 35 (or exempt)
*This is a new visa application, not an extension.
Common Reasons Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) Applications Are Refused
Applications for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) may be refused where key requirements are not met at lodgement or during assessment. Common issues include:
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No completion evidence at lodgement
Applicants must provide official confirmation of course completion, such as a completion letter or final transcript that meets the Australian Study Requirement. -
Invalid English test results
English language results (for example IELTS or PTE Academic) must be valid on the date of application. Results are generally accepted for 12 months, unless Home Affairs policy provides an exemption. -
AFP check not submitted
An Australian Federal Police (AFP) check must be provided with the application. Late or incorrect certificates may affect the outcome. -
Health insurance not held
Applicants must hold appropriate health insurance that meets visa requirements at lodgement and throughout processing. -
Late health or document requests
Any health examinations or additional documents requested by the Department of Home Affairs must be provided within the specified timeframe.
Applications are assessed against legislation and policy in force at the time of decision. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee visa grant, as each application is assessed on its individual circumstances.
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, 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 visa application.
Small careless mistakes may result in visa rejection. Book a FREE consultation with Registered Migration Agents will help you get the visa without any headaches.
Why RACC?
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20+ years of experience
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Prepare for your application to the Immigration
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Preparation of Police Check
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Arrange for new Insurance
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Advice on Medical Checkup
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Don't let small careless mistake resulting in a Visa rejection
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You can also apply from outside Australia
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