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.

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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:

• Master by Research graduates

• PhD graduates

• Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders

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Stream Renaming

The former Graduate Work stream has been renamed the Post-Vocational Education Work Stream.

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Extension Adjustments

Pandemic-era extensions and certain automatic extensions have been removed or adjusted.

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English Requirement Changes

Updated minimum English test thresholds apply for new applicants.

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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.

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Common PR pathways after the 485 visa include:

• Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

• Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

• Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)

• Employer-Sponsored visas

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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.

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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.

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Common Reasons Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) Applications Are Refused

Most TR 485 refusals happen for one of five reasons: missing completion evidence, expired English results, no AFP check submitted, no health insurance, or failure to respond to DHA requests on time. Full detail below.

 

Common issues include:​

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. AFP check not submitted
   An Australian Federal Police (AFP) check must be provided with the application. Late or incorrect certificates may affect the outcome.

4. Health insurance not held
   Applicants must hold appropriate health insurance that meets Subclass 485 visa requirements at lodgement and throughout processing.

5. 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.

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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.

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485 Visa Fee

As of 1 March 2026, the TR 485 government fee is:

• Primary applicant: AUD 4,600

• Secondary applicant (18 or over): AUD 2,300

• Secondary applicant (under 18): AUD 1,150 This is nearly double the previous fee of AUD 2,300.

 

The increase applies to all new applications lodged on or after 1 March 2026. Fees are set by the Department of Home Affairs and may change. For a full breakdown including dependent combinations, see the 2026 TR 485 fee guide.

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Work Rights on the 485 Visa

The TR 485 visa generally provides:

• Full work rights

• No restriction on employer

• Ability to change jobs

• Travel flexibility during validity period

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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Can I apply for a student visa while holding a 485 visa?

Yes, you can apply for a Student Visa (Subclass 500) while holding a TR 485. Before you do, assess the impact on your skilled migration eligibility, as holding consecutive study visas may affect your points or employer-sponsored pathway. Get advice specific to your situation before lodging.

Learn more about applying for a student visa while on a 485 visa.

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What if my 485 visa is refused?

If your 485 visa application is refused, your options may include:

• Applying for merits review (if eligible)

• Exploring alternative visa options

• Assessing unlawful status risks

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Each refusal is based on specific legislative criteria.
Read what to do after a 485 visa refusal.

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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.

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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.

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​How much does the TR 485 visa cost in 2026?

The primary applicant fee is AUD 4,600 as of 1 March 2026 — up from AUD 2,300 previously. These are government charges set by the Department of Home Affairs.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Applicants should rely on current official guidance or seek advice from a MARA-registered migration agent before lodging a 485 Graduate Visa application.