What Is the Age Limit for the TR 485 Visa?

From 1 July 2024, the age limit for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) was reduced from under 50 to under 35 for most applicants. This change applies to both the Post-Higher Education Work stream and the Post-Vocational Education Work stream. Source: Changes to the Temporary Graduate visa program – from 1 July 2024, Department of Home Affairs.

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Here is how the age limit breaks down:

• Under 35 at lodgement: eligible for all streams, subject to meeting other requirements

• 35 to 49 at lodgement: eligible only under specific exceptions — see below

• 50 or over at lodgement: not eligible under any circumstances

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Your age is assessed at the date your application is received by the Department of Home Affairs — not when a decision is made, and not when you graduate.

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Applications are received in Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST). If your 35th birthday is tomorrow, your application must be lodged and received today.

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485 Visa Age Limit Exceptions — Who Can Apply Over 35?

There are three circumstances where applicants aged 35 to 49 may still be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). All exceptions apply to the Post-Higher Education Work stream only, unless stated otherwise. All other eligibility requirements, English, health, character, and study, still apply regardless of exception.

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Master by Research graduates who completed their degree from a CRICOS-registered Australian institution may apply up to age 49. This exception applies only to Master by Research — a Master by Coursework does not qualify, regardless of institution or field of study.

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PhD and Doctoral graduates who completed their degree from a CRICOS-registered Australian institution may also apply up to age 49.

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Hong Kong SAR and British National Overseas (BNO) passport holders are eligible up to age 49 across both the Post-Higher Education Work stream and the Post-Vocational Education Work stream. Holders of these passports also receive additional concessions including a longer visa duration of up to 5 years. For full details see the TR 485 Hong Kong stream guide.

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Can You Apply for the 485 Visa After Turning 35?

For most applicants: no.

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If you turn 35 before submitting your TR 485 application and you don't qualify for one of the exemptions above, you will not be eligible for this visa.

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This is why timing matters significantly. Common situations where applicants miss the age window:

• Delayed graduation or course completion

• Waiting too long to gather documents after graduating

• Assuming the 6-month application window gives enough buffer

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For guidance on timing your application correctly, see:

• What If You Miss the 6-Month TR 485 Deadline?

• Best Time to Apply for the TR 485 Visa

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How the Subclass 485 Age Limit Affects Your PR Pathway

The age limit on the subclass 485 matters beyond just the visa itself — it has a direct flow-on effect to your permanent residency pathway.

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Australia's points-based skilled migration system awards points for age. The younger you are, the more points you receive:

• 18 to 24 years: 25 points

• 25 to 32 years: 30 points

• 33 to 39 years: 25 points

• 40 to 44 years: 15 points

• 45 years and over: 0 points

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This means losing access to the 485 visa at 35 creates a double impact. You lose the visa itself, and you also lose 2 to 3 years of Australian work experience that would have contributed points toward skilled migration — at exactly the age bracket where your points score starts declining.

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Australian work experience on a 485 visa also contributes directly to your points score:

• 1 year of skilled work in Australia: 5 points

• 3 years of skilled work in Australia: 10 points

• 5 years of skilled work in Australia: 15 points

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Acting early — applying for the 485 visa as soon as you graduate — gives you the most time to accumulate both work experience points and age points before they start declining.

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For a full breakdown of PR pathways available during and after the 485 visa, see: TR 485 visa pathways from graduate visa to permanent residency

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What Are Your Options If You're Over 35?

If you're over 35 and don't qualify for the TR 485 visa, there are still pathways available, but they require planning and often a skills assessment.

Skilled migration visas:

• Subclass 189 — Skilled Independent Visa

• Subclass 190 — Skilled Nominated Visa

• Subclass 491 — Skilled Work Regional Visa

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Employer-sponsored visas:

• Subclass 482 — Temporary Skill Shortage Visa

• Subclass 186 — Employer Nomination Scheme

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Other options:

• Subclass 407 — Training Visa

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Each pathway has different requirements around work experience, skills assessments, employer sponsorship, and points scores. Getting the right advice early is critical to avoid losing time on the wrong pathway.

See: Visa Options If You're Over 35 and Can't Apply for the 485 Visa

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Why the Age Limit Matters for Your PR Pathway

The TR 485 visa is commonly used as a bridge to permanent residency (PR) in Australia — and the age limit directly affects how strong that bridge is.

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Here's why:

• The 485 visa gives you Australian work experience, which is one of the highest-value factors in the points-based skilled migration system

• Losing access to the 485 visa at 35 means fewer years to accumulate local experience before age also starts affecting your PR points score

• Acting early gives you more time to explore which PR stream suits your occupation and situation

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For a full breakdown of how the 485 visa connects to PR: TR 485 Visa Pathways: From Graduate Visa to Permanent Residency

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the age limit for the TR 485 visa in 2026?

Under 35 for most applicants. Exceptions exist for PhD graduates, Master's by research graduates, and Hong Kong/BN(O) passport holders, who may apply up to age 49.

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Does age affect which 485 stream I can apply for?

Yes. The Graduate Work Stream and Post-Study Work Stream have the same under-35 general rule, but the over-35 exemptions only apply to the Post-Study Work Stream.

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What happens if I turn 35 while my 485 application is being processed?

As long as you were under 35 when you submitted your application, you remain eligible. Age is assessed at the date of application lodgement.

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Can I apply for the 485 visa with a Master's degree if I'm over 35?

Only if it is a Master's by research. A Master's by coursework does not qualify for the over-35 exemption.

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What visa can I apply for if I'm over 35 and ineligible for the 485?

Options include skilled migration visas (189, 190, 491), employer-sponsored visas (482, 186), or the training visa (407). See our full breakdown here: Visa Options If You're Over 35