Finishing your studies in Australia? The 485 visa might be your next move. It lets international students stay and work in Australia for a few more years. This can help you get work experience, save money, or even apply for permanent residency later.
Let’s break down how the 485 visa works in a simple way.
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What Is the 485 Visa?
The 485 visa is called the Temporary Graduate visa. It allows international students to live, work, and study in Australia after they finish their course. It’s a great way to gain local experience and plan your future.
There are two types of 485 visas:
1. Graduate Work Stream
For students who studied skills that are in demand in Australia. These are often trade or technical courses.
2. Post-Study Work Stream
For people who finished a higher degree like a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD from an Australian university.
Who Can Apply for the 485 Visa?
To apply for the 485 visa, you must:
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Be under 50 years old.
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Hold a student visa or have held one in the past 6 months.
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Have finished a course in Australia that lasted at least 2 years.
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Pass an English test like IELTS or PTE.
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Get health insurance in Australia.
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Meet health and character checks.
How Long Can You Stay on the 485 Visa?
The length of stay depends on your course and visa stream:
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Graduate Work Stream: Up to 24 months (this was recently increased).
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Post-Study Work Stream:
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Bachelor’s degree: 2 years
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Master’s degree: 3 years
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PhD: Up to 4 or even 6 years in some areas
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If you studied in a regional area, you may get extra time.
What Can You Do on This Visa?
Here are some great things about the 485 visa:
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Work full-time in any job.
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Get local work experience to improve your chances for a job or residency.
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Travel in and out of Australia as many times as you want.
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Bring family members with you, like a partner or children.
This visa gives you freedom to explore, work, and plan your next steps.
How to Apply for the 485 Visa
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
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Finish your course and get your official documents.
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Take an English test like IELTS or PTE.
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Get health insurance (called OVHC).
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Prepare your documents, like passport, transcript, and police checks.
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Apply online through the Department of Home Affairs website.
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Pay the fee (around AUD $1,895 for the main applicant).
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Wait for a decision. It can take a few months.
Tip: Make sure your student visa is still valid or you are within the 6-month window.
Tips for a Strong Application
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Start early: Don’t wait too long after graduation.
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Double-check everything: Make sure names, dates, and course info match.
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Take your English test early: It can take time to get your results.
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Use a checklist: It helps you stay organized.
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Ask for help if you’re unsure. You can talk to a migration agent or school advisor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Applying too late (more than 6 months after your student visa ends).
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Not meeting English or health insurance rules.
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Forgetting to include your family members in the application.
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Uploading the wrong documents or leaving sections blank.
A small mistake can lead to a visa refusal. So take your time and be careful.
FAQs About the 485 Visa
Can I apply for this visa more than once?
No. You can only get the 485 visa once as the main applicant.
Can I include my family?
Yes! You can include your partner and kids in your application.
Do I need a job to apply?
No, but having one helps. You don’t need a job offer to get this visa.
Can I apply from outside Australia?
No. You must be in Australia when you apply.
Can I study on this visa?
Yes, but you must follow the main visa rules. It’s mostly for work, not study.
Final Thoughts
The 485 visa is a great option for international students in Australia. It gives you more time to live and work here after graduation. You can gain real job experience, enjoy life in Australia, and even prepare for a permanent visa.
Make sure you apply on time, meet the rules, and send in the right documents. This simple step could open many doors for your future.
