Navigating the 485 Visa Requirements in 2024: Your Complete Guide

What is a 485 Visa?

If you wish to stay in Australia after completing your graduation, the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) is your key to extending your stay for up to six years. This visa allows you to gain valuable work experience, enhancing your career prospects. Additionally, it can pave the way for permanent residency through the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) or the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190).

485 Visa Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Subclass 485 Visa, you must meet the following requirements:

✅ Hold a valid student visa

✅ Be under 50 years old

✅ Have completed a CRICOS-registered course within the past six months

✅ Apply under one specific visa stream

✅ Provide all necessary documentation

⚠ Note: Once submitted, you cannot switch streams for this visa.

Different Streams of the 485 Visa

1. Graduate Work Stream: Designed for recent graduates with qualifications relevant to high-demand occupations in Australia. Valid for 18 months to 5 years (for Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders).

2. Post-Study Work Stream: Available for international students who have completed a degree from an Australian institution. Allows them to stay for 2 to 4 years.

3. Second Post-Study Work Stream: If you already hold a Temporary Graduate Visa and studied in a regional area, this visa extends your stay by 1 to 4 years.

4. Replacement Stream: Designed for visa holders affected by COVID-19 travel restrictions, offering the same grant period as the original visa.

485 Visa Document Checklist

✅ Identity Documents:

• Passport bio page

• Birth certificate (with parents' names)

• Passport-size photograph (45mm x 35mm)

✅ Family Relationship Documents:

• Marriage or divorce certificates (if applicable)

• Proof of de facto relationship (joint bank statements, billing accounts, or asset ownership)

• Certified adoption documents (if listing adopted children)

✅ Health and Character Documents:

• Evidence of sufficient health insurance in Australia (e.g., a signed letter from an insurance company)

• Australian Federal Police (AFP) clearance certificate (not older than 12 months)

English Language Requirements for the 485 Visa

Applicants must meet the English proficiency criteria by taking one of the following tests:

• IELTS: Minimum overall score of 6.0 (with 5.0 in each band)

• TOEFL iBT: Overall score of 64, with at least 4 in reading and listening and 14 in speaking and writing

???? Exemptions: You don’t need to prove English proficiency if you hold a passport from:

• ???????? United Kingdom

• ???????? Canada

• ???????? New Zealand

• ???????? United States of America

485 Visa Processing Time

Processing time varies depending on the visa stream: 

Graduate Work Stream: 1 day to 3 months
Post-Study Work Stream: 2 to 8 months
Second Post-Study Work Stream: 1 day to 8 months

485 Visa Fees & Cost Breakdown

 Primary Applicant Fee: AUD 1,895
 Secondary Applicant (18+ years): AUD 950
 Secondary Applicant (<18 years): AUD 475
 Non-Internet Application: Additional AUD 80
 Second Post-Study Work Stream Fee: AUD 745

 If the secondary applicant is applying independently, the fee is AUD 1,895.

Can I Apply for a 485 Visa Without IELTS?

No, you must meet the English language requirement for the 485 Visa, either by taking an accepted test (such as IELTS) or holding an eligible passport.

Conclusion

The 485 Visa offers international graduates the opportunity to gain work experience and extend their stay in Australia. This guide covered eligibility requirements, visa streams, document checklists, fees, and processing times. For the latest updates and assistance with your application, reach out to the Department of Home Affairs or consult a registered migration agent for expert guidance.

Need more insights? Check out our latest blogs on visa extensions and migration pathways!