What Is the Australia Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)?

The Australia Graduate Visa, also known as Subclass 485, is a temporary visa that allows international students who have completed their studies in Australia to stay and work in the country for a set period. This visa is designed to give graduates practical experience in their field of study and help them transition into the Australian workforce. If you've just finished a degree, diploma, or other qualification from an Australian educational institution, the Graduate Visa is one of the most direct pathways to continue working in Australia.

The Graduate Visa is not a permanent residency visa, but it serves as a valuable stepping stone. Many graduates use this period to gain Australian work experience, which can strengthen future applications for skilled migration visas such as the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) or employer-sponsored visas. The visa allows you to work full-time for any Australian employer, study further, or a combination of both.

Who Is Eligible for the Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)?

To apply for the Graduate Visa, you must meet several key eligibility requirements. First, you must have completed a qualification from an Australian educational institution that is registered with the Australian government. This includes universities, vocational education and training (VET) providers, and other approved institutions. Your qualification must be at least Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level 5 or higher, which covers diplomas, advanced diplomas, bachelor degrees, and postgraduate qualifications.

You must apply for the Graduate Visa within six months of completing your studies. This is a strict deadline, so it's important to start the application process as soon as you finish your final exams or coursework. Additionally, you must be under 50 years of age at the time of application, and you must meet health and character requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs.

Your qualification must also be relevant to your intended work in Australia. The visa is not available to students who completed their studies before arriving in Australia or who studied online entirely from outside the country. You must have been physically present in Australia to complete your studies.

Health and Character Requirements

All applicants must pass health checks and provide police clearance certificates from any country where you've lived for more than 12 months in the past 10 years. The Department of Home Affairs uses these checks to ensure you pose no risk to Australian security or public health. If you have a criminal record, you may still be eligible, but serious offences can result in visa refusal.

How Long Can You Stay on the Graduate Visa?

The length of your Graduate Visa depends on the level of qualification you completed in Australia. If you finished a bachelor degree or higher qualification (such as a master's degree or PhD), you can stay for up to three years. If you completed a diploma or advanced diploma, your visa is valid for up to two years. For graduates of Australian secondary schools (high school), the visa is valid for up to 18 months.

The visa period starts from the date your visa is granted, not from the date you completed your studies. This means if you apply six months after finishing your degree, your three-year period begins when the visa is approved, not when you graduated. It's therefore important to apply as soon as possible after completing your studies to maximise your time in Australia.

How to Apply for the Graduate Visa

The Graduate Visa application is submitted online through the Department of Home Affairs ImmiAccount portal. Here's a step-by-step overview of the process:

  1. Create an ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website if you don't already have one.
  2. Log in and start a new application for Subclass 485.
  3. Complete all sections of the application form, including personal details, education history, and work experience.
  4. Gather and upload supporting documents, including your degree certificate, academic transcript, passport, and proof of Australian residency during your studies.
  5. Arrange health checks through an approved panel doctor. The Department of Home Affairs will provide a list of accredited doctors in your area.
  6. Obtain police clearance certificates from relevant countries.
  7. Pay the application fee (currently AUD 1,645 for most applicants).
  8. Submit your application and wait for a decision.

The Department of Home Affairs typically processes Graduate Visa applications within 28 days, though some applications may take longer if additional information is requested. You can check the status of your application at any time through your ImmiAccount.

Required Documents

When applying, you'll need to provide several key documents. Your degree certificate or academic transcript is essential to prove you've completed an Australian qualification. You'll also need a valid passport and evidence that you were in Australia during your studies, such as enrolment letters or student ID cards. If you've worked in Australia, employment references can strengthen your application. Make sure all documents are certified copies and, if not in English, professionally translated.

Working on the Graduate Visa

One of the main benefits of the Graduate Visa is the freedom to work without restrictions. You can work full-time for any Australian employer in any industry, regardless of whether your job relates to your qualification. This flexibility is valuable for graduates who want to explore different career paths or gain broad work experience in Australia.

As a Graduate Visa holder, you have the same employment rights as Australian citizens and permanent residents. You're entitled to the national minimum wage, which is currently AUD 24.10 per hour (as of 2026), and you must be paid in accordance with the Fair Work Act. Your employer cannot discriminate against you based on your visa status, and you're covered by workplace health and safety laws.

You can also start your own business or work as a contractor on the Graduate Visa. If you plan to be self-employed, keep detailed records of your income and expenses, as you'll need to lodge tax returns with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). Many graduates use this period to test business ideas or build their professional network before applying for permanent residency.

Tax and Superannuation

All Graduate Visa holders who work in Australia must register for an Australian Tax File Number (TFN) and lodge annual tax returns with the ATO. You're considered a resident for tax purposes if you've been in Australia for more than 183 days in a financial year. As a resident, you'll pay tax on your worldwide income at the standard Australian tax rates.

Your employer must also contribute 12% of your gross wages to a superannuation account (as of 1 July 2025). This is a mandatory retirement savings scheme. You can access your superannuation only when you reach preservation age (typically 60) or in limited circumstances such as permanent departure from Australia.

Extending or Transitioning After the Graduate Visa

The Graduate Visa cannot be extended. Once your visa expires, you must either apply for another visa to remain in Australia or leave the country. However, many graduates use their Graduate Visa period to build experience and credentials that help them apply for skilled migration visas.

If you want to stay in Australia permanently, you can apply for a skilled migration visa such as the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) or an employer-sponsored visa (Subclass 482 or 494). To be eligible for these visas, your occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list, and you'll need to meet points requirements or have a job offer from an Australian employer.

Some graduates also pursue further study on a Student Visa, which can extend their time in Australia and add to their qualifications. Others may apply for a Partner Visa if they've formed a relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident.

Useful Official Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

How long after finishing my studies can I apply for the Graduate Visa?

You must apply within six months of completing your qualification. This is a strict deadline, so it's important to start your application as soon as you finish your final exams or coursework.

How long can I stay in Australia on the Graduate Visa?

The length depends on your qualification. Bachelor degrees and higher qualifications allow up to three years, diplomas allow up to two years, and Australian secondary school completion allows up to 18 months.

Can I work full-time on the Graduate Visa?

Yes, you can work full-time for any Australian employer in any industry. There are no restrictions on hours or type of work, and you're entitled to the same employment rights and minimum wage as Australian citizens.

What happens when my Graduate Visa expires?

The Graduate Visa cannot be extended. You must apply for another visa to remain in Australia, such as a skilled migration visa or employer-sponsored visa, or you must leave the country.

Do I need health insurance on the Graduate Visa?

The Graduate Visa does not include Medicare access. You should arrange private health insurance to cover medical costs during your stay in Australia.

What is the current application fee for the Graduate Visa?

The application fee is currently AUD 1,645 for most applicants. You pay this fee when you submit your online application through ImmiAccount.

Can I study further while on the Graduate Visa?

Yes, you can study part-time or full-time while on the Graduate Visa. Many graduates pursue further qualifications to strengthen their future visa applications.

Do I need to have a job offer to apply for the Graduate Visa?

No, you do not need a job offer to apply for the Graduate Visa. You can apply before securing employment and search for work after your visa is granted.

This is general information only. It is not legal, migration, financial, tax, medical, or professional advice. Always check official sources before acting.