Temporary Graduate visa (485)
The Post-Higher Education Work stream gives 2 years for a bachelor or coursework master degree and 3 years for a research master or doctorate; the Post-Vocational Education Work stream gives 18 months and requires a qualification relevant to an occupation on the skilled list and an application for a skills assessment. In the Post-Higher Education Work stream applicants must be 35 or under, or under 50 for research master and doctoral graduates and Hong Kong or British National Overseas passport holders, must have completed the course within 6 months of applying, and generally cannot be granted a first stage 485 again as the main applicant, although eligible regional graduates can apply for a second Post-Higher Education 485. A Second Post-Higher Education Work stream remains for graduates of regional institutions who have lived in a regional area for 2 years.
- Temporary Graduate 485
- 2 years bachelor or coursework master; 3 years research or doctorate
What we do
- 01Prepare Temporary Graduate (485), Visitor (600), Training (407), Temporary Activity (408) and Working Holiday (417/462) applications.
When you need this
- You have finished your course and want the Temporary Graduate visa, or you are nearing the age limit.
Who you will work with
Jing Sun
Principal Solicitor · Notary Public
Founder and Principal Solicitor with 16+ years across commercial, corporate, litigation and immigration law. Also a Notary Public.
ProfileHow we work
- 01A first conversation in English or Mandarin about your current visa, its conditions and expiry date, and what you want to do next.
- 02Before any work starts, we confirm the scope of work and our fees in writing.
- 03We lodge in time, keep you informed, and tell you in writing what the conditions of the new visa require of you.
Common questions
I missed the 6 month window for the 485 visa. Is there anything I can do?
The 485 visa requires the course to have been completed within 6 months before applying, and in the Post-Higher Education Work stream the age limit is 35 for most applicants. If those are not met we look at the other visas you may qualify for, which depends on your occupation, employer and relationships.
This page is general information about Australian immigration law and is not legal advice. Please contact us about your own situation.
Last updated: October 2026