For many international students, finishing studies in Australia brings one big question: What’s next?

The Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa is often the first answer people hear. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most misunderstood visas.

Some see it as a guaranteed step toward PR. Others rush into it without understanding timelines, eligibility rules, or long-term consequences. Both approaches lead to trouble.

We take a practical view. The Subclass 485 can be a valuable opportunity, but only if it fits your profile, qualification, and long-term plan.

This guide explains what the 485 visa actually offers, who it suits, and where people commonly go wrong.

What Is the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa?

The Subclass 485 is a temporary visa for international students who have recently completed eligible studies in Australia. It allows graduates to stay in Australia for a limited period to gain work experience or further exposure to the Australian job market.

This visa is not permanent residency. It is a time-bound opportunity, not a guarantee of migration.

Immigration assesses this visa strictly based on study completion, timing, English ability, and compliance with student visa conditions.

Streams Under the Subclass 485 Visa

The 485 visa has different streams, and choosing the right one is critical.

Post-Study Work Stream

For students who completed a Bachelor, Master, or Doctoral degree from an Australian institution.

Graduate Work Stream

For graduates with qualifications closely related to an occupation on Australia’s skilled occupation list.

Each stream has different stay periods, eligibility rules, and long-term implications. Applying under the wrong stream can lead to refusal or wasted time.

Key Eligibility Requirements

To apply for a Subclass 485 visa, you must generally:

• Be under 50 years of age
• Have completed an eligible Australian qualification
• Apply within the specified time after course completion
• Meet English language requirements
• Hold or have recently held a valid student visa
• Meet health and character requirements

Timing is critical. Missing deadlines or misunderstanding course completion dates is one of the most common reasons applicants lose eligibility.

What the Subclass 485 Allows You to Do

This visa gives you:

• Full work rights
• The ability to gain Australian work experience
• Time to improve skills, English, or professional standing

What it does not give you:

• Automatic PR pathways
• Employer sponsorship by default
• Protection from future visa refusals if used incorrectly

How you use your 485 period matters more than simply holding the visa.

Common Mistakes Graduates Make

Let’s be direct. These mistakes cost people years.

• Applying without a long-term strategy
• Assuming “any job” will help PR
• Ignoring skills assessments and occupation relevance
• Delaying applications until deadlines pass
• Relying on advice from friends or social media

The 485 visa clock does not pause. Poor planning wastes valuable time.

How A Class Migration Supports Graduates

we don’t treat the Subclass 485 as a standalone visa. We look at where it fits in your bigger picture.

Our support includes:

• Stream and eligibility assessment
• Timeline planning linked to future visas
• Guidance on skills assessments and occupations
• Honest advice when the 485 is not the right option

Sometimes the best advice is not to apply immediately. That honesty saves futures.

The Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa is a bridge, not a destination. Used well, it creates opportunity. Used blindly, it closes doors.

If you are graduating soon or have recently completed your studies, get proper advice before making decisions that cannot be undone. A Class Migration is here to help you move forward with clarity, not confusion.