A Class Immigration and Education Consultants

Your Guide to the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)

Have you recently graduated from an Australian institution as an international student? If so, the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) is your chance to stay in Australia, gain valuable work experience, and explore future migration pathways. At A Class Immigration and Education Consultants, we specialize in helping students like you navigate this important transition with confidence.

What Is the Subclass 485 Visa?

The Temporary Graduate Visa is a temporary visa that allows international graduates to live, work, and study in Australia after completing their studies. It is designed to help you gain skilled work experience in your field of study, improve your long-term prospects, and possibly move toward permanent residency in the future.

This visa comes in three different streams, each designed to match your level of qualification and where you studied.

Basic Eligibility Requirements

  • Be 35 years old or younger (with limited exceptions)
  • Hold a valid visa and have held a Student Visa in the past 6 months
  • Have recently completed a CRICOS-registered course
  • Choose the correct visa stream when applying (no changes allowed after submission)
  • Submit all required documents at the time of application

The Three Streams Explained

1. Post-Vocational Education Work Stream

This stream is for graduates with Diplomas, Trade qualifications, or Associate degrees.

Your qualification must be related to an occupation on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List.

  • Visa duration: Up to 18 months
  • Bonus: Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders may stay for up to 5 years
  • Benefits: Full-time work rights, bring eligible family members, explore career opportunities

2. Post-Higher Education Work Stream

This stream is suitable for those who completed Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate degrees from a CRICOS-registered Australian institution.

  • Visa duration: Usually 2–3 years depending on your qualification
  • Bonus: 5-year stay for eligible passport holders
  • Benefits: Valuable Australian work experience, explore migration options, family inclusion

3. Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream

This stream is for students who previously held a 485 visa (Post-Higher Education or Replacement stream), graduated from a regional Australian institution, and continue to live and work in a regional area.

  • Visa duration: 1–2 additional years depending on your location
  • Benefits: Extend your stay, gain more skilled experience, explore regional migration pathways

Why Apply Through A Class Immigration and Education Consultants?

With so many requirements and details, the 485 visa application process can be overwhelming. That’s why we’re here.

Led by Amandeep Kaur Sandhu (MARN 2217996), our team helps students choose the right stream, gather proper documents, and submit complete, professional applications.

  • One-on-one visa consultations
  • Document preparation and review
  • Ongoing migration support
  • Up-to-date advice based on current immigration laws

Take the Next Step in Your Australian Journey

The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) can open the door to your career, independence, and even permanent residency in Australia. Whether you just finished a trade course or earned your master’s degree, now is the time to act.

Book your appointment with A Class Immigration and Education Consultants today and let us help you turn your Australian qualification into a future full of opportunities.