Temporary Graduate visa

Overview

The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) lets recent graduates of Australian institutions stay to live, work and study for a period after finishing their studies. It is not points-tested. Many people use it to gain Australian work experience, which can strengthen a later skilled visa application. It has different streams depending on your qualification, each with its own rules.

How the pathway works

The flowchart below shows the journey and the key decision points along the way. Where the answer is “no”, we show how AuzRoo can help you find another way forward.

What this visa lets you do

• Live, work and study in Australia temporarily after your studies
• Gain Australian work experience that can support a future skilled visa
• Include eligible family members in your application
• Travel to and from Australia while the visa is valid
• Enrol in Medicare

Who can apply

To be granted this visa you generally need to meet all of the following. Every case is assessed on its own facts, so treat this as a guide rather than a checklist.

A recent Australian qualification

You must have recently completed an eligible qualification from an Australian institution, in a course registered on CRICOS.

The Australian study requirement

You must meet the Australian study requirement, generally a set period of full-time study in Australia in an eligible course.

Age

You must be under the maximum age for your stream at the time you apply. Age limits differ by stream and change, so confirm the current limit for your situation.

English language

At least competent English, shown through an accepted test unless you are exempt.

An eligible visa

You must hold, or have recently held, an eligible student or other visa.

Health insurance, health and character

You need adequate health insurance and must meet health and character requirements.

How to apply, step by step

1. Confirm your qualification and course are eligible and that you meet the Australian study requirement.
2. Check the current age limit and English requirement for your stream.
3. Gather your evidence including your completion letter, transcripts, English results and health insurance.
4. Lodge your application while you hold, or shortly after holding, an eligible visa, and while onshore if required.
5. Provide health checks and police certificates as requested.
6. Await the decision and plan ahead if you intend to move to a skilled visa later.

Costs and processing

A visa application charge applies, payable to the Department of Home Affairs, with separate costs for English tests, health insurance, health examinations and police checks. Charges and processing times change and depend on your stream and circumstances, so we confirm current figures for your case.

When you have the visa

The visa is temporary. Make the most of the work rights to build Australian experience, and plan ahead if you intend to move to a skilled permanent visa, since timing and points matter. Keep your health insurance current while you are onshore.