Until 1 July last year, the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa permitted international graduates to live, study, and work in Australia after completing an eligible qualification. The eligibility criteria were not too stringent, and stay durations were long.
Key streams included:
- Graduate Work
- Post-Study Work
Temporary extensions were allowed for certain degrees aligned with skills shortages.
From 1 March 2026, the application charge has been revised, and rules have been updated.
- Eligibility criteria have been tightened, and stay durations adjusted.
- Applicants must also be 35 years old or under and meet updated English language requirements.
- Post-study work periods have also been adjusted, depending on the qualification and field of study. Some temporary extensions introduced earlier have been scaled back, while occupation lists and qualification requirements have been updated to better align with Australia’s current workforce needs.
Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa (Latest update)
As of 1 March 2026, the Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa has undergone key changes that affect post-study migration pathways for international students seeking residency in Australia.
- A notable update came as a surprise: the increase in the visa application charge, which is now $4,600 for the main applicant. Fees have also been increased for dependants.
- Eligibility criteria have also become stricter. The maximum age limit for most applicants in the Post-Higher Education Work stream has been reduced to 35 years (down from the previous threshold of 50).
- The bar on English language requirements has also been raised, with applicants now needing a minimum IELTS score of 6.5. Additionally, English test results will now only be valid for one year.
- Visa durations have been shortened, with the removal of pandemic-era two-year extensions. Work rights are now more closely aligned with the applicant’s qualification level and whether their field of study meets Australia’s priority skill needs.
A third visa stream has also been added. In addition to the Post-Vocational Education Work stream (formerly the Graduate Work stream) and the Post-Higher Education Work stream (formerly Post-Study Work stream), applicants for a 485 visa can apply for the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream.
On the whole, the 485 visa fee 2026 update and other changes underscore a stronger focus on bringing more skilled migrants into the Australian economy, particularly in sectors such as healthcare, STEM and education. Therefore, applicants will now be required to satisfy tighter requirements and align their qualifications with Australia’s workforce demands to maximise their chances of securing and extending their stay under the 485 visa program.
Earlier Temporary Graduate 485 Visa Update for 2025
Until mid-2025, the Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa reflected a broader policy that emphasised skilled migration pathways aligned with the Australian government’s national workforce strategy. As a result, international graduates needed to plan carefully if they intended to transition into employment, regional migration pathways, or permanent residency.
At Australian Migration Agents, we helped applicants prepare applications in strict adherence to these rules. Our team provided information, guidance, and assistance at any stage of their 485 visa application.
What Is the 485 Visa?
The 485 visa allows international students to remain in Australia temporarily after they have completed their studies. It is a short-term option that helps international students bridge the gap between education and employment. If you have recently graduated and want to spend more time in Australia, this visa could be a great option.
Key Features of the 485 Visa
The 485 visa allows recent graduates to live, study, and work in Australia for 18 months to five years. Under the new rules for TR in Australia, eligibility and stay durations are more closely aligned with the qualification and where applicants studied.
Highlights of the two main streams:
- The Post-Higher Education Work stream (previously called the Graduate Work stream) is for international students with bachelor’s, master’s by research, or doctoral degrees.
- The Post-Vocational Education Work stream (previously called the Post-Study Work stream) is designed for those with diplomas or trade qualifications.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
To apply for a Temporary Graduate visa, most applicants must be 35 or under and have held a valid Student visa within the last six months. The eligibility requirements are discussed in detail in the next section.
What’s Changed 2025 vs 2026
On 1 July 2025, the application fees for the 485 visa increased from $2,235 to $2,300 for the primary applicant. There was an additional charge for each family member who applied for the visa with the applicant. It would cost $1,150 for a secondary applicant over 18 and $580 for those under 18. Now, the visa has undergone further changes in 2026, building on the updates introduced in 2025.
While last year’s changes focused on moderate fee increases and refining eligibility requirements, the latest rules reflect a more restrictive, skills-focused approach. These recent changes to the Temporary Graduate visa include:
New Visa Durations Based on Qualification Level
As of July 2024, the duration of stay on the 485 visa was directly tied to the applicant’s qualification level. The updated durations were:
- Two years for bachelor’s (including honours) and master’s degrees (coursework and extended programmes).
- Three years for master’s (research) and doctoral degree programmes (PhD).
- 18 months for applicants with diplomas or trade qualifications.
In 2026, these durations will stay broadly aligned but will be stricter, as no extensions will be given. Stay periods are increasingly influenced by whether the qualification matches Australia’s priority skill sectors.
Removal of Extended Post-Study Work Rights
The Australian government had implemented the extension in July 2023 in response to skill shortages. Undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students enrolled in select courses specified by the Department of Education, such as IT, nursing, and education, could remain in the country for four to six years. The extension allowed recent graduates to gain skills and experience in their target industry and led to other work visa pathways, such as employer-sponsored visas.
However, it was removed in mid-2024 as part of the government’s revised Migration Strategy. In 2026, this position continues, with no reintroduction of extensions. The focus has shifted firmly towards standard durations and skilled employment outcomes.
Revised Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
Eligibility requirements have tightened further in 2026. While applicants needed an eligible visa and to be 35 years or younger at the time of application to qualify for the visa (whether they applied for the Post-Vocational Education Work stream or the Post-Higher Education Work stream), the new rules impose a stricter maximum age of 35 for most applicants. Applicants under 50 can still qualify if they hold a Hong Kong or BNO passport or graduated with a research master’s or doctoral degree.
Under the March 2024 criteria, the minimum IELTS test score required for a 485 visa application was 6.0, but it has now been increased to 6.5, with a minimum score of 5.5 for each component (reading, writing, speaking, and listening). The PTE requirement for the 485 visa 2026 is an equivalent score. For Hong Kong and BNO passport holders, the requirement remains at IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent), with a minimum score of 5.0 for each component.
Graduate certificates no longer qualify as degrees. Graduate diplomas are now only eligible if they were directly related to the bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD programme and commenced within the same or next academic year.
CRICOS registration and minimum study duration requirements remain unchanged. Like last year, the course must be registered with the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS), taught in English, and completed over at least 92 weeks (two academic years), with a minimum of 16 months spent studying in Australia. As the online study requirements were repealed on 25 November 2023, studies completed outside Australia will not count towards visa eligibility. Overall, the new changes reinforce a more selective migration policy that will prioritise younger applicants with qualifications closely aligned with Australia’s workforce needs.
When Will the 2026 Changes Take Effect?
The updated 485 visa application fee of $4,600 came into effect on 1 March 2026. This fee increase forms part of broader changes across the Australian visa system, with the Student visa fees doubled.
Implementation Timeline
If the Temporary Graduate visa price increased between the date you lodged your application and when the Department of Home Affairs received it, you will need to pay the new application fees. However, the old fee structure will apply if your application was received before 1 March 2026.
Other recent changes to the Temporary Graduate visa came into effect in two phases. The first phase began on 23 March 2024 with an increased English language proficiency test score. The validity of the test has been reduced from three years to one year. The next phase took effect on August 7, 2025, when the Department of Home Affairs expanded the list of accepted test providers.
On 1 July 2024, the Australian government officially enforced the changes regarding visa duration, age limits, qualifications, and post-study work rights.
Transition Rules for Current or Pending Applicants
If you lodged your 485 visa application before 1 March 2026, it will be assessed under the previous regulations that include the older visa durations, age limits, English language requirements, and eligibility for graduate certificates. Online study undertaken between 1 February 2020 and 25 November 2023 will continue to count towards the 485 visa requirement.
Any application lodged on or after 1 March 2026, regardless of when the course was completed or the visa was planned, will be processed under the updated criteria, including updated fees, age limits, and English language validity rules. If you are unsure which version of the rules applies, Australian Migration Agents can help you review your application status before proceeding.
What These Changes Mean for International Graduates
Here are some factors you should consider when planning for your stay in Australia and long-term goals:
Impacts on Graduate Career Planning and Stay Options
The new rules directly affect how long international students can remain in Australia temporarily after completing their studies, with many students now facing shorter stays. There are no extensions for courses with skill shortages anymore, which limits the time you have to secure skilled employment, gain experience, or switch to employer-sponsored visas. Stricter eligibility criteria, such as the reduced age limit (35 years or under) and higher application costs, mean applicants must plan their career steps more precisely.
Considerations for Regional Migration Pathways
Regional migration remains a viable option for long-term visas or permanent residency. While the Temporary Graduate visa changes do not directly affect regional incentives, the reduced durations and stricter requirements mean deadlines are tighter.
Most locations outside Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane are classified as designated regional areas. If you studied at an Australian institution located in a designated area while holding your first Temporary Graduate visa, you may be eligible for a Second Post-Higher Education stream.
Long-Term Visa or PR Strategy Implications
Early visa choices often affect long-term visa and permanent residency outcomes. Reducing the duration of the Temporary Graduate visa has shortened the time available to accumulate work experience or secure employer sponsorship. Moreover, with the removal of the replacement stream and tighter post-study pathways, there will be less flexibility if your current visa expires before securing another option. This may affect eligibility for permanent skilled visas or employer-sponsored categories, which often require either relevant skilled work experience or a formal skilled assessment. Australian Migration Agents can help you map a realistic pathway to long-term stay or permanent residency under the current system.
Tips for Navigating the New 485 Visa Rules
With the 100% application fee hike from $2,300 to $4,600 and stricter eligibility criteria for the Temporary Graduate visa, you need to stay sharp. Here are some practical strategies to help you prepare and avoid delays for your application.
Start Planning Early
Waiting until your Student visa is close to expiry may limit your options or leave you unprepared. With the updated Temporary Graduate visa rules now in effect, timing matters more than ever. The application window is still six months, but there are increased documentation requirements and tighter eligibility criteria.
You must begin compiling documents as soon as possible. These include updated English test results, transcripts, course completion letters, and evidence of studying in Australia. According to the new requirements, you must have studied in Australia for at least 16 months (two academic years).
Seek Professional Migration Advice
The updated 485 visa rules leave little room for error. Seeking advice from a registered migration agent can prevent you from missing details, misunderstanding the rules, or relying on outdated information. They can help you assess whether your qualifications are eligible, interpret other criteria, and ensure your test results meet the stricter standards.
If you are nearing the age limit, unsure about skills assessment requirements for vocational pathways, or considering further study, Australian Migration Agents can offer support and advice.
Explore Alternative Visa Options
With changes to the 485 visa duration and eligibility criteria, you should consider other visa options. Depending on your occupation, location, and long-term goals, you may qualify for a Skilled Independent (189), Skilled Nominated (190), or Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (491). If you have prior work experience and meet other requirements, you may qualify for employer-sponsored visas, such as Skills in Demand (482) or Employer Nomination Scheme (186).
You may also consider returning to Australia on a new Student (500) visa to complete higher-level studies that qualify for skilled migration. However, as of July 2024, this restriction remains, as the current or former Temporary Graduate visa holders cannot apply for this visa onshore. Applications to switch back to this visa must now be lodged outside Australia.
Need Help With Your 485 Visa Application?
At Australian Migration Agents, we know that the recent changes to the 485 visa have created confusion for many international students. Our experienced team of registered migration agents can help you understand where you stand and guide you through the process. Whether you are considering filing a new application or are unsure how the new rules affect your plans, contact us today for support and guidance.
FAQs – 485 Visa Changes 2026
What are the main changes to the 485 visa in 2026?
The updates made in early 2026 introduced new eligibility standards and a sharp increase in the visa application charge. The application fee has been substantially raised to $4,600, the maximum age for most applicants has been reduced to 35 years, and the required IELTS English test score is now 6.5.
Additionally, the duration of stay for visas has been reduced, the 485 visa extension that was granted during the pandemic has been removed, and applicants’ skills are directly aligned with Australia's Priority Occupations List.
What is the new IELTS requirement for 485 visa?
Applicants for the 485 visa are now required to score a minimum of 6.5 overall on the IELTS test, with at least 5.5 in each band. In addition, English test results are only valid for one year at the time of application, which means applicants need to carefully time their test before lodging their application.
Can I still get extended post-study work rights?
No, extended post-study work rights that were introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic are no longer available. These extensions were removed back in mid-2024.
What is the age limit for the 485 visa?
Following the new 2026 changes, the maximum age limit for most applicants is 35 years at the time of application. However, exceptions may apply for Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport holders and certain research degree graduates.
How long can I stay on a 485 visa now?
The stay periods depend on the qualifications of applicants, but they range from 18 months to three years. Diploma and trade graduates can stay up to 18 months, while bachelor’s and master’s graduates may stay up to two years, and research-based qualifications up to three years.
Can I switch to another visa after 485?
Yes, many applicants switch to other visas after a subclass 485 visa, but options are restricted if you are onshore. Common pathways you may transition to include:
- Employer-sponsored visas (Subclass 482/186)
- Student visa (Subclass 500) (for offshore applicants only)
- Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) and State-Nominated (Subclass 190)
- Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 491)
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