Recent changes to the Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa reflect a broader policy shift that emphasises skilled migration pathways aligned with the Australian government’s national workforce strategy. As a result, international graduates will need to plan carefully if they intend to transition into employment, regional migration pathways, or permanent residency.
At Australian Migration Agents, we understand that these new rules can seem confusing. Our team can provide information, guidance, and assistance at any stage of your 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 and Purpose
The 485 visa allows recent graduates to live, study, and work in Australia for 18 months to five years, depending on the qualification and where you studied. It has two main streams: the Post-Higher Education Work stream (previously called the Graduate Work stream) for international students with bachelor’s, master’s by research, or doctoral degrees; and the Post-Vocational Education Work stream (previously called the Post-Study Work stream) 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 Changing in 2025?
On 1 July 2025, the application fees for the 485 visa increased from $2,235 to $2,300 for the primary applicant. There is an additional charge for each family member who applies for the visa with you. It will cost $1,150 for a secondary applicant over 18 and $580 for those under 18. The Second Post-Higher Education stream application costs $905.
Other 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 is directly tied to the applicant’s qualification level. The updated durations are
- 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.
Removal of Extended Post-Study Work Rights
The Australian government implemented this 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 accumulate 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 Migration Strategy.
Revised Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
Applicants must hold an eligible visa and be 35 years or younger at the time of application to qualify for the Post-Vocational Education Work stream, Post-Higher Education Work, and Second Post-Higher Education Work stream. 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.
As of March 2024, the minimum IELTS test score required for a 485 visa application has increased from 6.0 to 6.5, with a minimum score of 5.5 for each component (reading, writing, speaking, and listening). Equivalent scores apply for other approved tests. 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.
The course must be registered under 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. On 25 November 2023, online study requirements returned to their pre-COVID state, so study conducted outside Australia no longer counts towards visa eligibility.
When Will the 2025 Changes Take Effect?
The new 485 visa application fees of $2,300 are effective from 1 July 2025. The fee increases apply across a range of Australian visa subclasses, with the Student visa fees rising from $1,600 to $2,300.
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 July 2025.
Other recent changes to the Temporary Graduate visa came into effect in two phases. The first phase began on 23 March 2024 with increased English language proficiency requirements. The validity of the test has been reduced from three years to one year.
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 July 2024, it will be assessed under the previous regulations that include the older visa durations, age limits, English language requirements, and eligibility of 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 July 2024, regardless of when the course was completed or the visa was planned, will be processed under the updated criteria. 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. You must plan your career steps as soon as possible.
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. 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 tighter deadlines 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.
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, 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.
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