If you’re an international student who has completed studies in Australia and wish to stay longer to gain valuable work experience, the 485 Visa Australia (also known as the Graduate Visa 485) could be the perfect opportunity. This temporary visa allows eligible graduates to live, study, and work in Australia after finishing their studies. It bridges the gap between your student life and your future career or permanent residency pathway.
Let’s explore everything you need to know about the Subclass 485 Visa Australia, including eligibility, required documents, processing times, and how to apply successfully.
What Is the 485 Visa Australia?
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) is designed for international students who have recently completed an eligible qualification in Australia. This visa provides temporary residency, enabling graduates to stay in the country and gain professional experience in their field of study.
There are three main streams under the 485 Visa:
Post-Vocational Education Work (PVEW) Stream – For graduates with an associate degree, diploma, or trade qualification.
Post-Higher Education Work (PHEW) Stream – For graduates with a Bachelor’s degree or higher.
Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream – For those who studied in a regional area and wish to extend their stay.
Each stream has different eligibility criteria and stay durations, typically ranging from 18 months to 4 years, depending on your qualification level and study location.
Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485 Eligibility
To qualify for the 485 Graduate Visa, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
Age: You must be under 50 years old.
Visa Status: You must currently hold an eligible visa, typically a Student Visa (Subclass 500), or have held one within the last 6 months.
Qualification: You must have completed a CRICOS-registered course in Australia that meets the Australian study requirements.
English Proficiency: You need to meet the PTE requirement for 485 visa or provide other accepted English test results (IELTS, TOEFL, or OET).
Health Cover: You must have Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC for 485 visa) valid for the entire visa duration.
Character and Health Checks: Applicants must meet health and character requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs.
It’s important to lodge your application within six months of receiving your final academic results.
Graduate Visa 485 Checklist
Before applying, make sure to have all the documents ready. Here’s the 485 Graduate Visa checklist to help you prepare:
Valid passport
Academic transcripts and course completion letter
Proof of English proficiency (e.g., PTE Academic results)
Health insurance (OVHC for 485 visa)
Recent photographs meeting Australian standards
Police clearance certificate
Identity documents (birth certificate, national ID, etc.)
Relationship documents if applying with dependents (e.g., marriage certificate)
Form 956 if you are using a Migration Agent
Having a complete and accurate checklist can help reduce processing delays and improve your chances of visa approval.
485 Visa Processing Time
The 485 visa processing time can vary depending on the stream and individual circumstances. Generally, the average processing times are:
Post-Vocational Education Work (PVEW) Stream: 5–7 months
Post-Higher Education Work (PHEW) Stream: 4–6 months
Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream: 3–5 months
Factors affecting processing time include the completeness of your application, verification of documents, and demand at the time of submission. To avoid unnecessary delays, make sure all your documents are valid and up to date.
If you’re applying with dependents, note that the 485 spouse visa processing time 2022 and onwards can be slightly longer, as additional relationship evidence and identity checks are required.
485 Graduate Visa Requirements in Detail
The 485 visa requirements go beyond academic qualifications. You must also meet certain health, character, and financial conditions. Here’s a breakdown:
Health Insurance (OVHC): Having OVHC for 485 visa is mandatory. It ensures you have access to medical and hospital services while staying in Australia.
English Requirement: You must meet the PTE requirement for 485 visa, which usually involves achieving a minimum overall score of 50, with no section below 36.
Australian Study Requirement: You must have studied full-time for at least two academic years (92 weeks) in Australia.
Application Deadline: Submit your visa application within 6 months of completing your studies.
Meeting all these requirements is essential for a successful visa outcome.
OVHC for Subclass 485 Visa Australia
Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) is compulsory for all 485 visa holders. It provides medical coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency treatments during your stay in Australia.
Several providers offer tailored OVHC for 485 visa packages that comply with the Department of Home Affairs requirements. It’s important to choose a plan that suits your budget and ensures adequate medical protection.
PTE Requirement for Visa Subclass 485
English proficiency is a key part of the 485 visa eligibility criteria. The PTE requirement for 485 visa typically requires:
Overall score of 50
Minimum of 36 in each component (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking)
You can also submit IELTS, TOEFL, or OET scores if preferred. Always ensure your test results are valid at the time of application.
485 Spouse Visa Processing Time 2022 and Beyond
If you are including your spouse or de facto partner in your 485 visa application, make sure to provide relationship evidence such as joint bank accounts, rental agreements, and photos. The 485 spouse visa processing time 2022 ranged between 6–9 months, but times may vary depending on individual cases and documentation quality.
Including dependents may slightly extend the overall processing time, so early preparation is key.
Why Consult a Professional Immigration Agent Adelaide?
Applying for a 485 Graduate Visa can be complex, especially when it comes to meeting eligibility requirements, preparing accurate documentation, and understanding the latest policy updates.
A certified Immigration Agent Adelaide can:
Assess your eligibility for the right 485 stream.
Guide you through document preparation and submission.
Help you secure valid OVHC for 485 visa.
Ensure your PTE requirement for 485 visa results meet the latest standards.
Track your application and manage communication with the Department of Home Affairs.
With professional advice, your visa journey becomes faster, smoother, and stress-free.
Conclusion
The Subclass 485 Visa Australia is a fantastic opportunity for international students to extend their stay, gain work experience, and pave the way toward permanent residency. Understanding the 485 visa eligibility, preparing the 485 Graduate Visa checklist, and ensuring you meet all 485 visa requirements—including the PTE requirement for 485 visa and valid OVHC for 485 visa—is essential for success.
Processing times vary, so staying prepared and organised can make all the difference. Whether you’re applying independently or with dependents, professional guidance can simplify the process.
For personalised support with your 485 Graduate Visa, reach out to a trusted Immigration Agent Adelaide today — and take the next confident step toward building your future in Australia.