Temporary Graduate Visa Australia – Stay, Work, and Grow After Graduation
Health insurance is an essential requirement for a worry-free experience while studying abroad.
International Medical Coverage: Health insurance provides you with the peace of mind to receive medical care anywhere in the world, ensuring you won't face overwhelming expenses.
Visa and Enrollment Support:Having health insurance can make obtaining a student visa and enrollment easier. This reduces the chances of your applications being delayed or rejected.
Financial Protection: In the event of an unexpected incident, having health insurance ensures that your medical expenses are covered. It safeguards you from potential financial stress.
Legal Compliance: Many countries create specific health insurance for international students. Securing this insurance not only safeguards your well-being but also shields you from potential legal complications and the risk of deportation. Protect yourself and ensure a smooth study experience abroad.
Comprehensive Care: Health insurance covers expenses related to hospital stays, prescription medications, mental health support, and much more.
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Country-wise rules
The USA has a unique system that students must navigate to meet certain criteria. In contrast, Australia requires international students to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Similarly, in the UK, students are obligated to pay an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) to gain access to the National Health Service (NHS). Additionally, some universities have their own specific requirements, which often include particular coverage limits in their health insurance schemes.
Selecting a plan
Recognizing the diverse needs of students, universities create customized health insurance policies that provide essential coverage. Students can conveniently enroll in these plans during their registration process, ensuring peace of mind from day one. If a university does not offer its own insurance, students must seek private health insurance, which may not fully meet their specific needs. It's crucial for universities to invest in comprehensive health insurance options that prioritize student well-being and security.
Purchasing Health Insurance
Health insurance is essential for students, and selecting the right plan is vital for their well-being. By carefully considering their unique needs, students can find a plan that offers the best balance of cost and benefits. After choosing a suitable plan and making the necessary payment, students will receive a certificate as proof of their coverage, ensuring assurance during their academic journey.
Country-wise rules
The USA has a unique system that students must navigate to meet certain criteria. In contrast, Australia requires international students to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Similarly, in the UK, students are obligated to pay an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) to gain access to the National Health Service (NHS). Additionally, some universities have their own specific requirements, which often include particular coverage limits in their health insurance schemes.
Country-wise rules
The USA has a unique system that students must navigate to meet certain criteria. In contrast, Australia requires international students to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Similarly, in the UK, students are obligated to pay an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) to gain access to the National Health Service (NHS). Additionally, some universities have their own specific requirements, which often include particular coverage limits in their health insurance schemes.
Temporary Graduate Visa Australia – Stay, Work, and Grow After Graduation
Completed your studies in Australia and not ready to leave just yet? The Temporary Graduate Visa Australia (Subclass 485) allows international graduates to extend their stay, gain valuable local work experience, and build a pathway toward permanent residency.
This visa gives you the opportunity to transition from student life to full-time work—so you can apply your skills, grow professionally, and explore what long-term life in Australia could look like.
Whether you’ve finished a degree, diploma, or trade qualification, the Subclass 485 visa offers flexible post-study options tailored to your level of education.
What Is the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)?
The Graduate Visa Subclass 485 is a temporary visa for recent graduates of CRICOS-registered Australian institutions. It enables you to:
- Live, work, and study in Australia after completing your course
- Gain skilled work experience to strengthen your future visa or PR application
- Bring eligible family members with you
- Stay in Australia for 18 months to 4 years, depending on your qualification and visa stream
There are three available streams under this visa:
- Post-Vocational Education Work Stream – for vocational, trade, or diploma-level graduates
- Post-Higher Education Work Stream – for graduates with a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD
Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream – for eligible graduates who studied and lived in regional Australia
Graduate Work Stream vs Post Study Work Stream – What’s the Difference?
Here’s how the two most common Temporary Graduate Visa Australia streams compare:
| Feature | Graduate Work Stream | Post Study Work Stream |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Vocational, diploma, or trade qualification | Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD |
| Occupation required? | Yes – must be on the Skilled Occupation List | No occupation requirement |
| Skills assessment? | Required | Not required |
| Stay duration | Up to 18 months | 2 to 4 years based on degree type |
| Work rights | Full-time work allowed | Full-time work allowed |
Stay Duration – Post Study Work Stream
| Feature | Graduate Work Stream | Post Study Work Stream |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Vocational, diploma, or trade qualification | Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD |
| Occupation required? | Yes – must be on the Skilled Occupation List | No occupation requirement |
| Skills assessment? | Required | Not required |
| Stay duration | Up to 18 months | 2 to 4 years based on degree type |
| Work rights | Full-time work allowed | Full-time work allowed |
Expert Tip: The Post Study Work Visa Australia stream is ideal if you’ve completed a degree from an Australian institution. It offers longer stay periods and a smoother application process for graduates.
Who Can Apply for the Graduate Visa Subclass 485?
To apply for the Graduate Visa Subclass 485, you must meet specific eligibility requirements. These include:
General Requirements:
- Age: You must be under 50 years old
- Recent Qualification: Completed a CRICOS-registered course in the last 6 months
- Visa History: Held a valid Student Visa during or immediately before application
- English Proficiency: Minimum IELTS 6.0 overall, or equivalent in PTE, TOEFL, etc.
- Health and Character: Must pass a medical exam and provide police clearances from countries you’ve lived in for 12+ months (past 10 years)
Stream-Specific Requirements:
- Graduate Work Stream:
- Qualification must align with an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List
- Must pass a formal skills assessment
- Qualification must align with an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List
- Post-Higher Education Work Stream:
- Must hold an eligible degree (Bachelor’s or higher)
- No occupation list or skills assessment required
- Must hold an eligible degree (Bachelor’s or higher)
Expert Tip: Apply within 6 months of completing your course. Waiting too long may make you ineligible, even if you meet all other criteria.
Stay Back Options After Study – How Long Can You Stay?
Your stay back options after study in Australia depend on your qualification level. The Temporary Graduate Visa Australia (Subclass 485) offers varying durations based on what you completed.
Stay Duration by Qualification:
| Qualification Type | Maximum Stay Period |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | Up to 2 years |
| Master’s by Coursework | Up to 3 years |
| Master’s by Research | Up to 4 years |
| Doctorate (PhD) | Up to 4 years |
| Diploma / Trade Certificate | Up to 18 months (via Graduate Work Stream) |
Note: If you hold a Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport, your stay may extend up to 5 years regardless of your qualification.
Knowing your eligible stay period helps you plan your job search, apply for further visas, and map out a pathway to permanent residency.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa Australia
Applying for the Graduate Visa Subclass 485 requires attention to detail and timely preparation. Here’s how to complete the process smoothly:
Step 1: Gather Key Documents
Prepare:
- Passport (valid for your intended stay)
- Official course completion letter and academic transcripts
- English language test results (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL – taken in the last 3 years)
- OVHC (Overseas Visitor Health Cover)
- Skills assessment (only for Graduate Work Stream)
Step 2: Lodge Your Application Online
- Create your ImmiAccount at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
- Complete the Subclass 485 visa application form
- Upload all supporting documents
- Pay the visa fee: AUD 2,235 (as of 2024)
Step 3: Complete Your Health Examination (If Required)
- If requested, attend a health check at a panel-approved clinic
- Use the HAP ID provided in your ImmiAccount to book the appointment
Step 4: Submit Police Clearances
- Obtain a Federal Police Check from Australia (must be less than 12 months old)
- Provide police certificates from any country where you’ve lived 12+ months in the past 10 years
Step 5: Track Your Application
- Processing usually takes 5 to 8 months
- Regularly check your ImmiAccount for updates, document requests, or decisions
Expert Tip: Apply within 6 months of completing your course. Late applications are a common reason for refusals.
Documents You Need for Your Graduate Visa Subclass 485 Application
Submitting the right documents is crucial for a smooth visa process. Here’s your core checklist:
Document Checklist:
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Valid Passport | Should cover full visa period |
| Completion Letter & Transcript | Issued by your Australian education provider |
| English Language Test Results | IELTS 6.0 overall or equivalent (PTE, TOEFL) |
| Police Clearances | Australian Federal Police + overseas (if required) |
| OVHC (Health Insurance) | Must cover full visa duration |
| Skills Assessment | Only for Graduate Work Stream applicants |
Expert Insight: Double-check expiry dates on police checks and language tests. Documents that are out of date—even by a few days—can delay or affect your visa outcome.
Temporary Graduate Visa Australia – Costs and Processing Times
Understanding the Graduate Visa Subclass 485 costs and timeline helps you plan with confidence. Here’s what to expect:
| Item | Approximate Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Visa Application Fee | From AUD 2,235 |
| Health Examination | Around AUD 300 |
| AFP Police Check | AUD 42 |
| English Language Test | Around AUD 385 |
These are estimated costs. Actual fees may vary depending on service providers and your location.
Processing Time
- The Temporary Graduate Visa typically takes 5 to 8 months to process.
- Timelines vary based on how complete and accurate your application is at submission.
Expert Tip: Upload all documents at once when you apply. Adding files later can slow down your application.
What You Can Do on a Post Study Work Visa Australia
The Post Study Work Visa Australia gives you the freedom to:
- Work full-time in any field without restrictions
- Travel freely in and out of Australia
- Pursue short-term study, such as skill-based certifications or workshops
- Begin planning for permanent residency (PR) or employer sponsorship pathways
Use your Temporary Graduate Visa strategically:
- Gain local work experience
- Build a strong professional network
- Align your role with Australia’s Skilled Occupation List
Expert Tip: Early career choices can support your long-term visa goals. Choose roles that improve your PR eligibility.
Common Mistakes to Avoid on a Temporary Visa After Graduation
Avoid these common errors that could affect your 485 visa or future plans:
- Applying too late: Lodge your visa within 6 months of completing your course
- Missing documents: Double-check police checks, language scores, and completion letters
- Invalid health insurance: Keep your OVHC active throughout your stay
- Overstaying: Track your visa expiry and apply for any new visa before your current one ends
- No next step plan: Start exploring PR, skilled migration, or other visa options early
Expert Tip: Set monthly calendar reminders for your insurance, police check expiry, and visa deadlines. It keeps you compliant and stress-free.
Why Choose PFEC to Help with Your Temporary Graduate Visa?
Navigating your Graduate Visa Subclass 485 can feel overwhelming. That’s where PFEC Global comes in.
✅ What We Offer:
- 98% Visa Approval Rate: Backed by years of hands-on success
- Full Application Support: We check every document and help you avoid costly errors
- Career & PR Advice: Personalised planning aligned with your long-term goals
- Post-Arrival Help: Tap into our Australian network for job search and settlement support
Whether you’re applying under the Post Study Work Visa stream or Graduate Work Stream, we simplify the process—so you can focus on your future.
Ready to Start Your Temporary Graduate Visa Journey?
Take the next step in your Australian journey with confidence.
📞 Book a Free Consultation
Speak with a PFEC migration expert for clear, tailored advice on your 485 visa.
📄 Download Our Visa Checklist
Get a detailed list of documents to prepare—so you don’t miss a thing.
👉 Let PFEC Global guide your Graduate Visa Subclass 485 application—smoothly and successfully.
What are my options and possibilities for submitting an Australian PR application?
Depending on your situation, you have many options when applying for an Australian Permanent Residency (PR). The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) is for regional employment; the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) is for skilled workers who need state or territory nomination. There are several routes for family sponsorship and employer-sponsored visas, each with particular perks and requirements
If I don't have enough points to submit an application for a PR. What are my options?
If your points total is not enough for a PR application, think about being nominated by a state or territory, which may provide more points. Getting additional job experience, taking language exams like the PTE or IELTS, or going to further school in Australia to improve your credentials are all good ways to improve your English.
Does applying for a new course and student visa when I know my TR (Temporary Resident) is about to expire present any risks?
Applying for a new PR pathway courses in Australia and a student visa while your Temporary Resident visa is about to expire might be dangerous. To prevent possible visa denial, make sure your application is complete and satisfies all Department of Home Affairs standards. Learn the terms of any bridging visa that could be applicable throughout the application process, and if you’re not sure whether your application is complete or if you qualify, get expert help.