You''ve finished an Australian qualification and you''re not ready to leave. The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) is the bridge that lets many recent graduates stay and work in Australia temporarily — and, for a lot of people, it''s the stepping stone to permanent residence.

What the 485 visa is

The 485 is a temporary visa for international students who have recently completed an eligible Australian qualification. It lets you live, work and study in Australia for a period after graduation, without being tied to a particular employer. That freedom is the point: it buys you time to gain Australian work experience, improve your skills assessment, and set up a stronger case for a longer-term visa.

The two main streams

The 485 has historically had two streams:

  • A stream for vocational/trade graduates with skills on a relevant occupation list.
  • A stream for higher-education (degree) graduates, which doesn''t require your field to be on an occupation list.
The eligibility rules, age limits and visa lengths for these streams have changed several times in recent years, so treat the details as something to verify against the current Department of Home Affairs rules before you apply — not something to assume from an old blog post.

What you generally need

The common threads across the streams tend to be:

  • a recent eligible qualification from an Australian institution (there''s a time limit on how recently you graduated),
  • competent English, evidenced by an accepted test,
  • health insurance and meeting health and character requirements, and
  • having held an eligible student visa.

How long it lasts

The length of a 485 depends on your stream and qualification, and it has been adjusted by policy changes. Some graduates get a couple of years; others more. Because this is exactly the kind of figure that moves, confirm the current duration for your situation rather than planning around a number you read somewhere.

Where the 485 fits in the bigger picture

The smart way to think about the 485 is not as a destination but as a runway. Use the time to:

  • get relevant, skilled Australian work experience,
  • complete a skills assessment for your occupation,
  • lift your points (English, experience, a professional year), and
  • line up your next visa — skilled, employer-sponsored, or another pathway.
Graduates who drift through the 485 without a plan often reach the end with no clear next step. Those who treat it as a strategic window frequently convert it into permanent residence.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Leaving the application too late. There''s a deadline after you finish study; miss it and the option can close.
  • Not using the time. A 485 spent in unrelated casual work does little for your PR case.
  • Assuming old rules still apply. This visa changes often — verify current settings.
  • Taking visa advice from someone who can''t give it. Only a registered migration agent or a lawyer can lawfully advise you on your visa for a fee.

The bottom line

The 485 is one of the most valuable visas in the international-student journey — a period of open work rights to build the case for staying long-term. But it rewards planning. Know the current rules, apply on time, and use every month of it to strengthen your next step.