Australia
Australia Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485): Official Rules Summarised
A summary of the official 485 visa rules: the three streams, 2 to 3 years of work rights, the AUD 4,600 fee from March 2026, English scores and the age limit.
By the 47 Fellows team · Bachelor's · Master's · PhD · 4 min read ·
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In brief
This page summarises what Australian government sources published on 20 October 2026 about the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). It is general information, not advice on any person's case.
| Temporary Graduate visa (485), as published | |
|---|---|
| Streams | Post-Vocational Education Work, Post-Higher Education Work, Second Post-Higher Education Work |
| Length (Post-Higher Education Work) | "Usually between 2 and 3 years, depending on your qualification" (Study Australia) |
| Fee (main applicant) | AUD 4,600 for applications from 1 March 2026 (approx. PKR 888,000); AUD 2,300 for a partner aged 18 or over |
| Age | "35 years or under when you apply (exceptions apply)" (Study Australia) |
| Work rights | Unrestricted hours in any sector (Study Australia) |
PKR figures are our own approximate conversions at AUD 1 ≈ PKR 193 (October 2026). Rules change, and the Department of Home Affairs is the final word.
The three streams, as described by Study Australia
| Stream | Described for | Stay |
|---|---|---|
| Post-Vocational Education Work | Associate degree, diploma or trade qualification relevant to an occupation on the skilled occupation list | Up to 18 months |
| Post-Higher Education Work | Degree-level qualification or higher | Usually 2 to 3 years, depending on the qualification |
| Second Post-Higher Education Work | Holders of a first post-study 485 visa with a degree from a regional institution | 1 to 2 years, depending on location |
Study Australia also says applicants must have held a Student visa in the last 6 months, hold a recent qualification from a CRICOS-registered course, and cannot change stream after applying. Family members can be included if they meet health and character requirements.
English requirement
IELTS Australia (the test owner) states that for the Post-Vocational and Post-Higher Education Work streams, IELTS tests taken on or after 7 August 2025 need an overall score of 6.5 with at least 5.5 in each skill, taken within 12 months before the application. Other accepted tests and scores are listed by the Department of Home Affairs.
After the 485, as described by Study Australia
Study Australia says eligible 485 holders may be able to apply for a Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa while in Australia. The Department of Home Affairs lists all other visa options.
Official sources
- Department of Home Affairs, Temporary Graduate visa: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/temporary-graduate-485
- Study Australia, Temporary Graduate visa: https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/en/plan-your-move/your-guide-to-visas/temporary-graduate-visa-subclass-485
- Study Australia, fee change from 1 March 2026: https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/en/Agent-Hub/agent-news-index/changes-to-the-temporary-graduate-subclass-485-visa
- IELTS Australia, 485 visa scores: https://ielts.com.au/prepare/article-temporary-graduate-visa-subclass-485-application
Related pages on 47 Fellows
Summary last compared with Home Affairs, Study Australia and IELTS Australia on 20 October 2026.