Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)
A temporary visa that allows international students to live, study and work in Australia after finishing their studies.
Why this page is in English
This page explains your legal rights and how FairLanding works. Because the exact wording matters for legal accuracy, we keep it in English only — the same language as the official Fair Work and Department of Home Affairs documents it refers to.
If anything here is unclear, you have a few free options:
- •Use your browser's built-in translate feature (right-click the page and select "Translate")
- •Call 131 450 (Translating and Interpreting Service) for a free phone interpreter in over 150 languages
- •Email us at hello@fairlanding.com.au and we'll explain it in plain language
We'd rather you ask a question than guess. Your rights are the same whether you read this page in English or with a translation.
With this visa, you can
work in Australia
study in Australia
bring your family with you
How long you can stay
Post-Higher Education Work stream: usually between 2 and 3 years, depending on your qualification.
Post-Vocational Education Work stream: up to 18 months.
Second Post-Higher Education Work stream: between 1 and 2 years, depending on the regional location of your qualifying institution and the regional area you live in.
Hong Kong and British National (Overseas) passport holders may stay for 5 years, regardless of stream.
Include family
You can bring your family with you on all three Temporary Graduate visa streams.
Cost
The visa costs AUD $5,750.00 for the main applicant (concessions apply in limited circumstances). There is also a charge for each family member who applies with you.
The Second Post-Higher Education Work stream has a lower cost, from AUD $2,265.00. Use the DHA Visa Pricing Estimator for the exact figure for your circumstances — these figures don't include other costs.
A lower visa cost applies to eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens who lodge a valid Temporary Graduate visa application.
Apply from
It is not possible to change streams after you apply — check which stream you're eligible for before applying.
Processing times
Use the DHA visa processing time guide tool for an indication of processing times — it shows times for recently decided applications and is a guide only, not specific to your application.
Travel
This is a temporary visa — check your specific grant conditions and VEVO for your travel rights, since they vary by stream and circumstances.
Visa label
We will digitally link your visa to your passport. You will not get a label in your passport.
Sourced directly from the Department of Home Affairs — last verified 29 July 2026. This is general information, not migration advice. Always confirm current requirements at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au or consult a MARA-registered migration agent.