Is your student visa expiring soon? Before you panic, know this: thousands of international graduates move onto the 485 visa every year to keep working and living in Australia. This guide breaks down eligibility, documents, timelines, and costs – plus what to do if the 485 visa isn’t the right fit for you.
What Is the 485 Visa?
The Temporary Graduate visa 485 lets recent graduates of an Australian institution stay on and work full-time after finishing their course. It’s the natural next step once your student visa runs out, giving you time to gain local work experience or move toward a skilled migration pathway.
Who Is Eligible for the 485 Visa?
Eligibility depends on your qualification, age, and English test results. Broadly, you must have completed a CRICOS-registered course, be under the age limit, and apply within six months of your student visa ending.
| Requirement | Detail |
| Age | 35 years or younger at time of application |
| Visa history | Held an eligible student visa within the last 6 months |
| Course | CRICOS-registered qualification from an Australian provider |
| Location | Must be onshore in Australia when applying |
| English test | Valid test result within 12 months (CELPIP General, LANGUAGECERT Academic, Michigan English Test, IELTS, PTE and others accepted) |
| Health & character | Health insurance evidence and an applied-for AFP police check |
What Documents Do You Need for the 485 Visa?
You’ll need proof of course completion, a valid passport, health insurance, English test results, and evidence of your Australian Federal Police check application. Missing paperwork is the number one reason applications get delayed.
How Long Does the 485 Visa Take to Process?
Processing times vary by stream and how complete your application is, but most graduates wait between a few weeks and several months. Applying early – before your student visa lapses – gives you the best chance of a smooth transition.
How Much Does the 485 Visa Cost in 2026?
Fees rose sharply this year, so budgeting ahead matters more than ever.
| Applicant Type | Base Application Charge (from 1 March 2026) |
| Primary applicant | AUD $4,600 |
| Secondary applicant (18+) | AUD $2,300 |
| Secondary applicant (under 18) | AUD $1,160 |
| Eligible Pacific/Timor-Leste applicants | Reduced rate applies |
Fees are set by the Department of Home Affairs and can change – always confirm current charges before lodging.
What Are Your Study Options If You Don’t Qualify for the 485 Visa?
If you don’t meet 485 visa requirements, further study or a different visa subclass may still keep you in Australia legally. Options include enrolling in another eligible course, applying for a skills assessment pathway, or exploring partner and skilled visa routes.
- Enrol in a further CRICOS-registered course under a new Student visa Subclass 500
- Pursue a skills assessment for a skilled migration visa
- Check eligibility for regional study pathways, which can extend your stay
- Speak with a registered agent about partner or employer-sponsored options
Latest Policy Update You Should Know
As of 1 March 2026, the Migration Amendment (Temporary Graduate Visa Application Charge) Regulations 2026 increased 485 visa fees and tightened the age cap to 35 years. English test validity was also shortened to 12 months, with new approved tests accepted for results dated from 7 August 2025 onward. These changes make early planning essential if your student visa is expiring soon.
Why Work with an Education Consultant?
Visa rules shift often, and a small error can cost you months. A qualified Education Consultant helps you map your course, visa, and career pathway together so nothing falls through the gaps.
How Can an Immigration Consultant Perth Help You?
Local expertise matters when timelines are tight. An experienced Immigration Consultant Perth can review your documents, check eligibility against the latest rules, and lodge your 485 visa application correctly the first time.
Don’t Leave It Too Late
Your student visa expiring soon doesn’t have to mean leaving Australia. Whether the 485 visa or a further study pathway suits you best, getting expert guidance now protects your time and money.
FAQs
Can I apply for the 485 visa if my student visa has already expired?
Generally no – you must apply within six months of holding an eligible student visa, so timing is critical.
Is the 485 visa a pathway to permanent residency?
Not directly, but it gives you work experience and time to pursue skilled migration or employer sponsorship.
Can I include my partner in my 485 visa application?
Yes, eligible partners and dependent children can be included as secondary applicants.
How many times can I apply for the 485 visa?
Most graduates can only hold one 485 visa, though the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream allows a further application for eligible regional graduates.
What happens if my 485 visa application is refused?
You may still have study or other visa options – speak with a registered migration agent quickly to review your next steps.
Do I need a skills assessment for the 485 visa?
No, a formal skills assessment is not required for most 485 visa streams as of current rules.
