Australia Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa: 2026 Guide for Indians
The Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa gives graduates of eligible Australian qualifications the right to live and work in Australia after study — typically two to three years — through the Post-Higher Education Work and Graduate Work streams. It is the bridge from a student visa to skilled work, points and a PR pathway.
Subclass 485: Key Facts At-a-Glance
Below is a summary of processing times, statutory criteria, and typical point thresholds for Indian applicants pursuing the Subclass 485 (Australia).
| Visa Metric | Details & Requirements |
|---|---|
| Visa Subclass | Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate visa) |
| Avg. Processing Time | 3 - 6 months (indicative) |
| Government Fees | From AUD 2,305 (INR 1,25,000 approx.) |
| English Language Min | Competent English (IELTS 6.0 each band) |
| Visa Validity | Stream- and qualification-dependent |
Why Apply for this Visa Path?
- Full work rights: work for any employer while you build skilled experience.
- PR stepping stone: Australian work experience strengthens 189/190/491 points and skills assessments.
- Stay connected: remain onshore while planning your permanent route.
Detailed Entry Requirements
To apply under this Australia visa track from India, your credentials must fulfill the following regulatory criteria:
- 1Recent graduate: Completed an eligible Australian qualification within the required timeframe.
- 2Age & English: Meet the age and English requirements for your stream.: Health & character: Health insurance, medicals and police clearances.
Step-by-Step Filing Workflow
Every applicant from Bangalore/India follows this standardized workflow to file their visa application securely:
Confirm your stream
Identify the correct 485 stream for your qualification.
Lodge promptly after study
Apply within the eligibility window after course completion.
Use the time strategically
Target skilled roles that count toward your occupation and points.
Plan the PR transition
Begin skills assessment and EOI preparation during the graduate visa.
Study-to-PR done right: choosing the course that kept doors open Category: Student Visas | Visa: Subclass 500 → Subclass 485
The Client: A 22-year-old graduate wanted to study in Australia but was being pushed toward a short, inexpensive course by another agent - one that offered easy admission but no migration future.
The Challenge: The course on the table would have admitted her quickly but left her ineligible for the graduate visa and disconnected from any skilled occupation.
How We Handled It: Reframed course selection as a PR decision, not just an admission decision. Matched her to a CRICOS-registered qualification aligned with an in-demand occupation. Sequenced the genuine-student evidence and OSHC so the 500 was lodged cleanly.
The Result: She was granted the Subclass 500, completed her qualification, and moved straight onto the Subclass 485 graduate visa. She is now building skilled Australian experience that feeds directly into a future PR application. **Why It Matters:** The cheapest course is rarely the smartest one. Course choice quietly decides whether the 485 and skilled pathways stay open three years later.
Verify Australia immigration rules directly from official government sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are critical questions and details regarding target timelines and scores for this visa path.
How long is the Subclass 485 visa valid?
Usually two to three years depending on your qualification and stream - bachelor and master by coursework graduates generally get two years, research masters and PhDs longer. Extensions have been available for some regional graduates. Durations were adjusted in 2024, so confirm your entitlement.
What is the age limit for the 485 visa?
The maximum age was reduced to 35 at the time of application for most applicants (with exemptions for certain research and Hong Kong applicants). If you are approaching 35, timing your application right after graduation is important.
What are the streams of the 485 visa?
The main streams are the Post-Higher Education Work stream (for graduates of Australian degrees) and the Graduate Work stream (for those with skills in demand). The stream affects duration and requirements, so we confirm which fits your qualification.
How much does the Subclass 485 cost?
The main-applicant charge is from about AUD 2,305 (roughly INR 1,25,000), with separate charges for family members. Charges rise each July. You must also hold health insurance for the visa period.
Does the 485 lead to permanent residence?
Indirectly. The 485 gives you time to gain skilled Australian work experience, sit a higher English test and lift your points for a 189/190/491 skilled visa, or to secure employer sponsorship toward the 186. It is a stepping stone, not PR itself.
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Check Your Australia Visa Eligibility
Submit your details for this specific Subclass 485 visa track. Our Bangalore team (Koramangala HQ) led by Director Ms. Nahid Hussain will evaluate your credentials and reply directly on WhatsApp with your exact points audit.