Subclass 485 Visa Australia: Full 2025 Guide, Costs & Processing Time
As an international student who has just tossed your graduation cap in the air, one question is probably burning brighter than the celebrations: “What’s next for me in Australia?”
For thousands of graduates every year, the answer is the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) – the famous “485 visa” that lets you live, work, and travel in Australia for 2 to 4 years after your studies (and sometimes even longer if you studied in a regional area).
This post-work visa has launched countless careers, helped people gain priceless Australian work experience, and in many cases, become the perfect stepping stone toward permanent residency.
In this 1000+ word guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know in 2025 – from eligibility and streams, costs, current processing times, English requirements, health insurance rules, and practical tips that most blogs forget to mention.
Let’s dive in.
What Exactly Is the Subclass 485 Visa?
The 485 visa is a temporary visa that allows recent international graduates from Australian institutions to stay in Australia after their student visa expires. It comes in two main streams:
- Post-Vocational Education Work Stream (previously called Post-Study Work Stream for bachelor/master/PhD graduates)
- Duration: 2–4 years (4 years for most bachelor/master by coursework, up to 6 years for certain research degrees or regional study)
- Graduate Work Stream (for vocational/diploma/advanced diploma graduates)
- Duration: 18–24 months (Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders can get 5 years)
There is also a Second Post-Study Work Stream and Replacement Stream for those who lost time due to COVID travel restrictions – but these are closing to new applicants soon.
Who Is Eligible in 2025? (Visa 485 Requirements You Must Meet)
The Department of Home Affairs is strict, so ticking every box is crucial:
- You must be under 35 years of age at time of application (except for research masters/PhD and some passport holders who get up to 50).
- Hold an eligible qualification gained in Australia (CRICOS-registered course of at least 2 academic years / 92 weeks).
- Your qualification must be on the relevant skilled occupation list if applying for the Graduate Work stream.
- You must have held an Australian student visa in the last 6 months.
- Provide evidence of Adequate health insurance (OSHC or OVHC) for the entire stay.
- Meet the English language requirement (IELTS 6.0 overall with minimum 5.0 in each band, or PTE 50 with no band below 36, or equivalent – higher for some streams).
- Apply within 6 months of course completion (the date on your completion letter, not graduation ceremony).
- Meet health and character requirements.
- No debts to the Australian government or have arranged repayment.
Pro tip: The “2 years of study” rule is based on CRICOS duration, not how long it actually took you. Even if you finished early with RPL or credit, you’re still fine.
How Much Does the 485 Visa Cost in 2025?
Main applicant fee (as of July 2025): AUD $1,895
Additional applicants:
- Over 18 years: $950
- Under 18 years: $475
Other costs you’ll face:
- Skills assessment (Graduate Work stream only): $500–$1,200
- English test: $300–$500
- Police checks: $50–$200 per country
- Medical examination: $350–$550
- Health insurance: ~$800–$1,500 per year depending on provider and coverage
Total realistic budget: $3,500–$6,000 for a single applicant.
Current 485 Visa Processing Time (Updated December 2025)
Processing times have improved dramatically since the COVID backlog cleared:
- Post-Vocational Education Work Stream: 75% of applications processed in 21 days, 90% in 3 months.
- Graduate Work Stream: 75% in 4 months, 90% in 7 months (slower because of skills assessment verification).
Fastest decisions are now coming in 7–14 days for complete, decision-ready applications (especially if you lodge online with all documents upfront).
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Subclass 485 in 2025
- Get your Completion Letter and final transcript from your education provider.
- Book and pass your English test (if you don’t have exempt qualification).
- Complete skills assessment (Graduate Work stream only).
- Buy health insurance and get the policy number.
- Create or log into your ImmiAccount.
- Fill Form 485 online – have these ready:
- Passport
- Passport bio page
- Completion letter
- Academic transcript
- English results
- Skills assessment (if required)
- Overseas and Australian police clearances (AFPAC can be done after lodgement)
- Form 80 (character)
- Health examination (Hap ID generated after lodgement)
- Pay the visa application charge.
- Submit – you’ll receive immediate Bridging Visa A if your student visa expires soon.
Little-Known Tips to Get Approved Faster
- Lodge from inside Australia – offshore applications are slower.
- Use a registered migration agent only if your case is complex (most 485s are straightforward).
- Get your English test result before you finish your course if possible.
- Choose a cheap but compliant OSHC/OVHC provider (e.g., Allianz, Medibank, Bupa, NIB) – you need coverage from grant date.
- If you studied in a regional area (anywhere except Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane), you may qualify for the Second Post-Study Work visa (extra 1–2 years).
Work Rights & Pathway to Permanent Residency
Good news: The 485 is full unrestricted work rights – you can work for anyone, start a business, work multiple jobs, even go contracting at $100+/hr in IT, engineering, nursing, etc.
Common PR pathways after 485:
- Employer-sponsored (186/482 → 191)
- General Skilled Migration (189/190/491) – you’ll gain valuable points for Australian work experience and sometimes regional points
- Partner visa if you meet someone special
Frequently Asked Questions in 2025
Can I include my partner and children?
Yes – de facto, married, or dependent children can be added.
Can I study on a 485 visa?
Yes, but no government subsidies and it won’t count toward further 485 extensions.
What if I turn 35 while on 485?
You can stay until it expires – age rule is only at application.
Can I travel overseas?
Yes, but you need to maintain health insurance and not stay away too long if planning PR later.
Final Thoughts: Is the 485 Visa Worth It?
For 95% of international graduates, the answer is a resounding yes.
Two to four years of full work rights in one of the world’s strongest economies, with high wages, great lifestyle, and multiple doors to permanent residency – there is simply no better “post-study work visa” in the world that comes close.
If you’ve just graduated (or about to), start preparing your documents today. The earlier you lodge after completion, the sooner you can start that graduate job, internship, or business you’ve been dreaming about.
Need personalized advice or checklist? Drop a comment below or visit edvisehub for free templates, document checklists, and latest Home Affairs updates.
