Planning to move to Australia permanently after your post-study? Well, the 485 visa, also known as Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485, is a pathway to move from studying to working and eventually getting approved for permanent residency in Australia. Therefore, it is crucial to learn about different job opportunities to gain valuable work experience after graduating before applying for the visa. In this article, you will learn about the revised visa rules, including how to apply, eligibility criteria, visa application fees, and the latest updates under the 485 Visa New Rules 2025 to help you successfully grow your future in Australia.
Also Read: 485 Visa English Requirements: Approved Tests & Minimum Scores
The 485 visa Australia is designed for international students who have completed their studies in Australia for at least 2 years. This visa allows you to temporarily live, work, and stay in the country for 2 to 5 years, depending on your qualification you obtained.
Australia has made significant updates to the subclass 485 visa applications to better address skill shortages in key industries. The aim is to provide international students with skilled job opportunities and a path to permanent residency, thus allowing them to live independently. Be sure to get familiar with the 485 Visa New Rules 2025 before applying for the 485 visa in Australia.
Also Read: Temporary Graduate 485 Visa Checklist: All You Need To Know
Graduate work stream: It has been replaced by the Post-vocational Education work stream for diploma, associate degree, or trade qualification holders.
Post-Study Work stream: Known as the Post-Higher Education work stream for those who have already completed a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree.
Under the 485 Visa New Rules 2025, the maximum age to apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) is now 35 years. However, applicants from Hong Kong and those holding a British National Overseas (BNO) passport are still eligible up to 50 years old.
Also Read: 9 Tips for Successfully Lodging a Partner Visa Australia Application!
A 485 visa holder or an international student who wants to pursue education in the following fields can stay in Australia for:
Earlier, there was an extra 2-year extension available for graduates with selected qualifications has been discontinued, which means there is no additional stay period unless you meet special consideration under the AI-ECTA. Therefore, Students must now apply under the new streamlined categories based on their qualification and field of study.
Step 1: Prepare necessary documents, like identity proof, education qualification, and English test results etc, before applying for the visa.
Step 2: Create an ImmiAccount from the official website of the Department of Home Affairs Australia to attach and submit your required documents.
Step 3: Pay for your application fee, which may differ depending on the applicant type and work stream.
Step 4: After submitting the application, you must wait for the 485 visa processing time, which usually takes 5 to 8 months.
Step 5: Receive a confirmation message for your visa approval or rejection to work accordingly for further visa process.
Also Read: 6 Easy Steps to Convert Your Visitor Visa to a Partner Visa in Australia
If you’re looking forward to applying for the latest visa application, you must satisfy the 485 visa requirements, which include crucial elements like:
In 2025, the base application fee for the visa subclass 485 increased from the previous application charges. It may also include additional costs for the medical exam, police clearance, and biometric data collection. Here is detailed information about the change in visa application cost, which is as follows:
1] Initial subclass 485 visa application fee:
2] Subsequent subclass 485 visa application fee: (Post-Study Work Stream or Replacement Stream)
Also Read: Complete Guide on 485 Visa Extension for Current Visa Holders
The 485 visa Australia provides you wide range of opportunities to explore different job profiles and gain work experience while ensuring your permanent residency in Australia. Therefore, it is important for you to understand the latest rules and changes of this visa for a seamless visa procedure to plan your future in Australia effectively.
The 485 visa has always been a go-to pathway for international graduates that want to start a career in Australia, but with the 485 Visa New Rules 2025, it is no longer the simple step it used to be. Changes like strict age limits and rigid documentation checks create many opportunities to be caught up on technicalities. If you are serious about wanting to stay and work in Australia, professional advice will assist and potentially help get your application across the line.
Therefore, if you want to be organised to get eligible for the visa to Australia, then you must consult an Adelaide immigration agent to help you achieve your plans and goals for a better lifestyle in Australia. Hence, your careful consideration regarding your visa application can help you have a successful visa extension and continue your career in Australia.
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