Everything You Need to Know About the 485 Visa Extension in 2025

Posted by admin on February 18, 2025

For Australia, skill shortages are, in fact, a genuine problem, with 33% of all jobs already battling a skill shortage in 2024. Fortunately, the government has a simple and powerful way to solve this problem: the 485 visa extension update.

This visa enables overseas students who are studying in Australia to stay after completing their courses. Hence, knowing about 485 visa extension eligibility and whether you qualify under the requirements is important.

Read this article to know in detail about the 485 Visa Extension:

What Is the 485 Visa Extension?

Temporary Graduate 485 visa extension allows recently graduated individuals to stay longer in Australia. This visa is specifically designed for overseas students who have completed a course in the country that is at least 92 weeks long.

After graduation, these new professionals may be employed in the country.

If you fulfil all the 485 visa extension requirements, then you are allowed to live in Australia for 2 to 5 years. The time taken to complete this course may vary depending on the course you are studying.

In general, individuals use this visa to extend their residency in the country and get better job prospects. Most notably, it is an excellent pathway to increase one’s eligibility for other skilled or permanent visas.

Recent Post: 186 Visa Processing Time: What You Need to Know

Different Streams of 485 Visa

The different streams of this visa include: 

• Graduate Work Stream: A postgraduate work visa for graduates whose skills and qualifications relate to an occupation on the 485 Visa Skilled Occupation List.
• Post-Study Work Stream: This is for graduates of Australian higher education institutions in any field of study.
• Second post-study work stream: For holders of a previous post-study work visa who studied in specified designated regional areas.
• Replacement Stream: This is for the visa holders whose original 485 visa time was lost due to COVID-19 travel restrictions

485 Visa Extension Update 2025: Key Changes

The key changes to the 485 Visa are as follows:

End of the Two-Year Extension Policy

This policy was earlier offered to overseas graduates to extend their 485 Visa depending on their qualifications and the institution they study at. This policy has now been abolished since 2025. The period of the initial 485 visas will be shorter, and there will be no post-study work extension after the standard validity.

485 Visa Extension List and Eligible Occupations

For the Graduate Work Stream, one must possess a degree in an occupation on the 485 Visa extension list. This includes occupations in high-demand sectors like the following:

• Healthcare and Nursing
• Engineering
• Information Technology
• Education and Teaching
• Agriculture and Veterinary Science

Increase in the Visa 485  Extension Fee

The new prices for the 485 Visa Extension are as follows:

• Primary Applicant: AUD 1,895 (previously AUD 1,650)
• Secondary Applicant (18 years and above): AUD 950 previously was AUD 825
• Secondary Applicant (under 18 years): AUD 475 (from AUD 410)

Also Read: 8 Reasons Why Do People Migrate to Australia?

Change in Graduate 485 Extension Eligibility Criteria

• Must be holding a valid 485 visa; no one is allowed to extend an expired visa.
• Should satisfy the skills and qualifications requirement as listed in the updated 485 Visa extension list.
• If applying under the Graduate Work Stream, you must provide a positive skills assessment in the nominated occupation.
• Must study in Australia for at least two years.
• Held an eligible student visa during his study period;
• Satisfy the character and health requirements as mentioned above with a police clearance and medical check.

All applicants must be in Australia when making the application.

Updated 485 Visa Extension Processing Time

The 485 visa extension processing time in 2025 is different for the different streams:

• Graduate Work Stream – 8 to 12 months.

• Post-Study Work Stream 6 – 10 months after graduation
• Second Post-Study Work Stream – 4 to 6 months

Some delays may be experienced when the applicants miss submitting these important documents: proof of proficiency in English, health insurance, and skills assessment.

Also Read: 485 Visa Australia Requirements and Checklist

485 Visa Extension Requirements

Let us look at the different requirements for the Visa Extension in 2025:

• Valid Passport
• Previous 485 Visa Grant Notice
• Completion Letter from an Australian Institution
• Proof of Health Insurance (OSHC/OVHC)
• Australian Federal Police (AFP) Clearance Certificate
• Skills Assessment if applying under the Graduate Work Stream
• English Language Proficiency-IELTS, TOEFL, PTE

Steps to Apply for a 485 Visa Extension in 2025

Below are the steps to apply for the 485 Visa Extension:

Step 1: Determine If You’re Eligible

You should satisfy all the eligibility requirements of a 485 visa extension along with qualification, residency, and health conditions.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documentation

So, make sure that you have all the required documents to avoid any delay in the 485 visa extension processing time.

Step 3: Complete Your Online Application

Login to ImmiAccount, complete the application form, and upload your documents.

Step 4: Pay the 485 Visa Extension Fee

Pay the required amount using an Australian bank card.

Step 5: Biometrics and Health Check

Observe any compulsory medical tests and biometric visits.

Step 6: Wait and Track the Process

After submitting your 485 visa extension application, you can track it in a very convenient way through the ImmiAccount. It gives information regarding various stages of processing. When the application has been received, if it is under assessment, or if any other relevant information is available, it can be tracked. 

You would usually see when your application was received when it was being assessed, and when there were any other updates. Periodic checks on the ImmiAccount can keep you up to date in case something amiss needs rectification.

Tips for a Successful Application

• Apply early: Avoid waiting until your visa expires. You are eligible for a bridging visa if you are able to submit your application on time and wait for the approval. 
• Review Documents: Remember to submit the complete documents required to avoid getting your application from getting rejected. 
• Stay Updated on Policy Changes: Visa policies can experience changes, so visit the official Department of Home Affairs website for regular updates.
• Consult a Migration Agent: If you have a complex case or are not sure whether you’re eligible, consider speaking with an experienced migration agent.
• Maintain Your Health Coverage: Your visa application might be denied without adequate health insurance.

Read: Everything You Need to Know About the SID Visa for Australia

Why You Need Immigration Services in Adelaide

Application for the 485 visa extension can be quite complex. Even small errors can cause applications to be rejected or face longer processing periods. Professional immigration services in Adelaide may help in the following:

• Ensuring all requirements of 485 visa extensions are met.
• Minimizing processing time with a fully completed and error-free application
• Provide appeal or reapply assistance when the visa application is rejected.
• Expert guidance regarding work opportunities and pathways to other visas.
• Immigration agents keep themselves updated with the latest 485 Visa Extension 
• Updates and offers customized advice according to each situation.

Final Thoughts

The 485 Visa Extension Update in 2025 has introduced major changes to international graduates. Removing the two-year extension, a higher 485 visa extension fee and new eligibility criteria will help applicants prepare themselves well. The 485 visa extension list, processing times, and requirements should be understood well for smooth application.

To seek individualized advice, consult with immigration services Adelaide for smooth navigation of the 485 visa extension complexities.