Everything You Need to Know About the 485 Visa Extension in 2026

Posted by admin on April 10, 2026

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 Subclass 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 Subclass 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 Subclass 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

There are currently three active streams under the 485 visa:

1. Post-Higher Education Work Stream is for graduates who have completed a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or PhD from an Australian institution. This is the most commonly used stream.

2. Post-Vocational Education Work Stream is for graduates who have completed a diploma or trade qualification in an occupation listed on Australia’s skilled occupation list. A skills assessment is required for this stream.

3. Second Post-Study Work Stream is for people who previously held a 485 visa and studied in a designated regional area of Australia. This stream gives you additional years of stay in Australia.

485 Visa Extension Update 2026: 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 2026. 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 4,600
• Secondary Applicant (18 and over): AUD 2,300
• Secondary Applicant (under 18): AUD 1,160

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 2026 is different for the different streams:

• Post-Higher Education Work – 6 – 52 Days.
• Post-Vocational Education Work – 58 Days – 5 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 2026:

• 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 2026

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 and do not wait until the last moment. Lodge your application by the 5th month after course completion to avoid running out of time.
• Check your IELTS or English test date carefully. If your result is more than 12 months old when you plan to lodge, you need to retake the test.
• Check your CoE for the exact CRICOS week count. Not every academic week counts toward the 92-week requirement — confirm the number directly with your institution.
• Make sure your name, date of birth, and passport details are identical across all your documents and in ImmiAccount. Even small discrepancies can cause delays.
• Maintain your health insurance from the day you lodge until your visa is decided, and then for the entire duration of your 485 visa.
• If your situation is complex — for example, you have gaps in your study record, health conditions, or any past character issues — consult a registered migration agent before lodging.

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

Final Thoughts

The 485 Visa Extension Update in 2026 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 Subclass 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. 

FAQs

Do I need a skills assessment?

A skills assessment is only required for the Post-Vocational Education Work Stream. If you are applying under the Post-Higher Education Work Stream (bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD), no skills assessment is needed.

Can I include my family in my application?

Yes. You can include your spouse or de facto partner and dependent children. They must also meet health and character requirements and pay the applicable visa fee.

What English test score do I need?

You need a minimum of IELTS 6.5 overall, or an equivalent score on PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge C1, or OET. The test must have been completed within one year before you lodge your application.

What if my 485 visa application is refused?

You will receive written reasons for the refusal. You may be able to appeal to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART). Consulting a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer is strongly recommended in this situation.