You can stay on a 485 Graduate visa for up to 18 months on the Post-Vocational Education Work stream, usually 2 to 3 years on the Post-Higher Education Work stream, and 1 to 2 years on the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream. Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders can stay for 5 years.
So the answer depends on your stream and your qualification. This guide explains how long you can stay on a 485 Graduate visa, how to find your own end date, and what to plan before the visa runs out.
In This Guide
- How Long Is a 485 Graduate Visa? Quick Answer
- 485 Graduate Visa Stay Period for Each Stream
- Hong Kong and BNO Passport Holders: 5 Years
- Indian Graduates and the 485 Visa
- How to Check Your 485 Visa Expiry Date
- Who Can Apply for a 485 Graduate Visa?
- Can You Extend a 485 Graduate Visa?
- Can Your Family Stay With You on the 485 Visa?
- Common Mistakes That Waste Your 485 Visa Time
- Frequently Asked Questions About the 485 Graduate Visa
- Plan Your 485 Graduate Visa Stay Early
How Long Is a 485 Graduate Visa? Quick Answer
The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) has three streams. Each one gives a different stay period.
| 485 visa stream | Who it is for | Length of stay |
|---|---|---|
| Post-Vocational Education Work | Graduates with an associate degree, diploma or trade qualification linked to an occupation on the skilled occupation list | Up to 18 months |
| Post-Higher Education Work | Graduates with a degree from an Australian institution | Usually 2 to 3 years |
| Second Post-Higher Education Work | Current 485 holders who graduated from an institution in a regional area | 1 to 2 years |
Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders may stay for 5 years on the first two streams.
485 Graduate Visa Stay Period for Each Stream
Post-Vocational Education Work stream: up to 18 months
This stream is for people who finished an associate degree, diploma or trade course. Your qualification must relate to an occupation on the skilled occupation list.
You get up to 18 months. That is the shortest stay of the three streams.
Post-Higher Education Work stream: usually 2 to 3 years
This is the stream for degree graduates. The length depends on what you studied.
In general, a bachelor degree or a master’s by coursework gives about 2 years. A master’s by research or a PhD gives about 3 years.
Your grant letter shows your exact end date, so always trust that over any general rule.
Second Post-Higher Education Work stream: 1 to 2 more years
This stream is a second chance for regional graduates. You must already hold a 485 Graduate visa in the Post-Higher Education Work, Post-Study Work or Replacement stream. Your degree must be from an institution in a regional area.
You get between 1 and 2 years. Two things decide the length:
- The regional location of the institution you graduated from
- The regional area where you lived while holding your first 485 Graduate visa
Hong Kong and BNO Passport Holders: 5 Years
If you hold a Hong Kong or British National Overseas passport, you may stay for 5 years. This applies to the Post-Vocational and Post-Higher Education Work streams.
This is the longest stay available on this visa. It holds whatever your qualification level is.
Indian Graduates and the 485 Visa
Some Indian graduates may get a longer stay under the Australia and India trade agreement. The extra time depends on the qualification you hold.
Rules like this can change, so confirm your exact period on the Home Affairs website before you plan around it.
How to Check Your 485 Visa Expiry Date
Do not guess your end date. You can find it in two places.
- Your visa grant letter. It lists the date your visa ends.
- VEVO. The Visa Entitlement Verification Online service shows your current visa details and conditions.
Save both. Set a reminder at least six months before the end date. That gives you time to apply for your next visa.
Who Can Apply for a 485 Graduate Visa?
Your stay only starts if you qualify first. To apply, you must:
- Be aged 35 or under when you apply (some exceptions apply)
- Hold an eligible visa
- Have held a Student visa in the last 6 months
- Have a recent qualification from a CRICOS-registered course
- Apply for the stream you are eligible for
- Attach the required evidence with your application
Pick your stream with care. You cannot change it after you apply.
Can You Extend a 485 Graduate Visa?
You cannot simply extend this visa. Once the stay period ends, the visa ends.
The only built-in extra time is the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream, and only regional graduates can use it. Everyone else needs a different visa to stay on.
Common next steps include:
- A skilled visa, if your occupation and points allow it
- An employer sponsored visa
- Further study on a new Student visa
Start planning in your first year. Waiting until the last few months leaves very little room for mistakes.
Can Your Family Stay With You on the 485 Visa?
Yes. You can bring your family with you on all three streams. They apply as additional applicants, and each person pays their own visa charge.
Fees change over time. For the Post-Higher Education Work stream, the main applicant charge starts from AUD 5,750. Check the Home Affairs page for the current amount before you apply.
Common Mistakes That Waste Your 485 Visa Time
- Applying under the wrong stream. You cannot switch after you lodge.
- Applying too late. You must have held a Student visa in the last 6 months.
- Going over the age limit. Most applicants must be 35 or under.
- Using an unrelated qualification. The vocational stream needs a link to a skilled occupation.
- Forgetting the end date. Many graduates only check it a few weeks before it ends.
- Starting the next visa late. Skilled and employer visas take time to prepare.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 485 Graduate Visa
How long can you stay in Australia on a 485 Graduate visa?
Up to 18 months on the vocational stream, usually 2 to 3 years on the Post-Higher Education Work stream, and 1 to 2 years on the Second Post-Higher stream.
Can I stay 5 years on a 485 visa?
Only if you hold a Hong Kong or British National Overseas passport.
How long is the 485 visa after a master’s degree?
In general, a master’s by coursework gives about 2 years and a master’s by research gives about 3 years. Your grant letter shows the exact date.
Can I extend my 485 visa?
No. You need a different visa. Regional graduates may qualify for the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream.
Can my partner and children stay for the same time?
Yes, if they are included in your application as additional applicants.
Can I work while on a 485 visa?
Yes. The visa lets you live, study and work in Australia.
Plan Your 485 Graduate Visa Stay Early
The length of your 485 Graduate visa depends on your stream, your qualification and your passport. Check your grant letter, note the end date, and plan your next step early.
If you are unsure which stream fits you, speak to a registered migration agent before you apply. A wrong stream cannot be changed later.
Important: This article provides general information only. Visa requirements, charges and processing times change, and your eligibility depends on your individual circumstances. Always check the latest information on the official Department of Home Affairs website before you make a visa application. For advice about your situation, consider speaking with a registered migration agent or qualified legal professional.
