The Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa is one of the most valuable benefits of studying in Australia. It lets you live and work in Australia after graduation — for 2 to 6 years depending on where you studied and your qualification level. For Nepali graduates, this is the critical bridge between study and Australian permanent residence.
Major changes to the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa took effect on July 1, 2024. Key updates for Nepali graduates include: the maximum eligibility age is reduced from 50 to 35 years, coursework Master’s duration is set at 2 years, previous 2-year COVID/skill extensions were abolished, English score increased to IELTS 6.5 (valid for 1 year), and 485 visa holders can no longer “hop” back to a student visa onshore.
The Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa is one of the most critical post-study pathways in Australia. It grants international graduates unrestricted, full-time working rights after completing their degree. For Nepali graduates, this visa serves as the primary stepping stone to gain local industry experience and accumulate points for permanent residency (PR) pathways such as Subclasses 189, 190, and 491.
Two Official Streams of the Subclass 485 Visa
The Australian Government renamed and restructured the 485 visa streams:
1. Higher Education Post-Study Work Stream (Formerly Post-Study Work Stream)
For graduates who have completed an Australian Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degree from a registered CRICOS provider:
- Age Limit: Must be 35 years of age or under at the time of application (applicants for Master’s by research and Doctoral degrees remain eligible up to 50 years).
- Skills Assessment: Not required for this stream.
- Duration: Based on your qualification level and whether you studied in a designated regional area.
2. Post-Vocational Education Work Stream (Formerly Graduate Work Stream)
For graduates holding vocational diplomas, advanced diplomas, or trade certificates (CRICOS-registered VET programs) closely related to an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL):
- Age Limit: Must be 35 years of age or under.
- Duration: Granted for up to 18 months.
- Skills Assessment: Mandatory provisional skills assessment required from the relevant authority (e.g., Trades Recognition Australia, VETASSESS).
Subclass 485 Visa Duration by Qualification (Current Rules)
| Qualification Level | Metropolitan Campus (Sydney, Melb, Bris) | Category 2 Regional (+1 Yr Bonus) | Category 3 Regional (+2 Yrs Bonus) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 2 years | 3 years | 4 years |
| Master’s by Coursework | 2 years | 3 years | 4 years |
| Master’s by Research | 3 years | 4 years | 5 years |
| Doctoral Degree (PhD) | 3 years | 4 years | 5 years |
| VET / Trade Qualification | 18 months | 18 months | 18 months |
Core Eligibility Requirements for Nepali Graduates
- ✅ Australian Study Requirement: Must have completed a CRICOS-registered course of at least 2 academic years (minimum 92 weeks of study) in Australia over at least 16 calendar months while holding a valid student visa.
- ✅ 6-Month Window: You must lodge your 485 application within 6 months of your official Course Completion Date (stated on your Letter of Completion, NOT graduation ceremony date).
- ✅ Age Limit: 35 years of age or under at the time of application (or up to 50 for research master’s / PhD).
- ✅ English Proficiency: Minimum IELTS 6.5 overall (minimum 5.5 in each component) or PTE Academic minimum 57 (minimum 43 in each component). The test must have been taken within 1 year of application lodgement (reduced from 3 years).
- ✅ Health Insurance: Adequate Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) from the date of 485 visa lodgement until decision.
- ✅ Australian Federal Police (AFP) Check: National Police Certificate lodged before applying.
The “Visa Hopping” Ban — What You Must Know
Under new integrity regulations, the Australian Government strictly prohibits “onshore visa hopping”. Holders of a Subclass 485 visa cannot apply for another Student Visa (Subclass 500) while inside Australia. Once your 485 visa finishes, you must transition to an employer-sponsored visa (Subclass 482/186), a skilled permanent residency visa (Subclass 189/190/491), or depart Australia.
Regional Study Strategy: The Ultimate PR Multiplier
Because regional study adds up to 2 extra years on your 485 post-study visa (via the Second Temporary Graduate visa stream) and grants 5 extra points toward the skilled migration points test, studying at regional campuses in Adelaide, Perth, Newcastle, Wollongong, or Geelong is the most effective PR pathway for Nepali students.
From 485 to Australian Permanent Residence (PR)
While working full-time on your 485 visa, Nepali graduates typically accumulate points to apply for:
- Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent): Points-tested visa requiring no state or employer sponsorship. Top occupations: Software Engineers, Civil Engineers, Registered Nurses.
- Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated): State/territory nomination adds 5 points. Highly popular in NSW, Victoria, Queensland, and SA for graduates living and working locally.
- Subclass 491 (Regional Skilled Work): State nomination for designated regional areas adds 15 bonus points. Grants a 5-year provisional visa with a direct pathway to permanent residence (Subclass 191) after 3 years.
- Subclass 482 / 186 (Employer Nomination): If your Australian employer sponsors you after working together during your 485 visa.
What is the new age limit for the 485 graduate visa?
The maximum age limit is now 35 years or under at the time of application. Only Master’s by Research and Doctoral (PhD) degree graduates retain eligibility up to 50 years.
What English score is needed for Subclass 485 in 2026?
You must achieve an IELTS score of at least 6.5 overall with no individual band below 5.5 (or PTE Academic score of 57 with no component below 43). The test must have been taken within 1 year before lodging your visa application.
Can 485 visa holders apply for a student visa onshore in Australia?
No. On July 1, 2024, the Australian government banned onshore visa hopping from Subclass 485 to Subclass 500. You cannot apply for a student visa while onshore in Australia on a 485 visa.
Can I include my spouse on my 485 visa?
Yes. Your spouse/dependent partner can be included in your application and will receive unrestricted full-time working rights in Australia for the full duration of your visa.
- Subclass 485 Visa Overview (Official) (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au)
- Higher Education Post-Study Work Stream (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work full-time on the 485 visa in Australia?
Yes. The Subclass 485 visa grants unrestricted work rights — you can work full-time for any employer in any occupation. There are no employer sponsorship requirements or occupation restrictions on the 485 visa.
Can I include my spouse on a 485 visa application?
Yes. Your partner can be included as a secondary applicant and will also receive full work rights in Australia for the same duration as your 485 visa.
What happens if my 485 visa expires before I get PR?
You can apply for another temporary visa (e.g., Subclass 482 employer-sponsored visa, or another 485 stream if eligible) while your PR application is being processed. Many Nepali graduates bridge with an employer-sponsored visa after securing full-time employment in their skilled occupation.
Get Expert Guidance from EVEC
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