Have you just wrapped up your studies in Australia and dreamed of sticking around to launch your career? If you're an international graduate eyeing opportunities , the Temporary Graduate visa, often called the 485 visa Australia, could be your ticket to temporary work and life here. This post-study work visa lets you build experience, explore cities like Melbourne and Sydney, and potentially pave the way for longer-term options. In this guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about eligibility, streams, application steps, and the latest 2026 updates to help you make informed decisions.

Understanding the 485 Visa Basics

The 485 visa Australia is designed for recent international students who want to live, work, and study further in the country after completing their qualifications. It's a bridge between student life and professional growth, offering unrestricted work rights in any sector. Whether you're into tech, hospitality, or finance, this temporary graduate visa opens doors to gain practical skills without sponsorship hurdles.

Why consider it? Australia boasts vibrant job markets, especially in major hubs. In Melbourne, known for its creative industries and startups, or Sydney with its finance and tech scenes, the post-study work visa Australia allows you to network and apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings. For instance, Melbourne's thriving arts and design sectors often seek fresh talent, while Sydney's corporate landscape provides entry-level roles in banking and IT.

Who Can Apply? Key Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the 485 visa Australia, you must meet several core requirements. First, be under 35 years old at application time—though exceptions exist for those with research-based Master's or PhD qualifications, or holders of Hong Kong or British National Overseas passports, who can apply up to age 50. You need to have held a student visa in the last six months and completed a CRICOS-registered course that's at least two years long (or equivalent for shorter programs meeting the Australian study requirement).

Your qualification must align with the visa stream you're choosing. Health insurance is mandatory, and you'll need to prove adequate funds for your stay. Character and health checks are standard, involving police clearances and medical exams to ensure you meet Australia's standards.

English proficiency is crucial for integration. As of 2026, you must achieve at least an IELTS overall score of 6.5, with no band below 5.5 (or equivalents like PTE 58 overall, minimum 48 per section, or TOEFL iBT 83 overall, with reading 13, listening 12, speaking 18, writing 21). Tests must be taken within 12 months before applying—a tighter window than before to reflect current skills.

No specific rules tie applications to locations like Melbourne or Sydney, but studying or working there can boost your experience. If your course was in a regional area outside these cities, you might qualify for extended stays under certain streams.

Exploring the Visa Streams and Stay Durations

The 485 visa Australia has three main streams, each tailored to your education level:

• Post-Vocational Education Work Stream: Ideal for those with diplomas, trade qualifications, or associate degrees linked to occupations on the skilled list. Stay up to 18 months. This suits practical fields like engineering or hospitality, common in Sydney's bustling service industry.
• Post-Higher Education Work Stream: For bachelor's, master's (coursework), or higher degrees. Durations vary: two years for bachelor's, three for master's, and four for PhDs. Hong Kong or BNO passport holders get five years. In 2026, these have been streamlined without extra extensions for skill shortages, focusing on core qualifications.
• Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream: An extension for previous 485 holders with degrees from regional institutions. Adds one to two years if you've lived in designated regional areas. While Melbourne and Sydney aren't regional, transitioning from regional study to city jobs is common.

These durations help you gain traction. In Melbourne, for example, the visa lets you intern at innovative firms in biotech or design, while Sydney's global companies offer roles in marketing or finance, building your resume for future pathways.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Applying for the 485 visa Australia is straightforward but requires precision. Start by gathering evidence: passport, student visa details, completion letter from your institution, English test results, and skills assessment if needed for the vocational stream.

Lodge online via ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs site. Attach all documents at submission—you can't add later without requests. Pay the fee upfront: AUD 2,300 for the first two streams, AUD 905 for the second. Family members can join, adding extra costs (AUD 575 per adult, AUD 290 per child).

Processing times in 2026 average 90 days, but aim to apply within six months of course end. You can apply onshore if your student visa is valid, receiving a bridging visa to stay legally. Offshore applications are possible but less common for recent grads.

Tips for success: Double-check CRICOS registration of your course and ensure your qualification meets stream criteria. If in Melbourne or Sydney, leverage local networks—attend career fairs or join alumni groups for advice.

Costs, Benefits, and 2026 Updates

Beyond the base fee, factor in health checks (around AUD 500), police clearances (AUD 50-200), and English tests (AUD 300-400). Total outlay might reach AUD 3,500, but the payoff is huge: full work rights mean earning potential, with average entry salaries in Sydney around AUD 60,000-70,000 in tech, or Melbourne's creative roles at AUD 55,000+.

Benefits shine in urban centers. Melbourne's multicultural vibe aids cultural adjustment, while Sydney's beaches and lifestyle balance work. The visa also allows further study, enhancing skills for permanent residency options like skilled migration.

2026 brings refined rules post-2025 reforms: age caps at 35 (with exceptions), heightened English standards for better workforce fit, and no automatic extensions for select degrees. Streams emphasize qualification levels, and enforcement is stricter on genuine applicants. Compared to pre-2024, it's more targeted—age was up to 50, English lower at IELTS 6.0/5.0, and test validity three years. These shifts aim to align with Australia's skills needs.

How Edvise Hub Can Assist Your Journey

Navigating visa rules can be overwhelming, especially with updates. That's where services like Edvise Hub come in handy. They offer tailored guidance on 485 visa Australia applications, from document checks to stream selection. With expertise in Melbourne and Sydney markets, they connect you to local job resources and ensure your submission stands out. Many grads credit such support for smooth approvals and career starts in these cities.

Wrapping Up: Make Your Move

The 485 visa Australia remains a golden opportunity for international graduates to thrive post-study. With its flexible work rights and pathways to more, it's perfect for exploring Melbourne's innovative ecosystem or Sydney's dynamic economy. Stay informed on official sites for any tweaks, prepare documents early, and consider professional help for complex cases. Ready to turn your Aussie education into a career launchpad? Dive in—the adventure awaits.

FAQs About 485 Visa Australia

What is the age limit for the 485 visa in 2026? Generally 35 years or under at application time, with exceptions up to 50 for research Master's/PhD holders or Hong Kong/BNO passport holders.

What English test score is required for the 485 visa? IELTS 6.5 overall (no band below 5.5) or equivalent (e.g., PTE 58 overall), with tests taken within 12 months before applying.

How long can I stay on the 485 visa? Depends on the stream: 18 months for vocational, 2-4 years for higher education (up to 5 for certain passports), plus possible regional extensions.

Can I include family members on my 485 visa? Yes, partners and dependent children can be included as subsequent entrants, with extra fees and health insurance requirements.

When must I apply for the 485 visa? Within 6 months of completing your course, and you must have held a Student visa in the last 6 months.

Also Read : Lordsexch ID – A Field-Based Look at the System