Have you recently completed your studies in Australia and want to continue working in Australia? The Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485 may allow eligible international graduates to temporarily live, work and study in Australia after completing their Australian qualification.
For graduates in Adelaide, understanding the eligibility requirements, documents and application process is important before submitting a visa application. The Temporary Graduate visa has different streams and requirements, so your eligibility depends on your qualification, age, previous study and other circumstances. The Department of Home Affairs is the authoritative source for the current requirements.
What Is the Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485?
The Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485 is an Australian temporary visa for eligible international graduates who have completed qualifying Australian studies.
Depending on the stream, the visa can provide eligible graduates with temporary work rights after completing their studies. The current program includes the Post-Vocational Education Work stream and Post-Higher Education Work stream, with eligibility requirements varying between them.
If you have completed a vocational qualification, degree or other eligible qualification in Australia, you should check which stream applies to your circumstances before preparing your application.
Can You Apply for a 485 Visa in Adelaide?
Yes, eligible graduates in Adelaide can apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485 if they satisfy the applicable requirements.
Adelaide is particularly relevant when considering regional migration settings because it is classified as a designated regional area for certain Australian migration purposes. Regional study and residence can be relevant to specific Temporary Graduate visa arrangements, including eligibility for a second Temporary Graduate visa in applicable circumstances.
However, simply living or studying in Adelaide does not automatically make someone eligible for a Subclass 485 visa. Applicants must satisfy the requirements of the relevant stream.
Step 1: Check Which 485 Stream Applies to You
The first step is identifying the correct stream.
Post-Vocational Education Work Stream
This stream is relevant to eligible graduates with certain associate degrees, diplomas and trade qualifications. Additional requirements can apply, including requirements concerning the nominated occupation and skills assessment.
The Department of Home Affairs confirms that the Post-Vocational Education Work stream uses specified skilled occupations and assessing authorities.
Post-Higher Education Work Stream
This stream is designed for eligible graduates who have completed qualifying higher education studies in Australia.
Because the eligibility rules differ between streams, check your qualification and circumstances against the current Department of Home Affairs requirements before applying.
Step 2: Check the Australian Study Requirement
One of the important steps is confirming that your Australian study meets the requirements for the Temporary Graduate visa.
The Department of Home Affairs provides specific guidance on meeting the Subclass 485 study requirement.
Your course, study period, qualification and the way your study was completed can all be relevant. Keep your academic records and course documentation available when preparing your application.
Step 3: Check Your English Language Requirement
English language evidence may be required for the Temporary Graduate visa.
Australian visa English requirements have changed since 7 August 2025, including changes to accepted tests and scoring systems. The Department currently recognises tests including IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, OET, Cambridge C1 Advanced, CELPIP General, LANGUAGECERT Academic and MET, subject to the applicable requirements. Completely online or at-home versions of tests are not accepted for Australian visa purposes.
Because the required score and validity period depend on the visa requirements, applicants should check the current Subclass 485 criteria rather than relying on older English score information found online.
Step 4: Prepare Your Documents
Before applying, organise the documents relevant to your circumstances.
These may include:
- Valid passport and identity documents
- Evidence of your Australian qualification
- Academic transcripts
- Evidence relating to your Australian study
- English language evidence, where required
- Skills assessment documents, if required for your stream
- Australian Federal Police check, where required
- Health examination information, if applicable
- Character documents, where required
- Evidence relating to previous visas and immigration history
The exact document list can vary. Use the Department of Home Affairs’ visa documentation requirements for your individual application.
Step 5: Apply Through ImmiAccount
Temporary Graduate visa applications are submitted online through the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
Before lodging your application, review every section carefully and make sure your supporting documents are complete and consistent.
Providing incomplete or incorrect information can create complications and may delay the processing of your application.
You should also check your current visa status and conditions before submitting a new visa application.
Step 6: Complete Health and Character Requirements
Depending on your circumstances, you may need to complete health examinations and provide character documentation.
Applicants should follow any instructions issued by the Department of Home Affairs after submitting their application.
It is important to respond within the requested timeframe if the Department asks for additional documents, health examinations or other information.
What Are the Benefits of a 485 Visa for Graduates in Adelaide?
For eligible graduates, the Temporary Graduate visa can provide an opportunity to gain professional experience in Australia after completing their studies.
Adelaide can also be relevant for graduates interested in Australia’s regional migration settings. The Department lists arrangements for a second Temporary Graduate visa for eligible holders of a first Subclass 485 Post-Study Work stream visa who graduated from a CRICOS-registered provider in a designated regional area and continued to reside in a designated regional area.
Eligibility for any subsequent visa is not automatic and depends on meeting the applicable requirements at the time of application.
What Should You Do Before Applying for a 485 Visa?
Before lodging your application, create a simple checklist:
- Confirm your 485 stream
Determine whether the Post-Vocational Education Work or Post-Higher Education Work stream applies. - Check your qualification
Confirm that your completed Australian study meets the applicable study requirement. - Review English requirements
Check the current test, score and validity requirements. - Check your age and other eligibility criteria
Requirements can vary according to your circumstances and stream. - Prepare your documents
Make sure identity, education, English, health and character evidence is ready where applicable. - Check your current visa
Understand your current visa status and conditions before lodging a new application. - Lodge through ImmiAccount
Submit your application and supporting evidence through the Department of Home Affairs.
Get Professional Guidance for Your 485 Visa Application in Adelaide
Applying for a Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485 involves checking several requirements, and the correct pathway depends on your qualification and individual circumstances. Visa rules and application requirements can also change, so relying on current government information is essential.
If you are planning to apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa 485 in Adelaide, an experienced migration agent in Adelaide can help you understand the applicable requirements, organise supporting documents and prepare your application based on your circumstances.
Before making an application, always verify the latest requirements with the Australian Department of Home Affairs, as visa eligibility, English requirements and application procedures can change.
FAQs
1. What is the Temporary Graduate Visa 485?
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) allows eligible international students who have recently completed an Australian qualification to temporarily live, work and study in Australia.
2. Can international students in Adelaide apply for a 485 visa?
Yes. International students who meet the eligibility requirements can apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa 485 after completing an eligible course in Australia, including students who studied in Adelaide.
3. What are the basic requirements for a 485 visa?
Applicants generally need to meet requirements relating to their Australian study, age, English proficiency, health, character and visa status. Specific requirements depend on the applicable 485 stream.
4. How long can I stay in Australia on a 485 visa?
The length of stay depends on the Temporary Graduate Visa stream, the qualification completed and the applicant’s circumstances.
5. Can I work in Adelaide on a 485 visa?
Yes. The Temporary Graduate Visa generally provides unrestricted work rights, allowing eligible graduates to gain professional experience in Australia.
6. When should I apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa 485?
You should apply while you are eligible and within the applicable timeframe after completing your Australian qualification. Check the current Department of Home Affairs requirements before applying.
7. Can I include family members in my 485 visa application?
Eligible family members may be included or subsequently added, depending on the applicable visa rules and circumstances.
8. Does studying in Adelaide provide any advantage for a 485 visa?
Studying in Adelaide may be relevant to certain post-study and regional migration pathways, but eligibility depends on the current visa rules and your individual circumstances.
9. How much does the Temporary Graduate Visa 485 cost?
The visa application charge can change. Applicants should check the current fee published by the Australian Department of Home Affairs before submitting an application.
10. Can I apply for permanent residency after a 485 visa?
A 485 visa does not automatically lead to permanent residency. However, eligible graduates may later explore skilled, employer-sponsored or other suitable migration pathways based on their circumstances.
