Subclass Visa 485 Update, Australia possesses an internationally acclaimed education system, and as a result, one of Australia’s most in-demand countries for overseas students to pursue education. Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa is likely the most significant pathway through which such graduates can remain in the country on a temporary basis. Such a visa allows overseas students who just completed studies in Australia to reside and work, and gain excellent experience as well. However, since 1 July 2025, drastic changes have been introduced to the Subclass 485 visa, which takes into account Australia’s evolving economic requirements and employment needs.
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What is the Subclass 485 Visa?
SubClass 485 visa is an intermittent visa for international students who have completed study in Australia for two or more years. The visa allows graduates to remain in Australia on an intermittent basis and gain work experience in their line of study. There are two streams of the visa:
- Post-Higher Education Work Stream: The stream is for international students who have graduated at the bachelor level and above.
- Graduate Work Stream: This is for overseas graduates who have finished a qualification which is in relation to an occupation on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL), typically a trade certificate or diploma.
- Both streams allow graduates to stay, work, and become more employable in Australia. But the Subclass 485 visa eligibility and stay arrangements are being changed from July 2025.
- Important Alterations to the Subclass 485 Visa (Applicable from July 2025)
Some important alterations to the Subclass 485 visa have been made, and the Australian government has implemented them with a view to impacting international students who will attempt to lodge the visa application. The important changes are:
Cutting the Age Cap:
One of the most significant alterations is lowering the applicants’ age limit. The Subclass 485 visa, under the previous rule, was granted to the applicants who were as old as 50 years. From July 2025, the applicants below the age of 35 should be eligible for the visa. The aim is to have more young professionals immigrate to Australia and stay longer in Australia to contribute to the economy.
Subclass Visa 485 Update Fee structure:
| Applicant Type | Previous Fee | New Fee |
| Primary applicant | $2,235 | $2,300 |
| Secondary applicant (18+) | $1,115 | $1,150 |
| Secondary applicant (<18) | $560 | $580 |
Duration of Stay
The stay period of the Subclass 485 visa has been altered as per the level of qualification of the applicant. As per the revised guidelines:
- Bachelor’s degree (including Honours): Applicants shall be provided with a maximum stay of 2 years.
- Master’s degree (coursework and extended): Applicants shall be provided with a maximum stay of 3 years.
- Master’s by research and PhD: A maximum stay of 4 years will be given to the candidates.
This accommodation harmonizes the study duration required to acquire the qualification with the study duration provided by the visa.
English Language Proficiency:
Applicants who submit an application for the Subclass 485 visa will be requested to present proof of greater English language ability. The base mark in IELTS has been raised from 6.0 to 6.5. This is with a view to making the applicants even more English language competent and adequately equipped to settle into the Australian labor market and contribute to the economy even more.
Stream Renaming
To better articulate the visa streams and according to their plan, the Australian government has renamed the Subclass 485 visa streams as follows:
The Graduate Work Stream is recast as the Post-Vocational Education Work Stream.
The Post-Study Work Stream is recast as the Post-Higher Education Work Stream. The changes are more precise regarding the nature of the qualification and the stream of applicants being sought.
Cancellation of the Replacement Stream:
The Replacement Stream, where certain individuals were permitted to apply for a second Subclass 485 visa, has been eliminated. This is intended to place restrictions on the number of Australian residents with temporary visas that do not progress towards permanent residency.
No Onshore Student Visa Applications:
Those holding a temporary graduate or visitor visa will no longer be eligible to submit a student visa application to Australia under the new regulation. The practice is aimed at discouraging “visa hopping,” where individuals continually renew their stay in Australia without qualifying for permanent resident status. Applicants must apply for their student visas overseas and are not allowed to return until they are approved.
Increased Visa Application Charges
From July 2025, the Subclass 485 visa application charge has been raised. The charge for the lead applicant is now AUD 2,235, and charges apply for secondary applicants as well. The hike in application charges corresponds with the administrative charge of handling applications and increased demand for this visa.
Implications for International Graduates
The Subclass 485 visa changes will have a number of implications for international graduates:
- Age Limit Impact: This reduced age limit will leave out the older graduates who were previously eligible for the visa. People above 35 years of age will need to apply for other visa categories if they wish to remain in Australia after studying.
- Shorter Term of Visa: Less skilled graduates may find the lowering of the stay duration to be more restrictive. Bachelor degree graduates will now have only two years in which to accumulate work experience in Australia, which can lower their chances of conversion to permanent residency.
- Higher Cost: No longer limited to the cost of paying for visa, international students would be required to pay more to apply for Subclass 485 visa. This is a cost that students budgeting for costs should consider.
- Less Flexibility: Eliminating the option to apply for a student visa onshore would limit opportunities for graduates to continue studies in Australia or change fields of study while on a temporary graduate visa.
Acclimatization to the Changes
International students and prospective candidates must take early action to acclimatize to these changes:
Verify Eligibility: Confirm that your age, qualifications, and English language proficiency match the new requirements.
Acclimatize to English Proficiency Tests: Students must prepare and plan to achieve the required IELTS score or equivalent English language test scores.
Plan Finances: Save for the higher application fees and other costs incurred while applying.
Consult Professional: It is recommended to seek the services of a migration agent or attorney to counsel the applicants on the new requirements and apply accordingly.
Conclusion
All these changes to the Subclass 485 are part of Australia’s overall plan to simplify its immigration system and attract talent to drive economic growth. These reforms will introduce challenges to certain foreign graduates but also open windows of fresh opportunities to others who meet the new requirements. Preparation in advance of these revision and familiarization with them will be critical for individuals who plan to use the Subclass 485 visa as a stepping stone to future opportunity in Australia.
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