The Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) is how international students convert a degree into real Australian work experience — and, often, into a PR pathway. In 2026 the rules around it have tightened, so the smartest graduates are planning their 485 before they finish studying.
Key takeaways
- The age limit for most applicants is now 35 (down from 50).
- The first instalment for most new applicants rose to around AUD 4,600.
- English sits at IELTS 6.5, and test results are valid for only 1 year.
- Visa duration runs from 18 months to 3 years depending on your qualification.
The age limit has dropped
This is the change with the biggest human impact. For most applicants in the post-higher-education work stream, the maximum age has been reduced to 35 years. Limited exceptions remain — for example, Masters by Research and PhD graduates, and Hong Kong/British National (Overseas) passport holders, who may apply up to 50.
The practical lesson: if you are an older applicant, the timing of your study and your application now matters enormously. Delaying a year can be the difference between eligible and ineligible.
Higher fees
From 1 March 2026, the first instalment for most new Subclass 485 applicants rose to approximately AUD 4,600. Adding family increases the cost — broadly around AUD 2,300 for an adult dependant and AUD 1,160 for a child dependant. Budget for this well ahead of lodgement.
English: higher bar, shorter shelf life
The minimum English score for 485 applicants is IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent). Just as important, the validity window for your test result was cut from three years to one year. A test you sat early in your degree may have expired by graduation — so plan to sit (or re-sit) it close to when you lodge.
An expired English test is one of the most avoidable reasons a 485 application stalls. Diarise it.
How long does the 485 last?
Depending on your qualification and field, the visa can run anywhere from 18 months to three years. Those extra months are precious — they are the runway you use to gain skilled work experience, secure employer sponsorship, or build points toward an independent skilled visa.
Turn your 485 into a strategy, not just a stopgap
The graduates who get the most from a 485 treat it as a deliberate bridge to PR:
- Target skilled roles on the Core Skills Occupation List from day one.
- Keep your English result current and your points profile improving.
- Explore employer sponsorship (the Skills in Demand visa) and state nomination in parallel.
- Get a migration agent to map your timeline against your age and visa expiry.
Book a review with MAP and we will plot your post-study years against the 2026 rules — so your graduate visa becomes a stepping stone, not a dead end.
Editorial note: Australian migration policy and figures change frequently. This article is general information, not personal migration advice. Always confirm current requirements at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au and seek advice from a registered migration agent before acting. MAP Education & Visa — MARN 2619348.
