Subclass 485 visa 2026: streams, age limit, English score and cost
The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) changed on 1 July 2024 — new stream names, a tightened age limit, and a strict rule on getting it twice. This covers the two current streams, who's eligible, the English test score, and what it costs. Figures as at September 2026.
Read the full guide, with official sources →
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Chapters
- 0:00 The subclass 485 changed
- 0:16 Two current streams
- 0:30 Second Post-Higher Education Work stream:
- 0:42 Age: 35 or under
- 0:55 Apply within 6 months
- 1:15 Exempt on your own passport:
- 1:26 You cannot switch streams
- 1:50 Held a 485 or 476 as primary applicant before?
- 2:02 Base application charge: $5,750
- 2:26 Where an agent helps most
- 2:38 Where to read more
Transcript
Searching for the 485 graduate visa? A lot of what's online still describes the settings from before 1 July 2024. Here's what changed, and what's current now.
There are now two general streams. Post-Vocational Education Work, for an associate degree, diploma or trade qualification. And Post-Higher Education Work, for a bachelor's, masters or doctoral degree.
A narrower Second Post-Higher Education Work stream also exists, for graduates whose first Post-Higher Education Work 485 was tied to study and residence in a designated regional area.
The age limit is 35 or under when applying. Under 50 applies if you hold a Hong Kong or British National Overseas passport, or completed a masters by research or a doctoral degree.
The application window is 6 months from completing your course, and it requires holding, or having held, a student visa in the last 6 months.
The English test: IELTS, average band 6.5, with no component below 5.5, achieved within the 1 year before you apply.
Citizens of Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, the UK and the USA, using their own passport, are exempt from the English requirement altogether.
Once you nominate a stream, you can't switch after lodging. Pick the one your qualification actually supports.
How long does it run? Post-Vocational Education Work: up to 18 months. Post-Higher Education Work: usually 2 to 3 years. Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders can get up to 5 years on either.
There's a strict rule on getting it twice: if you previously held a subclass 485 or 476 visa as the primary applicant, you cannot be granted a 485 as a primary applicant again.
As at 1 July 2026, the base application charge is $5,750 for the primary applicant.
The most common problems: the study didn't total 2 academic years, or wasn't completed within 16 calendar months. Applying after the 6-month window closes. Nominating the wrong stream, which can't be corrected after lodging.
A migration agent is worth involving when you're unsure your course meets the study requirement, you're close to the 6-month deadline, you've had a refusal before, or you're weighing which stream fits.
The full guide, with the official sources, is on migratio.com.au. The link is in the description. And if you'd like to talk it through, you can compare registered migration agents there, and see their fees before you book anything.
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