Two Streams of the 485 Visa
Post-Higher Education Work Stream
Designed for graduates who completed bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees at Australian universities.
Post-Vocational Education Work Stream
Designed for graduates who completed 职业教育课程 or VET (Vocational Education and Training) qualifications.
Core Eligibility (2026)
- Age: You must be under 35 years old at the time of application (some master’s and doctoral degrees allow up to age 50)
- Course duration: You completed at least 2 academic years (92 weeks minimum) of a CRICOS-registered course
- Language: IELTS 6.0 overall with no band below 5.0 (or PTE/TOEFL equivalent)
- Location of study: You must have completed your course while physically in Australia on a valid student visa
- First-time application: Generally, you can apply for 485 only once (limited exceptions for certain master’s and doctoral combinations)
Work Visa Duration (2026 Schedule)
| Qualification | Standard Duration | Regional Australia Bonus |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 2 years | +1–2 years in designated regions |
| Master’s (taught) | 2 years | +1–2 years in designated regions |
| Master’s (research) | 3 years | +1–2 years in designated regions |
| Doctorate (PhD) | 4 years | +1–2 years in designated regions |
| 职业教育课程/VET | 18 months | +1 year in designated regions |
Regional Australia: Designated areas include everything outside Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth. Cities like the Gold Coast, Adelaide, Hobart, and Canberra qualify for regional bonuses.
Application Timeline
Step 1: Obtain Your Completion Letter
Once you finish your course, your university will issue a Completion Letter or official academic transcript.
Step 2: File Online
Submit your 485 application through ImmiAccount with:
- Passport biographical page
- Completion Letter and official transcript
- IELTS/PTE/TOEFL score
- Federal Police clearance (AFP) + home country police clearance
- Overseas health insurance (OVHC—note: different from OSHC)
- Medical examination report (if required)
- Family relationship documents (if applicable)
Step 3: Automatic Bridging Visa
Upon submission, you’re automatically granted a Bridging Visa A, allowing you to remain in Australia and work lawfully whilst the Department assesses your 485 application.
Step 4: Wait for Processing
Processing typically takes 3–9 months. You may be asked for additional documents or interviews.
What Comes After 485?
Once you hold a 485 work visa, your options include:
- Skilled Independent Migration (189): If you score 85+ points under the points-based system, you’re typically eligible for an invitation.
- State Sponsorship (190 or 491): Each state maintains its own priority occupations list; regional states (South Australia, Northern Territory, Western Australia, Tasmania) tend to have more accessible pathways.
- Employer Sponsorship (482 or 186): Secure an employer willing to sponsor you.
- Return home: Let your 485 lapse and leverage your Australian work experience in your home job market.
- Further study: Use your 485 period to pursue a second master’s or PhD on a new student visa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work full-time on 485?
Yes. The 485 visa carries no work hour restrictions, matching Australian permanent resident employment rights.
Can I leave and re-enter Australia on 485?
Yes. The 485 is a multiple re-entry visa.
I’ll be over 35 when I graduate. Can I still apply?
Doctoral and certain postgraduate research degrees allow extensions to age 50. Most master’s taught programmes cap out at 35. If you’ll exceed the age limit, consult a MARA-registered agent about your specific circumstances.
Are there any COVID-related extension visas still available?
No. As of 1 July 2023, these temporary extensions were withdrawn. Only the standard 485 duration and regional bonuses apply.
UNILINK’s 485 Support
- MARA-registered agents + Sydney office: We can assist with in-person document lodgement at our CBD office
- Application service: Zero fees for 485 lodgement, including document preparation, medical referrals, and police clearance coordination
- Migration planning: Before you file, we map out your next steps (189, 190, employer sponsorship) so your 485 work experience aligns with your long-term migration strategy
Ready to Apply?
Contact UNILINK:
- Email: [email protected]
- WeChat: UNILINK Consultant
A MARA-registered agent will assess your 485 eligibility free of charge. Consultations are always free.
Last updated April 2026 · Prepared by MARA-registered migration agents · Registration numbers 1687552, 1576954