What Is the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa (วีซ่า 485) in 2026?
The Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa – often called the วีซ่า 485 by Thai students or simply Graduate Visa – is Australia’s main post‑study work permit. It lets international graduates who have completed at least two academic years in Australia stay and gain professional experience. According to the Department of Home Affairs 2026 data, over 195,000 international graduates held a 485 visa in the 2025–26 financial year, a 14% increase from 2024.
In 2026, the visa is split into two streams:
- Post‑Higher Education Work stream (replaced the old Post‑Study Work stream) for bachelor, master, and PhD graduates.
- Post‑Vocational Education Work stream (replaced the old Graduate Work stream) for trade and diploma graduates whose occupation is linked to a skills shortage.
This split reflects Australia’s emphasis on aligning graduate work rights with labour market demand. The 485 visa remains the number‑one bridge to permanent residency (PR Australia) – 68% of all skilled PR grants in 2025–26 went to applicants who had previously held a 485 visa (Home Affairs, 2026).
2026 Eligibility & New Conditions at a Glance
Below is a data‑driven summary of the main 2026 conditions. All amounts are in Australian dollars and effective from 1 July 2026.
| Requirement | Post-Higher Education Work Stream | Post-Vocational Education Work Stream |
|---|---|---|
| Study in Australia | Completed a CRICOS‑registered bachelor, master, or PhD (2+ years) | Completed a CRICOS‑registered trade or diploma (2+ years) |
| Qualification level | AQF 7 or above | AQF 5–6 (plus skills assessment) |
| English language | IELTS 6.5 overall (min 6.0 each band) or equivalent | IELTS 6.5 overall (min 6.0 each band) or equivalent |
| Age limit | Under 35 at time of application (higher for PhD, Hong Kong/BNO) | Under 35 at time of application |
| Visa fee (primary applicant) | AUD 1,945 | AUD 1,945 |
| Health insurance | Must hold adequate OVHC for entire visa period | Must hold adequate OVHC for entire visa period |
| Application location | In Australia (applied from onshore) | In Australia (applied from onshore) |
| Typical duration | 2–4 years depending on qualification | 18 months (longer for Hong Kong/BNO holders) |
Source: Department of Home Affairs 2026 Visa Streams Update.
Key changes from 2024–25 to 2026
- IELTS score raised from 6.0 to 6.5 overall to “ensure graduates enter the workforce with stronger English proficiency” (Home Affairs, Feb 2026).
- Age cut‑off lowered from 50 to 35 for most applicants, aiming to maximise long‑term economic contributions. PhD graduates and Hong Kong/BNO passport holders remain eligible up to 50.
- Graduate Work stream renamed to Post‑Vocational Education Work, now strictly requiring a skills assessment for a nominated occupation on the Medium‑ and Long‑term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or Short‑term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL).
- Extension for regional study remains: graduates who completed 2 years in a designated regional area get an extra 1–2 years, applied for as a second 485 visa.
Visa Duration: How Long Can You Work After Study?
Duration is one of the first factors students search when planning a ทำงานหลังเรียนออสเตรเลีย (work after study Australia) strategy. In 2026 the standard periods are:
| Qualification | Duration (non‑regional) | Regional extension availability |
|---|---|---|
| PhD | 4 years | Up to 6 years (2nd visa) |
| Master by research | 3 years | Up to 5 years |
| Master by coursework | 2 years | Up to 4 years |
| Bachelor (including honours) | 2 years | Up to 4 years |
| Diploma / Advanced Diploma / Trade cert | 18 months | Not applicable (single stay only) |
For Hong Kong and British National Overseas (BNO) passport holders, a separate arrangement guarantees 5–6 years regardless of qualification level. This policy, initially introduced in 2020, was reaffirmed in the 2026 Budget.
Real example: A Thai student who finishes a Master of Information Technology at the University of Melbourne (a non‑regional campus) in June 2026 will receive a 2‑year 485 visa, ending June 2028. If the same student had studied at Deakin University’s Geelong campus (designated regional), they could receive a second 485 visa for an additional 2 years, keeping them in Australia until 2030 – ample time to secure employer sponsorship.
Costs & Processing Times (2026 Benchmarks)
International graduates should budget for the following official expenses when applying for a วีซ่า 485:
- Visa application charge: AUD 1,945 for the main applicant.
- Subsequent applicant (partner/spouse): AUD 975.
- Skills assessment (Post‑Vocational stream only): AUD 300–1,200 depending on assessing authority (e.g., VETASSESS, TRA).
- Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC): roughly AUD 80–150 per month per person. A couple must budget around AUD 2,500–3,500 per year.
- Police clearance certificates: AUD 42 per name for an Australian Federal Police check; home‑country certificates vary.
Processing times reported by the Department in Q1 2026:
| Stream | 75% of applications processed in | 90% processed in |
|---|---|---|
| Post‑Higher Education Work | 39 days | 56 days |
| Post‑Vocational Education Work | 55 days | 4 months |
Applications that include a skills assessment or a partner require more processing time. Paying the fee, uploading all documents upfront, and booking a health examination early can keep you inside the 75% band.
From 485 to PR Australia (พีอาร์ออสเตรเลีย): The Step‑by‑Step Routes
The 485 visa → PR journey is the most common path for international graduates. Below are the four main routes with success data from Home Affairs 2026 reports.
1. Employer Sponsored PR (Subclass 186/482)
Work for an Australian employer on your 485 visa. After 2–3 years, your employer can nominate you for a Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482) or directly for permanent residency (subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme). In 2025–26, 41% of PR grants through the Employer Sponsored pathway went to former 485 holders. Occupations like software engineer, registered nurse, civil engineer, and chef are consistently in demand.
2. General Skilled Migration – Points Tested (Subclass 189/190/491)
Build points while on your 485 by gaining Australian work experience, completing a Professional Year program, or studying in a regional area. A typical points breakdown for a Thai software engineer in 2026 looks like:
- Age 25–32: 30 points
- English (IELTS 8.0): 20 points
- Australian master degree: 15 points
- 1 year Australian work experience: 5 points
- Regional study: 5 points
- Total: 75–80 points – competitive for a 189/190 invitation. Home Affairs data shows the minimum points cut‑off for IT occupations in 2026 sits at 85–90 for subclass 189 and 75–80 for subclass 491.
3. National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858)
Introduced in late 2024, the National Innovation visa gained traction in 2026 as a direct PR channel for graduates with exceptional talent in technology, research, or entrepreneurship. You need a nomination from a relevant body and evidence of outstanding achievements. While volumes remain small (about 2,000 places in 2026), it is a fast‑track option for high performers.
4. Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801)
If you are in a genuine relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you can apply for an onshore partner visa while holding a 485. There is no work experience requirement, but processing times are long (12–24 months). This pathway accounts for approximately 15% of 485‑to‑PR transitions.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
The Department of Home Affairs refusal rate for 485 visas reached 11% in 2025‑26 due to preventable errors. Here are the top three pitfalls:
- Late application. You must apply within 6 months of course completion while holding a valid student visa. Overstaying by even one day leads to refusal. Set a calendar reminder for the day you receive your final transcript.
- Inadequate English test result. An IELTS 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0 is the minimum. Some applicants submit old scores not realising the test is only valid for 3 years (or 2 years in some cases). Always check validity before lodging.
- Missing OVHC. You need Overseas Visitor Health Cover at the time of application, not after. A gap of a single day can cause refusal. Buy a policy that starts on the day you lodge.
Q: Can I include my family on a วีซ่า 485 application?
Yes. You can include your spouse/de facto partner and dependent children in the same application. Your spouse receives full work rights, and children can attend school (fees apply in some states). You must declare all family members at lodgement; you cannot add them later without a new application.
Q: Do I need a skills assessment for the Post‑Higher Education Work stream?
No, graduates under the Post‑Higher Education Work stream are not required to provide a skills assessment. That requirement applies only to the Post‑Vocational Education Work stream, where you must nominate an occupation and obtain a positive assessment from the relevant authority.
Q: What happens if my 485 visa expires and I haven’t got PR yet?
Several options exist. You may be eligible for a second 485 visa if you studied in a regional area. You could switch to a temporary employer‑sponsored visa (subclass 482) if an employer is willing to sponsor you. Some graduates apply for a COVID‑era replacement visa (if eligible) or a Visitor visa to wrap up affairs. The key is to seek professional migration advice at least 6 months before your 485 expires to explore all lawful pathways.
Q: Is the 485 visa still valid for ทํางานหลังเรียนออสเตรเลีย in 2026?
Absolutely. The 485 visa remains the primary work visa for international graduates. In fact, 76% of surveyed 485 holders in 2026 were employed full‑time within 12 months (Australian Graduate Survey, 2026). It is designed precisely for working full‑time, gaining local experience, and improving your chances of getting permanent residency.
Reference Sources
- Department of Home Affairs – Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) – Updated 2026 conditions, eligibility, and lodgement guidance. URL: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/temporary-graduate-485 – Government authority with the final word on visa rules.
- Australian Bureau of Statistics – International students and graduates employment outcomes 2026 – Contains employment rates and salary data for 485 visa holders. URL: abs.gov.au/statistics/people/education – Official statistical agency.
- Department of Home Affairs – Migration Program report 2025–26 – Data on PR grants from temporary visa pathways. URL: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/statistics – Primary source for migration numbers.
- VETASSESS and TRA skills assessment criteria 2026 – Official requirements for trade and vocational professions. URL: vetassess.com.au / tradesrecognitionaustralia.gov.au – Assessing authorities acknowledged by Home Affairs.