Need a quick response? Call us on 1300 919 717
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Temporary Graduate (485) Checker
Reviewed by Mohammad Saghir Khan, Registered Migration Agent (MARN 1170510)Last reviewed:
How to Use This Tool
The Temporary Graduate (485) visa lets international students stay and work in Australia after their studies. This checker asks about your qualification, age, passport and the main requirements, then shows which stream fits, how long you could stay and what is still missing.
- Choose your highest Australian qualificationThis sets your stream: Post-Vocational Education Work for diplomas and trade qualifications, or Post-Higher Education Work for bachelor degrees and higher.
- Enter your age and passportAge limits and stay periods differ for Hong Kong, BNO and Indian passport holders, and some passports do not need an English test.
- Tick the requirements you meetLocation, Student visa, 6-month window, Australian study requirement, English test, AFP police check and health insurance.
- Say whether you have held a 485 beforeMost people can only hold one first 485 as the main applicant.
- Read your resultYou will see your stream, likely length of stay and a checklist of anything still missing.
What You Will Need
- Your completion letter or academic transcript
- Your English test result (from the last 12 months)
- Your passport
- Your AFP police check application receipt
Understanding Your Result
- Green: you appear to meet the main requirements.
- Amber: one or more requirements still need action, such as booking an English test.
- Red: a requirement you cannot fix, such as age or a previous 485.
When to Get Advice
- You are close to the end of your 6-month window
- Your qualification is a diploma or trade qualification needing a skills assessment
- You studied at a regional campus and may qualify for a second 485
Speak with a Registered Migration Agent: call 1300 919 717 or book a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Plain-English answers to the questions we are asked most often.
Which 485 stream do I apply for?
The Post-Higher Education Work stream is for bachelor degrees and higher, in any field. The Post-Vocational Education Work stream is for diplomas, associate degrees and trade qualifications closely related to an occupation on the MLTSSL, and needs a skills assessment.
How long can I stay on a 485?
Generally 18 months in the Post-Vocational stream, and 2 years for a bachelor or coursework master's, or 3 years for a research master's or PhD, in the Post-Higher Education stream. Indian nationals get longer stays, and Hong Kong and BNO passport holders can stay up to 5 years.
What is the age limit for a 485?
You must be 35 or under when you apply. The limit is under 50 for Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport holders and for graduates of a master's by research or PhD.
What is the Australian study requirement?
You need at least 2 academic years (92 weeks) of CRICOS-registered study, taught in English and completed over at least 16 calendar months while you were in Australia on a visa that allowed study. English language (ELICOS) courses and failed subjects do not count.
What English score do I need?
For tests taken from 7 August 2025, IELTS 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each band, or PTE Academic 55 overall with minimum section scores, or an equivalent accepted test. The test must be from the 12 months before you apply. Passport holders from the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand and Ireland do not need a test.
When should I apply for my AFP police check?
You must apply for an Australian Federal Police check in the 12 months before you lodge, and at least one day before. You cannot apply for it on the same day as your 485 application. Overseas police certificates may also be needed.
Do I have to wait for my graduation ceremony?
No. Your 6-month window starts when you complete the academic requirements of your course. You do not need to wait for your degree to be conferred.
Can I get a second 485?
Generally you cannot get another first 485 as the main applicant if you have held one before. The Second Post-Higher Education Work stream gives 1 or 2 extra years to graduates who studied at a regional campus and have lived in a designated regional area for at least 2 years. Study or living in Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane does not qualify.
How much does a 485 cost?
From 1 July 2026 the base application charge is AUD 5,750 for the main applicant, AUD 2,875 for each additional applicant aged 18 or over and AUD 1,450 for each child under 18. Charges usually change each 1 July.
Does the checker save my answers?
No. The tool runs entirely in your web browser. What you enter is not sent to Aussie ASEAN, Home Affairs or anyone else, and we never ask for your passport number or ImmiAccount password.
Unlock Your Immigration Potential
Take the First Step Towards
Your Immigration Goals
Begin your immigration journey today with the right advice, personalized solutions
and a clear path forward.