Dreaming of staying in Australia after graduation? The 485 visa (officially known as the Temporary Graduate Visa subclass 485) is hands-down the most popular pathway for international students to live and work in Australia once their student visa expires. Whether you’ve just finished a diploma, bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD, the subclass 485 visa can give you between 2 to 4 years (or even longer for certain degrees) of full work rights Down Under.
But with constant policy changes, confusing streams, and long waiting times, applying for the 485 visa can feel overwhelming. Don’t worry — this guide breaks everything down in plain English, including the latest 485 visa processing time, visa 485 requirements, 485 visa cost, and exactly how Edvise Hub can make the whole process stress-free.
What Exactly is the 485 Visa?
The 485 visa Australia is a temporary visa that lets recent graduates stay in Australia to work, travel, and gain valuable professional experience after completing their studies. There are two main streams:
- Post-Vocational Education Work Stream → For graduates of diplomas, advanced diplomas, or vocational qualifications → Usually 2 years (up to 3 years for Hong Kong & British National Overseas passport holders)
- Post-Higher Education Work Stream → For bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD graduates → 2 years (bachelor’s), 3 years (master’s by coursework/research), up to 4 years (PhD) → Some degrees now qualify for an extra 2-year extension (especially STEM, health, and teaching fields in regional areas)
Good news: From 2024–2025, certain degree holders can get up to 6 years total on the 485 if they studied in regional Australia!
Current 485 Visa Processing Time (November 2025 Update)
As of late 2025, the 485 visa processing time varies significantly:
- Post-Vocational Education Stream: 3–6 months (75% processed within 4 months)
- Post-Higher Education Stream: 2–8 months (75% processed within 6 months)
Delays often happen due to health checks, police clearances from multiple countries, or high application volumes. Many students are now waiting 6–10 months, especially if they studied in Sydney or Melbourne.
Pro tip: Lodge your application as early as 6 months before your student visa expires — you’ll automatically get a Bridging Visa A to stay legally while waiting.
Visa 485 Requirements: Are You Eligible?
To qualify for the subclass 485 visa, you must tick these boxes:
- Be under 50 years old (no exceptions)
- Have completed a CRICOS-registered course of at least 2 academic years (92 weeks) in Australia
- Studied the qualification in Australia for at least 16 calendar months
- Hold an eligible qualification (check the skilled occupation list for the Second Temporary Graduate visa extension)
- Meet English requirements (IELTS 6.0 overall or equivalent — higher for the replacement stream)
- Have valid health insurance and police checks
- Apply within 6 months of course completion (your completion letter date, not graduation ceremony!)
Missed the 6-month window? Unfortunately, you’re generally ineligible unless you had COVID-19 concessions (which ended in 2023).
How Much is the 485 Visa Cost in 2025?
The base 485 visa cost for the main applicant is currently AUD $1,890 (as of July 2025). Additional costs include:
- Each additional applicant over 18: $945
- Under 18: $475
- Health checks: $350–$500
- Police clearances: $50–$100 per country
- English test (if needed): $300–$400
Total? Easily $2,500–$3,500+ per person.
Why So Many Applications Get Refused (And How to Avoid It)
Common refusal reasons in 2025:
- Applying after the 6-month window
- Not meeting the Australian study requirement (online study during COVID doesn’t always count)
- Wrong visa stream selected
- Incomplete or incorrect documents
- Character or health issues
One small mistake = refusal + no appeal rights in many cases.
This is Where Edvise Hub Saves the Day
This is exactly why thousands of graduates trust Edvise Hub — Australia’s leading post-study visa specialists.
Here’s how Edvise Hub helps you nail your 485 visa application:
✓ Free eligibility assessment within 24 hours
✓ Step-by-step guidance on which stream gives you the longest stay
✓ Help gathering tricky documents (completion letters, credible study evidence)
✓ Professional review of your entire application before lodgement
✓ Regular updates on your 485 visa processing time and what to expect
✓ Bridging visa and work rights advice while you wait
✓ Second 485 visa extension strategies (yes — some people get 6+ years!)
Students who use Edvise Hub report 95%+ first-time approval rates — way above the national average.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Leave Your Australian Dream to Chance
The 485 visa Australia remains one of the best post-study work visas in the world — but only if you get it right the first time.
With processing times stretching longer and rules changing regularly, professional help isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity.
Ready to secure your 2–6 years in Australia?
Book your free 485 visa consultation with Edvise Hub today and one of their Registered Migration Agents will map out your longest possible stay — no obligation, no stress.
Your Australian chapter doesn’t have to end at graduation. Let Edvise Hub help you turn “student” into “resident” — one successful subclass 485 visa at a time.
Save this post — you’ll thank yourself later! 🚀
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