Top 5 Benefits of the Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485

Written by Immigration Agent Adelaide  »  Updated on: June 10th, 2025

Top 5 Benefits of the Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485

If you are a recent graduate from an Australian educational institution and looking for a way to extend your live, study and work in Australia, the Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485 may be your option. The Temporary Graduate visa allows recent graduates to live, study and work in Australia for a limited time, granting them the opportunity for practical experience, recognised qualifications and a possible pathway to permanent residency.

Every year, thousands of international students apply for the 485 visa Australia, as it is a way to future opportunities, both professionally and personally. This guide will elaborate on the top 5 benefits of the Temporary Graduate Visa 485 and how it can be a powerful agent for career and migration goals.

What is the Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485?

The Subclass 485 visa is an Australian temporary visa for international students who have recently completed a valid course, which was at least two years long studying in Australia. The Subclass 485 allows graduates to stay in Australia to gain work experience or more study for between 18 months and four years, depending on qualification and chosen visa stream. 

Visa Subclass 485 Streams

There are currently two major streams of temporary graduate visa 485:

  • Graduate Work Stream: For international students who graduated with qualifications that relate to likely occupations on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). This visa stream is generally valid for 18 months.
  • Post-Study Work Stream: For those international students who obtained a higher education degree, for example, a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree, this visa stream can be for between two to four years depending on the level of qualification you obtained.

Each stream has different eligibility requirements, so you need to ensure you choose the one that best suits your goals and your studies.

Top 5 Benefits of the Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485

1. Full Work Rights and Career Development

One of the major advantages of the Temporary Graduate Visa 485 is the flexibility with which you can enter the labour market. Multiple other visas limit your number of working hours, however, a 485 visa allows you to work full-time in any industry in Australia. 

  • Gain Local Experience: This is a great chance to apply what you learned at university and get some local work experience. No matter if you're a software developer, nurse, engineer or chef—working in your profession allows you to gain credibility and employability in your industry.
  • Enhance Your Resume: The ability to demonstrate you worked and got local experience in Australia is a positive to employers. Working in Australia after completing you study not only increases your confidence, but it also enhances your CV when applying for future employment opportunities.
  • Build Connections: Working in a professional environment enables you to create a network in your industry for contacts that may present better employment offers or sponsorship options. 

The work experience you accumulate in Australia may also assist your applications for a permanent visa which may request relevant work history or skills assessments.

2. Opportunity to Pursue Further Studies

The 485 visa Australia allows you to do a lot more than work, you can also study while you're there.

  • Further Specialization: Many graduating students use this time to engage in short courses or certificate programs to build value into their qualifications. This could include project management certifications, IT certificates, English language proficiency, or vocational qualifications of some flavor.
  • Flexible Education Options: You might study through a TAFE, diploma or niche skill certification, the visa allows you to partake in both work and study while you're in Australia.
  • Work-Study Balance: With full-time work rights, you can financially support yourself while continuing to learn, which makes the 485 visa incredibly attractive for students that have an appetite for professional growth.

This is also very valuable for individuals changing career pathways or needing to satisfy requirements for permanent skilled migration.

3. Pathway to Permanent Residency (PR)

The Subclass 485 visa is largely viewed as the best transitional opportunity for an overseas national to become a permanent resident of Australia.  

  • Earn PR Points: Any work experience you accumulate on your visa provides you with valuable experience points that can help towards eligibility in submitting a General Skilled Migration (GSM) application with either Subclass 189 or 190.
  • Skills Assessment Readiness: Many skilled visas require a positive skills assessment. The work experience you accrue on your 485 visa can be used to meet this requirement, which will make you eligible for any other migration programs. 
  • Regional Migration Advantage: You may have priority points for living and working in regional locations such as Adelaide. Regional Australia often has much less competition, and you perhaps may be offered additional incentives such as longer visa periods or faster PR processing. 

This is where the skill of migration services Adelaide is again very crucial. These agencies assist you in developing a plan of action, with a better opportunity for you to attain residency outcomes. 

4. Bring Your Family Members

Another significant advantage of the subclass 485 visa is the willingness to include family members on a visa application.

  • Include Dependents: You can include your partner (spouse or de facto) and children as dependents on your 485 visa application. 
  • Equal Rights: Your partner can work full-time and your children can go to school without needing a separate student visa. This makes the subclass 485 more family-oriented and affordable.
  • Shared Journey: You can experience life in Australia with your family while exploring working and migration options together.

For many international students who wish to start a new life in Australia, this chance to include their family members is valuable because it turns the subclass 485 visa into a lifestyle opportunity and not only a professional opportunity.

5. Freedom to Travel and Explore Australia

You have no travel limitations for t he duration of your visa with the temporary graduate visa 485! 

  • There is so much to explore: Travel to Sydney's beaches, experience Melbourne's nightlife, or soak up Adelaide's peaceful lifestyle—they all offer you the opportunity travel and explore the abundance of Australia.
  • Try Regional Living: A lot of students travel to regional places as well. They work and live in regional places which can offer a slower lifestyle, a lower cost of living and ultimately be a better chance for PR under regional nominations.
  • Get Home: There is a benefit to having no departure or re-entry restrictions so you can go home & visit family and friends, return without focus to travel bans or visa suspension.

Conclusion

Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485 offers way more than a temporary stay in Australia, it is your pathway to a successful future in Australia through employment, further education or family settlement. With work rights, study rights and a pathway towards permanent residency, what’s more to love about graduate visas!

Just be sure you understand your obligations, you will submit the correct documents for your visa application and you seek assistance from expert advisers like migration services Adelaide to avoid costly mistakes and delays.

FAQs

1. Can I apply for PR while on the 485 Visa?

 Yes, you can. Many graduates use this time to gain work experience, complete a skills assessment, and apply for skilled migration programs.

2. How long can I stay in Australia on a Subclass 485 Visa?

 Between 18 months to 4 years depending on the stream and your highest qualification.

3. Can I switch jobs while on this visa?

 Absolutely. You have full work rights and can change jobs or even industries.

4. Do I need a migration agent to apply?

 Not legally, but using professionals like migration services Adelaide helps avoid errors and boosts your success rate.

5. What happens when the 485 visa expires?

 You must either leave Australia, apply for another visa, or transition to PR before the visa ends.


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