Student · Published 2026-03-18
485 Temporary Graduate visa: the 2026 changes explained
The Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa has been tightened. If post-study work in Australia is part of your plan, these changes matter.
Key changes
- Age limit: most applicants must now be 35 or under at the time of application. Graduates of a Masters by research or PhD, and certain Hong Kong and British National (Overseas) passport holders, can be older (up to 50).
- English: minimum increased to IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent), and the test must have been taken within 1 year.
- Streams renamed: the two streams are now Post-Vocational Education Work and Post-Higher Education Work.
- Timing: apply within 6 months of meeting your course requirements.
How to plan
The 485 is a bridge, not a destination. Use it to build the points or employer sponsorship for a longer-term visa. See the Subclass 485 guide and our points calculator.
General information only; confirm details against the official source linked on the visa page.