Subclass 485 Temporary - post-study work: Complete Guide
The Subclass 485 gives recent graduates of Australian qualifications the right to live and work temporarily after study. This post-study work period is the critical bridge: it lets graduates accumulate skilled Australian work experience, which adds points and credibility to a subsequent permanent application.
Visa Highlights At-a-Glance
Below is a summary table representing standard processing times, statutory criteria, and typical point thresholds for Indian skilled candidates.
| Visa Metric | Details & Requirements |
|---|---|
| Visa Subclass | Subclass 485 (Temporary - post-study work) |
| Avg. Processing Time | Indicative - verify current Months |
| Government Fees | INR Indicative - verify current AUD fee |
| English Language Min | TBD |
| Points Eligibility Bar | Min. 0 Points |
| Visa Validity | Stream- and qualification-dependent |
Why Apply for this Visa Path?
- Full work rights: work for any employer while you build skilled experience.
- PR stepping stone: Australian work experience strengthens 189/190/491 points and skills assessments.
- Stay connected: remain onshore while planning your permanent route.
Detailed Entry Requirements
To apply under this Australia visa track from India, your credentials must fulfill the following regulatory criteria:
- 1Recent graduate
- 2Completed an eligible Australian qualification within the required timeframe.
- 3Age & English: Meet the age and English requirements for your stream.: Health & character: Health insurance, medicals and police clearances.
Step-by-Step Filing Workflow
Every applicant from Bangalore/India follows this standardized workflow to file their visa application securely:
Confirm your stream
Identify the correct 485 stream for your qualification.
Lodge promptly after study
Apply within the eligibility window after course completion.
Use the time strategically
Target skilled roles that count toward your occupation and points.
Plan the PR transition
Begin skills assessment and EOI preparation during the graduate visa. | Senior Consultant Pro Tip The 485 is where study-to-PR plans are won or lost. Graduates who drift into unrelated work waste the window; those who target skilled, occupation-relevant roles arrive at the 189/190 stage with stronger points and a cleaner skills assessment. |
Study-to-PR done right: choosing the course that kept doors open Category: Student Visas | Visa: Subclass 500 → Subclass 485
The Client: A 22-year-old graduate wanted to study in Australia but was being pushed toward a short, inexpensive course by another agent - one that offered easy admission but no migration future.
The Challenge: The course on the table would have admitted her quickly but left her ineligible for the graduate visa and disconnected from any skilled occupation.
How We Handled It: Reframed course selection as a PR decision, not just an admission decision. Matched her to a CRICOS-registered qualification aligned with an in-demand occupation. Sequenced the genuine-student evidence and OSHC so the 500 was lodged cleanly.
The Result: She was granted the Subclass 500, completed her qualification, and moved straight onto the Subclass 485 graduate visa. She is now building skilled Australian experience that feeds directly into a future PR application. **Why It Matters:** The cheapest course is rarely the smartest one. Course choice quietly decides whether the 485 and skilled pathways stay open three years later.
Verify Australia immigration rules directly from official government sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are critical questions and details regarding target timelines and scores for this visa path.
Watch a Verified Relocation Story
Australia Subclass 190 PR Success
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Check Your Australia Visa Eligibility
Submit your details for this specific Subclass 485 visa track. Our Bangalore team (Koramangala HQ) led by Director Ms. Nahid Hussain will evaluate your credentials and reply directly on WhatsApp with your exact points audit.