The Complete Guide to the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) in 2026
For international students, the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) is the bridge between study and a career in Australia. It provides full work rights, allowing you to gain the professional experience needed for permanent migration.
However, the “golden era” of easy 485 visas is over. With the major reforms introduced in mid-2024 and fully entrenched in 2026, meeting the 485 visa requirements is harder than ever. From the controversial age limit reduction to increased English scores, this guide covers what you need to know to secure your stay.
Understanding the New Streams
The old names are gone. In 2026, you will likely apply for one of these two main streams:
1. Post-Vocational Education Work Stream
| Characteristic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Formerly | Graduate Work Stream. |
| Who is it for? | Graduates with trade qualifications (Cert III/IV/Diploma) in occupations listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). |
| Duration | Up to 18 months. |
| Critical Requirement | You must have a positive Skills Assessment. |
2. Post-Higher Education Work Stream
| Characteristic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Formerly | Post-Study Work Stream. |
| Who is it for? | Graduates of a Bachelor, Masters, or PhD degree. |
| Duration | Bachelor 2 years. Masters (Coursework) 2 years. Masters (Research) & PhD 3 years. |
| No Skills Assessment | You do not need a skills assessment for this stream, but you must have completed your degree in Australia (CRICOS registered course). |
The Age Limit Shock: 35 is the New 50
The most significant change affecting Australia 485 visa 2025 requirements and beyond is the age cap.
- The Rule: For the Post-Higher Education Work stream (Bachelor and Masters Coursework), you must be under 35 years of age at the time of application.
- The Exception: Masters (Research) and PhD graduates, and Hong Kong passport holders, can still apply up to age 50.
If you are 36 and studying a Master of Business, you are no longer eligible for this visa. This has forced many students to rethink their migration strategy entirely.
Stricter English Requirements
The bar has been raised. The government wants to ensure graduates can effectively participate in the workforce.
| English Test | Minimum Overall Score | Minimum Band Score |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.5 | 5.5 (no band lower) |
| PTE | Equivalent scores apply. | Equivalent scores apply. |
- Validity: The test must have been taken within the last 1 year (down from the previous 3 years).
Insurance and Health
You are personally responsible for your healthcare costs while on this visa.
- Medical Insurance for 485 Visa: You must hold “Overseas Visitor Health Cover” (OVHC). Note that your student OSHC is not sufficient. You must switch to OVHC before you lodge your application, or it will be refused.
The Regional Extension (Second 485)
For those who study and live outside the big cities, there is a bonus. The Second Post-Higher Education Work stream allows you to extend your stay by 1–2 years if:
- You graduated from a regional university.
- You have lived in a regional area for at least 2 years while holding your first 485 visa.
[A map of Australia highlighting the regional areas eligible for the extension]
Partner with Evolve Education and Migration
The Australia 485 visa is no longer a guaranteed “tick and flick” application. Between the 35-year age cap and the tighter 485 visa requirements, one small error can force you to leave the country immediately after graduation.
If you are looking for a trusted education consultant, Evolve Education and Migration is here to plan your transition from student to professional. While we are the premier education consultant Melbourne students trust, we help graduates nationwide navigate these tighter rules.
We understand that for an education consultant, education doesn’t end at graduation. Whether you need to arrange compliant medical insurance for 485 visa or strategize a Plan B because of your age, our team is ready to help you evolve your future.