Quick answer
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) allows international students to live, study and work in Australia after completing their studies [2]. Standard visa validity is usually between 2 and 3 years depending on qualification; Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders may stay for 5 years . For the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream, validity is between 1 and 2 years based on regional location of the educational institution and residence . Costs start from a base price with concessions available for eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens . Processing times can be estimated using the visa processing time guide tool, which shows recently decided applications as a guide only .
Key facts
| Visa validity (Post-Higher Education Work stream) | Usually 2-3 years; 5 years for Hong Kong/BNO passport holders[1][2] |
| Visa validity (Second Post-Higher Education Work stream) | 1-2 years depending on regional location[3] |
| Cost | From base price (see Visa Pricing Estimator); concession for Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens[4] |
| Processing times | Use online processing time guide tool (indicative only)[5] |
Requirements
You must have completed a recent qualification from an Australian educational institution within the last 6 months.
A fee is required to lodge the application. Use the Visa Pricing Estimator for the exact amount.
Documents you'll need
- Completed Australian studies (details to be confirmed during application)
This list adjusts automatically based on your nationality and category.
How to apply
- 1
Check eligibility and prepare documents
- 2
Apply online via ImmiAccount [2]
- 3
Pay the visa application fee (see Visa Pricing Estimator)
- 4
Attach required evidence and submit application
- 5
Wait for processing – check processing times via the guide tool
Related visas
Sources
One numbered entry per specific claim — several entries may point to the same underlying document, each with its own locator.
- [1]
Visa description - temporary visa for international students after studies
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [2]
Standard validity 2-3 years, Hong Kong/BNO holders 5 years
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [3]
Second Post-Higher Education Work stream validity 1-2 years depending on regional location
Second Post-Higher Education Work stream · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [4]
Cost varies, concessions for Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [5]
Processing times available via visa processing time guide tool (guide only)
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Verified — deep-linked
This page reflects Australia's officially published requirements as of the dates above. It is not legal advice, and final approval is solely at the discretion of Australia's immigration authorities. For a case-specific compliance check against your own documents, try VisaBook free.