Requirements, documents and costs
A plan for after graduation
The 485 visa is a temporary post-study visa, not a student visa or a grant of permanent residence. Start with your graduation date, current visa and qualification. If you are still choosing a course, assess the study decision and possible future visa options separately.
Choose the correct stream
Post-Vocational Education Work generally concerns eligible vocational qualifications linked to an eligible occupation. Post-Higher Education Work concerns eligible higher education qualifications. A second regional graduate visa has separate conditions. You cannot simply change the stream after lodging.
Check the age rule early
The general age limit is 35 or younger at application. Hong Kong and BNO passport holders have exceptions; higher education exceptions also apply to certain research masters and doctoral graduates. Eligibility for an exception and the permitted stay need individual review.
What we review before you apply
Qualification and study record
Prepare the course completion letter, transcripts, CRICOS information and details of credit transfers, campus location and overseas or online study. These can affect the qualifying study calculation. The completion date can differ from the graduation ceremony date.
Visa history and timing
The basic criteria include an eligible current visa and having held a student visa in the previous six months. Check the particular stream, recent qualification and application deadline before relying on this rule. A bridging visa or a pending application does not remove other requirements.
English, insurance and supporting evidence
Review the accepted English evidence and validity period, health insurance, identity documents and police-check requirements for your circumstances. Vocational applicants may also need the appropriate occupation and skills-assessment evidence. Tell us about refusals, cancellation or earlier graduate visas at the start.
Application process and our services
A practical sequence
- 1. Confirm the stream and key dates. 2. Audit study and visa documents. 3. Check English, insurance and other evidence. 4. Prepare a consistent application. 5. Respond to any requests and monitor the outcome.
Budget beyond the application charge
Allow separately for government application charges, English testing, skills assessment where applicable, police checks, health examinations, insurance, translation and professional services. Living and job-search costs after graduation are a separate budget. We explain the agreed scope and service fees before engagement.
How PremierVisa can help
We can review your study record and visa history, identify missing evidence, prepare a timeline, explain stream differences and assist with the agreed application work. If permanent residence is your longer-term goal, we can assess occupation, skills and other pathways separately rather than describe a course as a guaranteed immigration package.
Questions before you decide
Does an Australian degree guarantee a 485 visa?
No. Qualification, study, age, visa history, timing and supporting evidence must all fit the applicable stream.
Does a 485 visa lead automatically to permanent residence?
No. Work experience may help a future application, but skilled, employer-sponsored and other routes have their own requirements.
What should I send for a preliminary review?
Start with your age, passport, qualification, course completion date, current visa expiry and any English results. Do not send sensitive identity or financial documents through a public enquiry unless requested securely.
Ready to discuss your next step?
Use our free assessment form. We will help clarify which questions need answering before you commit to a course, application or longer-term plan.