You’ve finished your degree in Australia. You’re ready to work, build experience, maybe start your PR journey.
Then you hit the 485 visa application and realise it’s a minefield of deadlines, English tests, stream options, and costs that add up faster than your rent in Melbourne.
Miss one requirement—like lodging one day past six months, or using the wrong health insurance—and you’re looking at a rejection, lost fees, and potentially having to leave Australia.
Here’s everything that actually matters for 2026, without the government-speak.
Got questions about your 485 visa?
With the recent fee increase, getting it right the first time matters more than ever.
In this guide:
Click any section to jump straight to it
What Changed Lately (And Why You Need to Know)
The 485 visa got a serious overhaul recently. If you’re reading guides from a few years ago, bin them.
The changes that affect your application:
1. Stream Names Got Rebranded
- Graduate Work → Post-Vocational Education Work stream
- Post-Study Work → Post-Higher Education Work stream
- Brand new: Second Post-Higher Education Work stream (regional bonus)
Same visas, different labels. The internet hasn’t caught up yet.
2. Age Limit Dropped to 35
Used to be you could apply up to age 49 (in some cases). Now it’s 35 or under on the day Home Affairs receives your application.
Exception: Hong Kong SAR or British National (Overseas) passport holders can still apply up to age 50.
3. English Requirements Got Stricter
The bar moved up:
- IELTS 6.5 overall with minimum 5.5 in every component
- Test must be from one sitting (no One Skill Retake allowed)
- Test must be in-centre (online/at-home versions don’t count)
- Test must be taken within 12 months of lodging
Translation: If you got 6.5 overall but 5.0 in Writing, you don’t meet the requirement. If you took IELTS Online at home, it doesn’t count. If your test is 13 months old, book another one.
4. The 6-Month Deadline Is Non-Negotiable
From your course completion date (the date on your completion letter, not when you walk across the stage), you have exactly 6 months to lodge your 485 application.
Miss it by one day? You’re ineligible. No extensions. No exceptions. No “I was sick” or “I didn’t know.”
5. Visa Fees Doubled from 1 March 2026
From 1 March 2026, the government introduced a 100% increase to the Visa Application Charge (VAC) for the Subclass 485 visa.
This means most applicants now pay $4,600 (up from $2,300) just for the government application fee.
The exception: If you hold a passport from one of 13 eligible Pacific and Timor-Leste nations (including Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga, and Vanuatu), you continue to pay the pre-existing rates. See the full fee breakdown below.
The increase applies only to new applications lodged on or after 1 March 2026. If you lodged before that date, you’re on the old pricing.
The 3 – 485 Streams: Which One Are You?
Post-Vocational Education Work Stream
Who it’s for: Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Certificate III/IV, or trade qualifications
How long you get: Up to 18 months (HK/BNO passport holders: up to 5 years)
The catch: Your qualification must link to an occupation on the MLTSSL (Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List), and you need a skills assessment from the relevant authority.
Age limit: 35 or under
Example: You completed a Diploma of Nursing. Your course links to Enrolled Nurse (MLTSSL). You get your skills assessment from ANMAC. You apply for Post-Vocational stream. You get 18 months.
Post-Higher Education Work Stream
Who it’s for: Bachelor’s, Master’s (coursework or research), or Doctorate grads
How long you get:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s by coursework: 2 years
- Master’s by research or Doctorate: 3 years
- HK/BNO passport holders: Up to 5 years
The good news: No occupation nomination needed. No skills assessment required.
Age limit: 35 or under
Example: You finished a Bachelor of Commerce at Monash. You don’t need to nominate an occupation. You don’t need a skills assessment. You get 2 years.
485 Visa for Nursing Graduates Click to expand
Nursing is one of the most common pathways to the 485 visa. Here’s how it works depending on your qualification:
Diploma of Nursing (Enrolled Nurse)
- Stream: Post-Vocational Education Work
- Duration: 18 months
- You’ll need a skills assessment from ANMAC
- Your occupation (Enrolled Nurse, ANZSCO 411411) must be on the MLTSSL
Bachelor of Nursing (Registered Nurse)
- Stream: Post-Higher Education Work
- Duration: 2 years
- No skills assessment required for the 485 application
- No occupation nomination needed
Master of Nursing (by coursework)
- Stream: Post-Higher Education Work
- Duration: 2 years
Master of Nursing (by research)
- Stream: Post-Higher Education Work
- Duration: 3 years
Pro tip for nursing graduates: Even though you don’t need a skills assessment for the Post-Higher Education stream 485, you will need one later if you’re planning to apply for permanent residency through skilled migration. Start your ANMAC assessment early during your 485 so you’re not rushing later.
Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream (The Regional Bonus)
Who it’s for: Graduates who:
- Studied in regional Australia, AND
- Lived in regional Australia during their first 485
How long you get: An extra 1-2 years on top of your first 485
What counts as regional: Everywhere except Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
Yes, that means Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, Gold Coast, Geelong, Wollongong, Newcastle, Hobart—they all count.
Example: You did your Bachelor’s in Geelong. You got your first 485 (2 years). You stayed in Geelong the whole time. You apply for the Second stream. You get another 1-2 years. Total: 4 years post-study work rights.
Why this matters: More time = more points for Australian work experience, better chance at PR, and regional areas often have easier pathways to state nomination.
English Requirement for 485 Visa (The Numbers You Can’t Negotiate)
Here’s what Home Affairs wants, no exceptions:
- IELTS 6.5 overall with minimum 5.5 in each component (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking)
- Test taken within 12 months before you lodge
- Results from one sitting (IELTS One Skill Retake doesn’t count)
- Test done in-centre (online/at-home tests don’t count)
PTE Requirement for 485 Visa 2026 Click to expand
If you’re taking PTE Academic instead of IELTS, here are the exact scores you need:
- PTE overall score: 55
- Minimum component scores: Listening 40, Reading 42, Writing 41, Speaking 39
Just like IELTS, the test must be:
- Taken within 12 months before you lodge
- Done in-centre (PTE Academic Online does not count)
- From one sitting
Common PTE mistake: Getting 55+ overall but falling short on one component. Writing (minimum 41) and Speaking (minimum 39) are where most people slip up. If your overall score is strong but one component is borderline, focus your prep there.
Other accepted tests: TOEFL iBT (81 overall), CELPIP General (8 overall), and MET (53 overall) are also accepted. See the full equivalency table below.
Test Equivalents Table (All Tests) Click to expand
| Test |
Overall |
Listening |
Reading |
Writing |
Speaking |
| IELTS |
6.5 |
5.5 |
5.5 |
5.5 |
5.5 |
| PTE Academic |
55 |
40 |
42 |
41 |
39 |
| TOEFL iBT |
81 |
12 |
12 |
14 |
17 |
| CELPIP General |
8 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
| MET |
53 |
49 |
47 |
45 |
38 |
| OET |
Check Department equivalents |
| LANGUAGECERT |
Check Department equivalents |
Passport Exemptions Click to expand
If you hold a passport from these countries, you don’t need an English test:
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Canada
- New Zealand
- Ireland
Common English Test Mistakes Click to expand
- Getting 6.5 overall but 5.0 in one component → Doesn’t meet the requirement
- Taking IELTS Online or PTE Academic Online → Doesn’t count for visa evidence
- Using IELTS One Skill Retake → Not accepted for 485
- Testing 13 months before you lodge → Results expired
- Assuming “6.5” means just the overall score → You need 5.5 minimum in EVERY skill
Pro tip: If you’re strong in Reading and Listening but weak in Writing and Speaking, focus your prep money on the weak skills. One low score sinks the whole application.
The Australian Study Requirement (92 Weeks, 16 Months, In Australia)
To qualify for any 485 stream, you need:
- 92 CRICOS weeks of registered study
- Delivered in English
- Completed over at least 16 calendar months in Australia
- While holding a Student visa
- Applied within 6 months of your completion date
What “92 CRICOS Weeks” Actually Means Click to expand
It’s not about how long your course felt. It’s about how many weeks were registered on CRICOS for your course.
Example:
- A standard Bachelor’s degree: 3 years = ~156 CRICOS weeks ✓
- A 2-year Master’s: ~104 CRICOS weeks ✓
- A 1.5-year Master’s: ~78 CRICOS weeks ✗ (doesn’t meet 92)
The Graduate Certificate Trap
If you’re using a Graduate Certificate to top up your study to meet the 92-week requirement, it must:
- Start in the same or next academic year after your main degree
- Be a genuine course (not just a 485-farming scheme)
Timing matters. If there’s a big gap between finishing your Bachelor’s and starting your Grad Cert, Home Affairs might question whether it’s a legitimate pathway or just visa shopping.
Age Limits: You Can’t Argue With This
Standard rule: You must be 35 years old or younger on the day the Department of Home Affairs receives your application.
Exception: If you hold a Hong Kong SAR or British National (Overseas) passport, you can apply up to age 50.
What This Means in Practice
If you turn 36 tomorrow, your application must be lodged and received today. Not “submitted” in your portal—actually received and acknowledged by Home Affairs.
There is zero wiggle room. Plan your timeline accordingly.
The 6-Month Deadline
From your course completion date, you have exactly 6 months to lodge your 485 application.
What Is Your “Completion Date”?
It’s the date on your completion letter from your education provider. Not your graduation ceremony. Not when you got your final marks. Not when you submitted your last assignment.
What Happens If You Miss It
Nothing good.
Your application will be refused. You won’t get a refund. You’ll lose weeks (or months) of processing time. And if your Student visa has already expired, you might have to leave Australia.
No exceptions. Not for:
- “I didn’t know”
- “I was sick”
- “I was waiting for my transcript”
- “I thought I had more time”
How to Not Stuff This Up
Set multiple calendar reminders:
- 3 months from completion
- 4 months from completion
- 5 months from completion
- 5.5 months from completion
Start gathering documents at the 3-month mark. Lodge by 5-5.5 months to give yourself buffer.
Which Stream Am I Eligible For?
| Your Qualification |
Stream |
How Long |
What You Need |
| Certificate III/IV, Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Trade |
Post-Vocational Education Work |
18 months |
MLTSSL occupation + skills assessment |
| Bachelor’s degree |
Post-Higher Education Work |
2 years |
No occupation nomination, no skills assessment |
| Master’s (coursework) |
Post-Higher Education Work |
2 years |
No occupation nomination, no skills assessment |
| Master’s (research) |
Post-Higher Education Work |
3 years |
No occupation nomination, no skills assessment |
| Doctorate (PhD) |
Post-Higher Education Work |
3 years |
No occupation nomination, no skills assessment |
| Studied/lived in regional Australia on your first 485 |
Second Post-Higher Education Work |
+1 to 2 years |
Regional residence proof + first 485 evidence |
485 Visa Fees 2026 (Updated March)
From 1 March 2026, the Department of Home Affairs introduced a 100% increase to the Visa Application Charge (VAC) for the Subclass 485 visa, except for passport holders from 13 eligible countries.
This increase applies only to new applications lodged on or after 1 March 2026.
Who Is Exempt From the Fee Increase? Click to expand
If the primary applicant holds a valid passport from any of the following countries, the old fees still apply:
- Federated States of Micronesia
- Fiji
- Kiribati
- Nauru
- Palau
- Papua New Guinea
- Republic of the Marshall Islands
- Samoa
- Solomon Islands
- Timor-Leste
- Tonga
- Tuvalu
- Vanuatu
Fee Table: Subsequent Subclass 485 Applications
| Applicant Type |
Eligible Passport Holders |
Non-Eligible Passport Holders |
| Primary applicant |
$905 (no change) |
$1,810 (was $905) |
| Additional applicant (18+) |
$455 (no change) |
$910 (was $455) |
| Additional applicant (under 18) |
$230 (no change) |
$460 (was $230) |
Fee Table: All Other Subclass 485 Applications (Most Graduates)
This is the category most international graduates fall into.
| Applicant Type |
Eligible Passport Holders |
Non-Eligible Passport Holders |
| Primary applicant |
$2,300 (no change) |
$4,600 (was $2,300) |
| Additional applicant (18+) |
$1,150 (no change) |
$2,300 (was $1,150) |
| Additional applicant (under 18) |
$580 (no change) |
$1,160 (was $580) |
485 Visa Fee for Couples in 2026 Click to expand
If you’re applying with a partner, here’s what the total government fees look like:
Example: Primary applicant + partner (both 18+), non-eligible passport holders
- Primary applicant VAC: $4,600
- Additional applicant (18+) VAC: $2,300
- Total government fees: $6,900
On top of that, both applicants need OVHC health insurance, police checks, and medical examinations. A realistic total budget for a couple is $10,000 – $12,000+ including all associated costs.
With a dependent child under 18? Add $1,160 to the government fees.
What This Means for Your Budget
For most single international graduates (non-eligible passport holders), the government visa fee alone is now $4,600. Add English tests, health insurance, police checks, and medicals, and you’re looking at:
Single applicant realistic budget: $6,000 – $8,000+
Couple realistic budget: $10,000 – $12,000+
Important: These Are Government Fees Only
The fees above are the government’s Visa Application Charge (VAC) paid directly to the Department of Home Affairs. They do not include professional migration agent fees.
If you want a Registered Migration Agent to prepare and lodge your 485 application (and avoid costly mistakes), Questra’s service fee is $1,750 + GST. This covers the full preparation and lodgement of your Graduate visa application.
Given the fees have doubled, getting it right the first time matters more than ever. A refused application means you lose the $4,600 government fee with no refund.
What You Need to Prepare
Documents Everyone Needs Click to expand
- Passport bio page (current and valid)
- Completion letter from your education provider (with start/end dates and CRICOS code)
- English test results (within 12 months, one sitting, in-centre only)
- AFP police check (Australian Federal Police check, national)
- OVHC health insurance (NOT OSHC—see below)
- Health examinations (if requested by Home Affairs)
Post-Vocational Stream Only Click to expand
- Skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority (e.g., TRA for trades, VETASSESS for other vocations)
- Evidence linking your qualification to an MLTSSL occupation
If You’re Including Family Members Click to expand
- Birth certificates for dependent children
- Marriage certificate or de facto relationship evidence for your partner (12+ months of evidence)
- Health insurance (OVHC) for everyone
- Police checks for each person aged 18+
- Health examinations for everyone (if requested)
485 Expiring Soon? Here’s What Most People Miss
If your 485 is coming to an end and you haven’t secured a pathway to PR yet, don’t panic. But do act quickly.
Most graduates hyper-focus on the 482 or 186 as their next step (and they should). But there’s a lesser-known option that can buy you time while you get those ducks in a row.
The Training Visa (Subclass 407) allows you to stay in Australia for structured workplace-based training with a sponsoring employer. It’s not a permanent solution, but it can be the bridge between your 485 expiring and your employer sponsorship coming through.
Worth exploring if:
- Your 485 is expiring in the next few months and your 482/186 isn’t ready yet
- Your employer is open to sponsoring you for on-the-job training
- You need practical experience to complete a skills assessment or professional registration
- You want to stay lawfully in Australia while your next visa is being prepared
It’s not for everyone, but we’ve seen it work well for graduates who need a bit more time. If you’re not sure whether it applies to your situation, talk to us.
Learn more about the Training Visa (Subclass 407) →
How the 485 Helps Your PR Plans (The Long Game)
The 485 isn’t just “work rights.” It’s your bridge to permanent residency.
Here’s what you can do while you’re on a 485:
1. Build Points for Skilled Migration Click to expand
Australian work experience adds points to your PR application:
- 1 year in Australia = 5 points
- 3 years in Australia = 10 points
- 5 years in Australia = 15 points
Work in your nominated occupation during your 485, and you’re building points while earning money.
2. Complete a Professional Year Click to expand
If you’re in Accounting, ICT, or Engineering, a Professional Year programme:
- Adds 5 points to your skilled migration application
- Helps with your skills assessment
- Often leads to job offers
Costs $10,000-15,000, but it’s one of the fastest ways to boost your points.
3. Do the Job Ready Programme Click to expand
If you’re a trade graduate (chef, electrician, carpenter, etc.), the Job Ready Programme is required for most permanent skilled pathways.
It takes 12+ months and includes:
- Employment (at least 863 hours in your trade)
- Job Ready Assessment
- Job Ready Final Assessment
You can’t skip it. Use your 485 time to complete it.
4. Find Employer Sponsorship Click to expand
Work for the same employer for 2+ years during your 485, and you might unlock:
- 482 Temporary Skill Shortage visa (2-4 years)
- Transition to 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (permanent residency)
It’s one of the most reliable PR pathways if you can find the right employer.
5. Target State Nomination Click to expand
Living and working in regional areas during your 485 gives you better access to:
- 190 Skilled Nominated visa (permanent)
- 491 Skilled Work Regional visa (provisional, leads to PR)
Regional areas have lower points thresholds and more occupation options. If you’re flexible about location, this is a smart play.
6. Improve Your English Click to expand
Competent English (IELTS 6.0 each) = 0 points
Proficient English (IELTS 7.0 each) = 10 points
Superior English (IELTS 8.0 each) = 20 points
Use your 485 time to study, retake IELTS or PTE, and boost your score. Those extra 10-20 points can be the difference between an invitation and waiting another year.
The Regional Pathway Strategy (Victoria Example)
Here’s how smart graduates are stacking up to 4 years of post-study work rights:
The Plan
- Finish your Bachelor’s in Melbourne (2 years of study)
- Get your first 485 (Post-Higher Education, 2 years)
- Move to Geelong, Ballarat, or Bendigo (all count as regional)
- Live and work there for 2 years (during your first 485)
- Apply for Second Post-Higher Education 485 (+1 to 2 years)
Total: 4 years of post-study work rights
Why It Works Click to expand
- Extra time to build Australian work experience points
- Regional areas have lower points thresholds for state nomination
- Better access to 190/491 visas
- Lower cost of living than Melbourne/Sydney
- Still close enough to visit Melbourne (Geelong is 1 hour away)
Cities like Geelong, Wollongong, Newcastle, and Gold Coast are growing fast. Good job markets, cheaper rent, and they count as regional for visa purposes.
485 Visa FAQs
What are the main Australia 485 visa requirements for 2026?
- Age 35 or under (50 for HK/BNO passport holders)
- 92 CRICOS weeks completed over 16+ months in Australia
- IELTS 6.5 overall with 5.5 in each component from one sitting (or equivalent)
- Test taken within 12 months of lodging
- OVHC health insurance (not OSHC)
- Apply within 6 months of your course completion date
- Correct stream selection (Post-Vocational or Post-Higher Education)
What's the English requirement for 485 visa?
IELTS 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each skill
(Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) from one sitting,
or equivalent in PTE (55 overall), TOEFL (81 overall), CELPIP (8 overall),
or MET (53 overall).
Test must be:
- Taken within 12 months before you lodge
- Done in-centre (no online or at-home tests)
- From one sitting (IELTS One Skill Retake does not count)
No. Age limit is 35 or under when the Department receives your application.
Exception: Hong Kong SAR or British National (Overseas) passport holders can apply up to age 50.
Yes, if you:
- Studied in regional Australia, AND
- Lived in regional Australia during your first 485
You’ll get an extra 1-2 years under the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream.
What's the difference between OSHC and OVHC?
- OSHC = Overseas Student Health Cover (for Student visas)
- OVHC = Overseas Visitor Health Cover (for 485 and other temporary visas)
For 485 applications, you must have OVHC. OSHC doesn’t count.
How much is the 485 visa application fee?
From 1 March 2026, the government doubled the VAC for most Subclass 485 applicants.
Most international graduates (non-eligible passport holders):
- Primary applicant: $4,600 (was $2,300)
- Additional applicant (18+): $2,300 (was $1,150)
- Additional applicant (under 18): $1,160 (was $580)
Eligible passport holders (13 Pacific and Timor-Leste nations) continue to pay the pre-existing rates ($2,300 / $1,150 / $580).
Total realistic budget (single applicant): $6,000 – $8,000+ including English tests, health insurance, police checks, medicals, and potentially a skills assessment.
Total realistic budget (couple): $10,000 – $12,000+ including all government fees and associated costs for both applicants.
Questra’s service fee for the full preparation and lodgement of the Graduate visa is $1,750 + GST — separate from the government charges above.
Do I need to include my partner in the application?
You can, but:
- You must have declared them in this or a previous visa application
- Each additional person costs extra
- They need health insurance, police checks, and medicals
If you didn’t declare your partner on your Student visa, you can’t add them to your 485.
How do I count my "2 academic years"?
It’s 92 CRICOS weeks completed over at least 16 calendar months in Australia while holding a Student visa.
Check your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for CRICOS week counts.
Did the 485 visa fee increase in 2026?
Yes. From 1 March 2026, the government introduced a 100% increase to the Visa Application Charge for Subclass 485 visas. Most applicants now pay $4,600 (up from $2,300). Passport holders from 13 eligible Pacific and Timor-Leste nations are exempt from the increase and continue to pay $2,300.
Can I apply for a 485 visa with a Hong Kong passport?
Yes, and you get special concessions. If you hold a Hong Kong SAR or British National (Overseas) passport:
- Age limit: 50 (instead of 35 for other applicants)
- Visa duration: Up to 5 years (instead of 18 months to 3 years)
- These concessions apply to both the Post-Vocational and Post-Higher Education streams
All other 485 requirements (English, Australian study, health insurance, 6-month deadline) still apply.
Work with Questra — Don’t Risk Your 485
The 485 visa is complex. One mistake = refusal + lost fees.
Wrong stream? Refusal.
English test expired? Start again.
Wrong health insurance? Delays.
With fees now at $4,600, a refusal costs more than ever.
We’re Registered Migration Agents in Melbourne. We work with international graduates every day. We know where applications go wrong, and we make sure yours goes right.
Our service fee is $1,750 + GST for the full preparation and lodgement of your Graduate visa.
Don’t guess. Don’t risk it. Get it right the first time.
CALL US
Book a consultation with Questra
Head of Migration at Questra Immigration. Managing and overseeing the growth and performance of Questra’s team of migration agents, while maintaining a client-centric and quality-driven approach.
A registered migration agent since 2015 and a member of the Migration Institute of Australia, with over 15 years’ experience in international education and 11 years in Australian Migration law.