For those who have completed their studies in Australia and are looking to gain local work experience on the path to permanent residency, the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) is an essential step in that journey. However, a number of conditions attached to this visa have been adjusted as of 2026. Changes including a fee increase, revised age requirements, and stream name updates have all taken effect simultaneously, causing confusion among those who had been preparing based on earlier information. We've put together a clear breakdown of each change to help you prepare with accurate, up-to-date information.

Application Fee Increase: Time to Revisit Your Budget

Primary Applicant Costs

From 1 March 2026, the application fee for the Subclass 485 visa has been adjusted from AUD 2,300 to AUD 4,600 - effectively doubling the previous cost. This represents a significant increase in the financial burden for those in the final stages of their studies in Australia.

Secondary Applicants and Dependants

If family members are included in the application, an additional AUD 2,300 applies per adult dependant, and AUD 1,160 per dependent child. When combined with pre-application costs such as English language test fees, health examinations, and police clearances, the total expenditure can exceed initial expectations. It is advisable to set aside a generous budget from the outset.

Please note that visa application fees are non-refundable regardless of the outcome. It is essential to thoroughly review all documentation before lodging your application to avoid incomplete or ineligible submissions.

Age Requirements Have Changed: Check Your Eligibility Early

General Age Limit

As of 2026, the general age limit for the Subclass 485 visa has been updated to under 35 years of age at the time of application. Given the time taken to begin studying and complete a degree, eligibility can become restricted more quickly than expected after graduation. Those who began their studies later in life or whose studies spanned a longer period are especially encouraged to assess their age eligibility well before graduation.

Exceptions to the General Age Limit

The standard age threshold does not apply in all cases. Graduates who have completed a Masters by Research or PhD program may apply up to the age of 50. The same under-50 threshold applies to holders of Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passports. Since the applicable age limit varies depending on your degree type and passport status, it is important to confirm which criteria apply to your situation before lodging an application.

Stream Names Have Changed - and Your Choice Cannot Be Revised

What Has Changed

The Subclass 485 visa is divided into streams based on the type of qualification held. The former Graduate Work Stream has been renamed the Post-Vocational Education Work Stream, while the Post-Study Work Stream - commonly used by those holding bachelor's degrees or above - has been renamed the Post-Higher Education Work Stream.

Why Stream Selection Matters

Stream selection is the area that requires the most careful attention in practice. Once a stream has been selected at the time of application, it cannot be changed. Selecting a stream that does not correspond to your qualification type can result in visa refusal, and the application fee already paid will not be refunded. Since your initial selection directly affects the outcome of your entire application, please confirm in advance which stream applies to your qualification.

Occupation-Based Extensions Have Been Abolished, Widening the Gap Between Cities and Regional Areas

From July 2024, the scheme that previously granted an additional two years to graduates in fields such as nursing, IT, and engineering - regardless of where they studied - was officially discontinued.

As a result, graduates who completed their studies in major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane now have no practical option to extend their stay once the standard two-to-three-year period tied to their qualification level comes to an end. By contrast, graduates who studied in regional areas may still be eligible to apply for a Second 485 visa, offering an additional one to two years of stay depending on the regional category in which they lived and studied.

This means the location you choose for your studies can have a considerable impact on how long you are able to remain in Australia after graduation - something worth factoring in from the very beginning.

English Test Score Validity Has Been Reduced from Three Years to One Year

The minimum English language requirement for the Subclass 485 visa is an overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no individual band score below 5.5.

One aspect that many applicants overlook is the validity period for test scores. Previously, results obtained within the past three years were accepted. Under current requirements, only scores obtained within one year of the visa application date are considered valid. Cases where applicants approach graduation only to find their scores have expired are not uncommon. It is strongly recommended to work backwards from your expected graduation date and schedule your English test at least six months in advance to allow sufficient preparation time.

Switching to a Student Visa While Holding a 485 Is No Longer Permitted

From July 2024, holders of the Subclass 485 visa have been prohibited from applying onshore to transfer to a student visa. This restriction was introduced to prevent visa holders from extending their stay through further study, and is intended to encourage graduates to focus on the visa's core purpose: gaining practical work experience and preparing for a pathway to permanent residency.

During the period of your 485 visa, the most practical use of your time is to build employment experience in a field relevant to your qualification, while preparing in advance for the next steps - whether that is a skilled migration pathway or a permanent residency application.

Preparation Should Begin Before Graduation, Not After

With the application fee now doubled, age limits tightened, English score validity shortened, and stream selection rendered irreversible, the conditions surrounding the Subclass 485 visa have become considerably more precise across the board. Waiting until after graduation to begin gathering documents is likely to leave you with very little time to work with.

If you have questions about which stream suits your circumstances, whether you meet the age requirements, or how to plan your English test timeline, please feel free to reach out at any time. At Visa Green, we draw on a strong track record of approved cases to review the right strategy for each individual situation. Contact us through the consultation link below, and we will work with you to map out a practical plan toward your employment and permanent residency goals.

Legal Disclaimer: This post is intended solely for general informational purposes to assist readers in their understanding. As outcomes may vary depending on individual circumstances and applicable laws, we accept no legal responsibility for any results arising from interpreting this content as legal advice or relying upon it. For specific matters, please ensure you consult with a qualified professional.