Temporary Graduate Visa 485 Extension

The 485 temporary graduate visa is designed to give international students the ability to stay in Australia once their degree is completed. This gives you ample time to find a job in your chosen field. This historically has been for two to four years, depending on the type of degree.

If you don’t have a 485 visa, check out this Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) blog for all the basics. If you have an existing 485 temporary graduate visa and wish to apply for an extension, the details are as below.

What is the 485 Visa Extension?

From 1 July 2023, the Australian government made it possible to extend existing 485 visas. This is to address the skill shortages in some industries.

For those with

• Bachelor degrees, the extension is from two to four years

• Masters degrees (with some exceptions), the extension is from three to five years

• Doctoral degrees, the extension is from four to six years

Eligibility Criteria for the 485 Visa Extension

This extension does have some eligibility criteria that must be met. This includes:

• Having graduated from studies that are in areas of verified skill shortages, generally in medicine, engineering, health care, and information technology

• Already possess or have applied for a 485 temporary graduate visa

• Meet all standard 485 visa criteria

How to Apply For a 485 Temporary Graduate Visa Extension

You will need to apply for the additional two years, it is not an automated process for existing 485 visas. Currently, the extension is free of cost. You’ll need the same documents as you would for the 485 visa, as well as a fresh AFP check and updated policy statement from your health insurance provider. You do not need a medical exam, or English test results, as it is assumed you’ll have them lodged in the initial 485 application.

1. Go to immigration online

2. Start a new 485 visa application for a post study work visa, choosing the visa you are currently on

3. It double checks if you are currently holding a valid 485 visa, and provides an automated warning that you may not be eligible for the visa, which you can click past

4. If it asks if you have completed study in the past six months, answer accurately, and provide information about your most recent qualification

5. Attach all documents, and submit your application

6. There should be a bridging visa supplied immediately

If successful, this adds two years on to your original visa. So if it was due to expire March 2024, it will now be 2026.

Visa Conditions

The visa conditions remain the same as your original 485 visa.

Confused? Ask Us For Help

Here at IDP, we’ve helped thousands of students apply for visas, and we can help you too. If you need that extra two years in Australia to truly set up your career and springboard your PR application, contact us for help.