Subclass 485 visa fee increase: Temporary Graduate visa now from AUD 5,750
The Department of Home Affairs has updated the Temporary Graduate visa subclass 485 information, and the main 485 streams now show a much higher starting visa application charge.
For many international graduates, this is an important change because the 485 visa is often the first work visa after finishing study in Australia.
What changed?
The main subclass 485 streams now show the following starting costs:
- Post-Higher Education Work stream: from AUD 5,750
- Post-Vocational Education Work stream: from AUD 5,750
- Second Post-Higher Education Work stream: from AUD 2,265
Concessions may apply in limited circumstances, including for eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens. Applicants should always check the official Visa Pricing Estimator before applying, because the final cost can change depending on the applicant, family members and other circumstances.
Stream 1: Post-Higher Education Work stream
This stream is for international students who recently graduated with a degree from an Australian institution.
It generally allows applicants to live, work and study in Australia temporarily after finishing their studies.
Key points:
- Stay is usually between 2 and 3 years, depending on qualification
- Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders may stay for 5 years
- Cost now starts from AUD 5,750
- Applicants need a recent degree from a CRICOS-registered course
This is the common 485 pathway for many bachelor, master and higher education graduates.
Stream 2: Post-Vocational Education Work stream
This stream is for international students who recently graduated with an associate degree, diploma or trade qualification relevant to an occupation Australia needs.
Key points:
- Stay is usually up to 18 months
- Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders may stay for 5 years
- Cost now starts from AUD 5,750
- Applicants must hold a qualification relevant to a nominated occupation on the skilled occupation list
This stream is more occupation-linked compared with the Post-Higher Education Work stream.
Stream 3: Second Post-Higher Education Work stream
This stream is for eligible Temporary Graduate visa holders who studied at an Australian institution located in a regional area.
Key points:
- Stay is usually between 1 and 2 years
- Cost now starts from AUD 2,265
- The stay period depends on the regional location of the institution and where the applicant lived while holding their first eligible graduate visa
This stream can be important for graduates who studied and lived in regional Australia and want extra time to build their PR pathway.
Basic eligibility points to check
Before applying for subclass 485, applicants should carefully check their eligibility.
In general, applicants must:
- Be aged 35 years or under when applying, unless an exception applies
- Be in Australia when applying
- Hold an eligible visa
- Have held a Student visa in the last 6 months
- Have a recent qualification from a CRICOS-registered course
- Apply for the correct stream
- Attach the required evidence at the time of application
- Provide evidence of adequate health insurance
- Provide evidence of applying for an Australian Federal Police check
- Provide the required English evidence with the application
It is important to choose the correct stream before applying because applicants generally cannot change streams after lodging.
Why this matters for international graduates
A higher 485 visa fee means graduates need to plan earlier.
The 485 visa is not just a work visa. For many applicants, it provides time to:
- Gain skilled employment
- Improve English scores
- Complete a skills assessment
- Build Australian work experience
- Prepare for 189, 190, 491 or employer sponsorship
- Strengthen state nomination options
Because the upfront cost is now higher, applicants should avoid lodging with missing documents or unclear eligibility.
Eazy Path takeaway
The subclass 485 visa remains a key pathway for international graduates, but the increased cost makes planning more important.
Before applying, check:
- Your correct 485 stream
- Your age eligibility
- Your course and CRICOS details
- Your English test validity
- Your AFP check evidence
- Your health insurance
- Your PR pathway after 485
Use Eazy Path to track your visa timeline, compare your PR options and plan your next step before your current visa expires.