Australia 485 Study Work Visa August 2025: Steps-by-Step Guide to Apply

Australia is one of the leading destination choice for students globally. One of the reasons for this, is provision for students who have completed studies in the country to live and work in the country for a while. As a student who wish to benefit from this, the temporary graduate (subclass 485) visa, is the gateway. This guide expands in detail the vitalities of Australia 485 Study Work Visa in August 2025, ranging from its definition, eligibility, step-by-step application process and duration to get the visa.

What is Australia 485 Study Work Visa?

Australia Temporary Graduate Visa or Post-study work (subclass 485) is mainly for overseas students who just completed either a Bachelor or Master’s degree in Australia accredited institution. This visa allows international student to live, work and even study for a few years after their degree. It is more like a way to help them gain relevant post-graduation experience.

Benefits of Australia 485 Study Work Visa

Temporary Stay in Australia: With the Post-study work visa, you can live, and work in Australia for a while, maybe 2 – 3 years depending on the scenario.
Full Work Rights: There are no restriction to how long you can work, or any other work-related limitations.
Bring Family Members: This visa permits you to bring close family members for the period which the visa allows. Also, during this stay, there’s time to apply for permanent residence for example subclass 189, 190 or 491.
Experience: This visa allows time to gain relevant professional experience in relation to academic discipline.
No-Travel Ban: Ability to travel free in and out of Australia throughout the visa specified duration.

Set Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the subclass 485 visa in 2025, here are the key criteria standards:

Be lower than 50 years of age.
Must have studied in Australia for a minimum of two (2) years or better still completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate program from CRICOS accredited institution.
Must have passed the IELTS, TOEFL, PTE language test.
Follow-up for the visa before expiration of 6-months after graduation.
Have a valid and Australia recognized health insurance.

Approved Documentation

It is important to have the following documents in place even before the start of application:

Passport profile page
Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) certificate
Transcript, testimonials or certificate of program completion.
Valid Australian Federal Police (AFP) check
Evidence of English language assessment

Steps-by-Step Guide to Apply

The step-by-step proceed for application involves the following:

1. Confirm Eligibility

First, cross-check meticulously the acceptable age and other requirements including studying a CRICOS-registered course.

2. Get Relevant Documents Ready

Ensure to get all required documents immediately after graduation. If not available yet, start the collection process now. This include course completion letter, transcript, testimonials and declaration that acquired certificate is in accordance with the Australian two (2) years study requirements.

3. Meet English Language Benchmark

If you do not meet the approved minimum score for IELTS, TOEFL test, ensure to take relevant practice test and examine score to ensure you meet requirements.

4. Get AFP Clearance & OVHC Coverage

It is important to also carry out an Australian Federal Police test before kick-starting the visa application process. This will ensure you get AFP clearance on time. Also, take a a fitted health insurance during your 485 visa stay and adhere to stated policy.

5. Set-up Your ImmiAccount

Visit the Department of Home Affairs ImmiAccount portal, select Post-study work visa (subclass 485), input biodata and follow through other application instructions, upload required documents and pay the stipulated visa fee. In August 2025, the application fee is AUD $1,895.

6. Wait for Feedback

Immediately you upload required documents/certificates and have completed payment, you should be assigned a Transaction Reference Number (TRN). The waiting phase might take months, as such you will be given a Bridging Visa A, which will allow you live in the country during the wait.

Official Fees (As of August 2025)

Primary applicant: AUD $1,895
Secondary applicant above 18 years: AUD $950
Secondary applicant below 18 years: AUD $475

Approved Visa Length by Qualification

The stay period of the Australia 485 visa varies per qualification:

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree: Two (2) years.
Master’s by research: Three (3) years.
Doctorate Degree (PhD): Four (4) years.
Graduate Work Stream: One (1) year and six (6) months.

Helpful Tips for 485 Visa Approval

Put in application before the 6-month free stay elapse.
Confirm proper documentation and data input before final submission.
Stick to current health insurance during your stay.
Maintain a valid passport, and write out your TRN.
Contact relevant authority if need for need changes arise.
Ensure you have been assigned a Bridge Visa B if your 485 visa has not yet been approved.

Common reasons why your applications may not be approved include; false information, uploading incorrect documents, not meeting English Language test, applying without AFP clearance, applying after the 6-month post-graduation window.

FAQs

Is it possible to for the 485 Visa if my studies visa has expired?

Yes, but this is only achievable if the 6 months-post graduation window is still open, and you also meet relevant eligibility criteria.

What is the longest duration for Australia Study Work 485 Visa?

The Australia study work 485 visa duration is dependent on the qualification obtained. Example bachelor degree is 2 years, Masters 3 years and PhD 4 years.

Through 485 Visa, can I get forever stay in Australia?

During the approved duration for the 485 visa, you can apply for permanent residence visa being that you hold all the standard requirements available.

Is it mandatory to have employment offer before applying for 485 visa?

You can begin the application process without an official employment offer, meanwhile, it is important to gain employment so you can access full benefits of the visa and also explore other available options.

Final Thought

The Australia 485 Study Work Visa is the gateway for overseas graduates to prolong their stay in the country while gaining relevant professional experience. If permanent stay is desire, through the 485, you get the opportunity to apply for sub0clas 189, 190 etc. Through this article-guide, you can easily sail through the application process.