The 485 Temporary Graduate Visa: Where It Stands in 2026
The 485 Temporary Graduate Visa: Where It Stands in 2026
A data-driven overview of Australia’s post-study work visa — the numbers, the changes, and what’s ahead.
The Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa has been one of the most dynamic parts of Australia’s migration system over the past five years. From COVID-era expansions to 2024’s tightening measures and the March 2026 fee doubling, this visa class tells the story of Australia’s shifting approach to international education and skilled migration.
This overview consolidates the key statistics, policy developments, and forward indicators that migration agents and education providers need to understand the current state of the 485 program.
What Is the 485 Visa?
The Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) allows international students who have completed eligible studies in Australia to live, work, and study temporarily after graduation. It serves as a bridge between study and either departure, skilled migration, or employer sponsorship.
For graduates with a bachelor’s degree or above from an Australian institution.
- No occupational restrictions
- 2-3 years depending on qualification
- Most common stream
For graduates with diploma or trade qualifications related to skilled occupation lists.
- Skills assessment required
- 18 months duration
- Occupation must be on MLTSSL
485 Visa Holders: The Numbers
The 485 visa holder population has grown 154% from pre-COVID levels, peaking in late 2024 before stabilising:
Source: Department of Home Affairs, Temporary Visa Holders in Australia (BP0019)
Key context: The 2022-23 spike reflects the Albanese government clearing a backlog of 60,000+ unprocessed applications, combined with COVID-era policy settings that extended visa lengths and relaxed requirements.
Where 485 Holders Come From
The composition of 485 visa holders differs significantly from the broader student population. People from South Asian countries comprise approximately 60% of 485 visa holders but only 37% of students — indicating higher propensity to apply for post-study work rights.
| Country | 485 Rank | Student Rank | Key Observation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇮🇳 India | #1 | #2 | Highest 485 uptake, high dependant ratio |
| 🇳🇵 Nepal | #2 | #3 | 1 in 3 holders are dependants |
| 🇨🇳 China | #3 | #1 | Lower 485 uptake despite largest student cohort |
| 🇵🇰 Pakistan | #4 | #5 | 1 in 3 holders are dependants |
| 🇵🇭 Philippines | #5 | #6 | Growing share in both categories |
| 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka | #6 | #7 | High dependant ratio |
| 🇭🇰 Hong Kong | #10 | #17 | 5-year visa eligibility, political factors |
Dependants trend: The share of primary visa holders (the actual graduates) has decreased from 75-80% to 70-72%. For some source countries, 1 in 3 visa holders are now partners or children of the primary applicant.
Policy Timeline: How We Got Here
The 485 program has swung from expansion to contraction over the past five years:
Current 485 Settings (March 2026)
| Requirement | Current Setting |
|---|---|
| Age limit | Under 35 (under 50 for research degrees and HK/BNO holders) |
| English requirement | IELTS 6.5 overall, 5.5 each component (6.0 for HK/BNO) |
| Test validity | 12 months (reduced from 3 years) |
| Duration (Higher Ed) | 2 years (bachelor/masters coursework), 3 years (research/PhD) |
| Duration (VET) | 18 months |
| Duration (HK/BNO) | Up to 5 years |
| Application fee | $4,600 (doubled from $2,300 on 1 March 2026) |
| Dependant fee (18+) | $2,300 |
| Visa hopping | 485 holders cannot apply onshore for student visas |
The Pipeline: What’s Coming
The current 225,000 onshore 485 holders reflect student cohorts from 2022-23. Looking forward, the pipeline is contracting:
2024-25 vs prior year
2024-25 vs prior year
year-on-year
down from 555K peak
What this means: The 2023-24 commencing students who will become eligible for 485 visas in 2025-26 are from a larger cohort. However, from 2026-27 onwards, the pipeline narrows significantly as the reduced student intake flows through.
- Age limit (35) excludes ~10% of potential applicants
- Higher English requirements (IELTS 6.5) create additional barrier
- Shorter visa durations mean faster turnover
- Doubled fee ($4,600) may deter marginal applicants
- Visa-hopping closure removes extension pathway
- Reduced student intake flows through from 2026-27
Where 485 Holders Go Next
The 485 visa is designed as a bridge — but the destinations have narrowed:
Key Takeaways
For migration agents and education providers, the 485 visa requires ongoing attention. The settings have changed significantly, the pipeline is shifting, and client expectations need to be managed accordingly.
Managing 485 applicants across changing policy settings requires systems that track eligibility, document compliance, and maintain clear audit trails.
See how Educli supports compliant practice →Data sources: Department of Home Affairs visa statistics, ABS Net Overseas Migration, data.gov.au (BP0019), Home Affairs Migration Trends Report 2024-25, Jobs and Skills Australia International Students Outcomes Study
Jan Karel Bejcek is the founder of Educli, a workflow management and compliance platform for CRICOS providers and migration agents.