2026 Subclass 485 Visa: Your Path to Work and Study in Australia

Leading Edge
Jan 29
3 min read

In 2026, the Australian migration landscape has shifted toward a "skills-first" approach. The Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa remains the premier bridge for international students to transition from the classroom to the Australian workforce. However, recent reforms mean your strategy needs to be sharper than ever.

Here is your comprehensive guide to navigating the 485 Visa in 2026.

1. The New Landscape: Renamed Streams

The 485 visa has been rebranded to align with the government’s 2025-26 Migration Strategy. Understanding which "bucket" you fall into is the first step to a successful application.

New Stream Name	Who is it for?	Duration
Post-Higher Education Work	Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD graduates.	2–3 Years
Post-Vocational Education Work	Diploma and Trade qualification graduates.	18 Months
Second Post-Higher Education	Graduates who lived and worked in regional areas.	+1–2 Years

2. Key Eligibility Changes in 2026

If you are planning your application this year, three critical "gatekeepers" have changed:

The Age Limit Drop

The most significant change is the age cap. You must now be 35 years of age or under at the time of application.

Note: Exceptions remain for Masters by Research/PhD graduates and Hong Kong/British National (Overseas) passport holders, who can still apply up to age 50.

Stricter English Language Requirements for 485 visa

The bar for English proficiency has been raised to ensure graduates are "work-ready."

Minimum Score: IELTS 6.5 (with at least 5.5 in each module) or equivalent.
Validity: Your test results must be less than 12 months old at the time of lodging.

The "6-Month Rule"

You must apply for your 485 visa within 6 months of your course completion date. Be careful: this is the date on your Completion Letter, not your graduation ceremony date.

3. Regional Australia: The "Secret" to More Time

With the pandemic-era 2-year extensions officially scrapped as of mid-2024, the only way to get "extra" time on your 485 visa in 2026 is by studying and living in a Designated Regional Area.

Category 2 (Cities like Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast): Eligible for an extra 1 year.
Category 3 (Regional centers and other areas): Eligible for an extra 2 years.

Pro Tip: In 2026, Hobart has been officially aligned with other regional centers, allowing graduates there to access the 2-year second 485 visa extension if they meet residence requirements.

4. 2026 Application Checklist

To avoid a refusal (which can be devastating for your PR prospects), ensure you have these ready before you hit "Submit":

Australian Federal Police (AFP) Check: You must have applied for this before lodging the visa.
Health Insurance: You must hold Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC). Your Student OSHC is generally not sufficient once you move to the 485.
Skills Assessment: Only required for the Post-Vocational stream.
Visa Fee: Budget for approximately $2,300 AUD (plus additional costs for dependents).

5. Strategic Outlook: From 485 to PR

In 2026, the 485 visa is no longer just "extra time" to hang out—it is a strategic window. With the Permanent Migration Cap set at 185,000 places, competition is high.

Skills in Demand (SID) Visa: The old 482 has been replaced. Use your 485 time to secure an employer who can sponsor you under this new framework.
State Nomination (190/491): Check the latest 2026 state-specific shortage lists early in your 485 journey to see if your occupation is a priority.

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. It's crucial to consult with a registered migration agent for personalised guidance based on your specific circumstances