Finishing a degree in Australia does not mean you have to leave. The Graduate visa 485 – officially the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) – lets international students stay, work and look for a job after they graduate – and Indian students get a longer stay than most other nationalities under the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA). This guide covers who can apply, how long you can stay, the cost and the English scores required in 2026.
Quick answer
| Stream | Who it is for | Stay | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Post-Higher Education Work | Recent graduates of an Australian degree (bachelor and above) | Usually 2 to 3 years; see Indian-specific rules below | From AUD 5,750 |
| Post-Vocational Education Work | Graduates with an associate degree, diploma or trade qualification relevant to an occupation on the skilled occupation list | Up to 18 months | From AUD 5,750 |
| Second Post-Higher Education Work | Holders of a first graduate visa with a degree from a regional institution who lived, worked or studied in a regional area | 1 to 2 years | From AUD 2,265 |
You cannot change streams after you apply, so choose the correct one. Costs are the amounts listed on the Home Affairs pages; concessions apply in limited circumstances.
Under the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA), Indian nationals get longer stays than the standard 485 rules:
| Qualification | Standard stay | Indian nationals (AI-ECTA) |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor degree (including honours) | 2 years | 2 years |
| Bachelor degree with first-class honours in STEM (including ICT) | 2 years | 3 years |
| Master’s (coursework and extended) | 2 years | 3 years |
| Master’s (research) | 3 years | 3 years |
| Doctoral degree (PhD) | 3 years | 4 years |
The visa starts on the grant date and is granted with multiple entries, so you can travel out and back while it is valid. Time spent outside Australia does not extend the visa.
For tests taken on or after 7 August 2025, these are the minimum results for the Post-Higher Education Work stream:
| Test | Overall | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic or General Training) | 6.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| PTE Academic | 55 | 40 | 42 | 41 | 39 |
| TOEFL iBT | 81 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 17 |
Home Affairs accepts IELTS results that include One Skill Retake, as long as the retake is completed before you lodge the application. Prepare with our IELTS coaching or PTE coaching in Hyderabad.
A 485 visa is a bridge, not a destination. Many graduates use the time to gain skilled work experience and prepare a permanent residence application. Read how long it takes in our guide to PR after a 485 visa, check your Australia PR points and explore the Australia work visa options.
Watch out
Do not leave the AFP check and health insurance until the last week. Both must be organised before you lodge the visa application, and a missing document can delay the whole application.
Pro tip
For Indian graduates, the AI-ECTA stay lengths can be worth planning around: a STEM bachelor degree with first-class honours, a master’s or a PhD can earn a longer stay than the standard rules – so the level of your degree matters.
You must be 35 years old or under when you apply, although some exceptions apply. Check the exceptions on the Home Affairs page for your situation.
Under AI-ECTA, Indian graduates can stay 2 years after a bachelor degree, 3 years after a bachelor degree with first-class honours in STEM (including ICT) or a master’s, and 4 years after a PhD.
The Post-Higher Education Work and Post-Vocational Education Work streams cost from AUD 5,750. The Second Post-Higher Education Work stream costs from AUD 2,265. Check the Visa Pricing Estimator for your case.
Yes. For the Post-Higher Education Work stream you must be in Australia when you apply.
No. It is not an employer-sponsored visa, but you must find your own employment while you hold it.
Facts on this page were checked against the official sources listed at the end on 6 October 2026. Immigration rules, fees and thresholds change often, so confirm the current figure on the official site before you apply.
Studying in Australia or about to graduate? Our Australia student visa consultants plan your 485 visa and PR path from day one. Book a free consultation or call +91 95055 15154.
