485 Visa Extension: Policies and How to Apply

Exciting news for Australian university graduates! Thanks to the recent 485 visa extension, international students like you can now stay in Australia for an extra 2 years, giving you more time to gain valuable study or hands-on work experience!

Read on to learn more about this update, including eligibility requirements and steps for application.

Key Take Aways.

Visa Extension Update

If you apply for the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa (post-study work stream) lodged from 1 July 2023, you’ll get an automatic extension of two years. This means:

• Select Bachelors degrees extend from two years to four years.

• Select Masters degrees extend from three years to five years 

• All Doctoral degrees extend from four years to six years

Select Bachelors and Masters degrees include qualifications related to healthcare, IT, engineering, and medicine. You can review the list of specific qualifications for more details on select qualifications and their corresponding CRICOS course code.

This visa extension also applies automatically to first-time applications for a 485 visa in the replacement stream or second post-study work stream lodged from 1 July 2023.

If you already hold a 485 visa in any stream except for the Graduate stream, you may be eligible to apply for this 2-year extension. Furthermore:

• If you hold a 485 visa in either the post-study stream or replacement stream, you can apply for the subsequent 485 visa at no cost. Note that this visa extension does not affect your ability to apply for a 485 visa in the second post-study stream later on.

• If you hold a 485 visa in the second post-study stream (i.e. 485 visa granted based on living and studying in a regional area), you must pay a visa application fee.

• You can apply for the 485 visa extension only once. This means the additional 2 years will only be granted if they have not been provided on a previous temporary visa.

Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders are not qualified for the 485 visa extension as they have already been granted visas for five years with a path to PR.

Eligibility for the 485 visa extension

The subclass 485 visa extension can apply to:

• Eligible first-time applicants of the 485 visa post-study work stream who lodged their applications on or after 1 July 2023. They are automatically granted the 2-year extension upon visa grant.

• Those who hold a 485 visa (except graduate work stream) expiring after 1 July 2023. They can apply for a subsequent 485 visa via ImmiAccount to be granted a 2-year extension.

• Those with a 485 visa (except graduate work stream) expiring before 1 July 2023. They are advised to apply for a Subclass 408 “Covid” visa to be granted the 2-year extension.

485 Visa Extension Requirements

Below is a list of requirements you must meet or submit to gain the 485 visa extension.

• You must meet all eligibility criteria for the 485 visa post-study work stream.

• You must have a qualification that is included in the list of eligible qualifications.

• Prepare all required documents, including:
  • Your original 485 Temporary Graduate visa (not applicable to first-time post-study work stream applications)
  • Valid passport
  • Identity documents
  • Australian Federal Police (AFP) check issued within the last 12 months
  • Health insurance policy statement that shows adequate health insurance coverage for the duration of your stay

Note: You might need to submit additional documentation, such as proof of English language proficiency and health checks, if required.

How to apply for 485 visa extension?

How long does it take for visa 485 extension to be granted?

You may receive your visa grant in as early as 3 months. However, note that the processing time for the 485 visa extension application can vary depending on the number of applications at the time you submit.
Note: If you currently possess a 485 visa, you might get a Bridging visa approval via email. The email from DHA will detail the expiration date of your current visa and the terms you must follow under the bridging visa.

485 Visa Extension FAQs

How many times can I apply for 485 visa extension?

You can only apply for a 485 visa extension once. 

How long does a 485 visa last?

For the 485 post-study work stream visa, the duration varies depending on the qualification you completed:

• For select Bachelors degrees: 4 years
• For select Masters degrees: 5 years
• For all Doctoral degrees: 6 years

Can I apply for a 485 visa extension outside Australia?

According to details from DHA, starting from November 25, 2023, all applicants for the Temporary Graduate visa must be within Australia when submitting their applications.

However, subsequent entrant applicants have the option to be either inside or outside Australia at the time of lodgement.

Can 485 visa lead to permanent residency?

Yes, although indirectly, a 485 visa can lead to Australian permanent residency. The 485 visa gives you the time to gain valuable work experience, which is required for common PR pathways such as:

• Subclass 482 Temporary Skills Shortage visa
• Subclass 491 Skilled Regional Visa-Provisional visa
• Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa

Unsure about your 485 visa extension? We have the answers.

Keeping up with visa regulations can be challenging, especially with unexpected changes often occurring in the migration landscape. 

Here at KBA Global, your trusted immigration partner, we’ll stay on top of everything for you – from minor adjustments to major reforms. We want to make sure your application is always in line with the latest updates, so you can avoid delays and have the smooth visa application you deserve. 
Book your free call today for a successful 485 visa extension!

Disclaimer: The above information is a general guide and not professional immigration advice. Be aware that immigration laws and regulations can change swiftly, potentially rendering some or all of the information outdated. Thus, before using the information above, we recommend checking the current laws through assistance from a migration agent or the Department of Home Affairs website.