Migration

485 Visa Guide for Nepali Graduates

The Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa allows Nepali students who have completed an Australian qualification to live, work, and study in Australia temporarily after graduation. It is a crucial stepping stone to gaining Australian work experience and eventually applying for PR. This guide covers the two main streams, eligibility, costs, and the critical 6-month deadline.

Step-by-Step Guide

Check your eligibility

You must: (1) be under 50 years old, (2) hold an eligible visa (usually a student visa subclass 500), (3) have completed an eligible qualification within the last 6 months (this is the critical deadline), (4) have studied in Australia for at least 16 months (2 academic years), (5) meet English language requirements (IELTS 6.0 or PTE 50 overall), (6) have health insurance (OVHC), (7) have a recent skills assessment or completed qualification.

Choose the right stream

There are two streams: (1) Graduate Work Stream — for graduates with an occupation on the MLTSSL, requires a skills assessment, valid for 18 months (extended to 2 years from July 2024). (2) Post-Higher Education Work Stream — for graduates with a Bachelor, Masters, or PhD from an Australian institution, valid for 2-4 years depending on qualification and location. The Post-Study Work stream does not require a skills assessment.

Apply within 6 months of course completion

This is the most critical requirement. You must apply within 6 months of the date your course completion is officially recorded (not your graduation ceremony date). If you miss this deadline, you cannot apply for the 485 visa. Check your completion date on your university transcript or confirmation of completion letter.

Gather your documents

You need: passport, visa grant notice, completion letter from your university, academic transcript, English test results (IELTS or PTE within 3 years), OVHC health insurance, AFP police check (National Police Certificate), skills assessment (for Graduate Work stream only), and proof of Australian study (CRICOS-registered course, 16+ months study).

Submit the application online via ImmiAccount

Create an ImmiAccount at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au, fill in the 485 visa application form, upload all documents, and pay the visa fee. The base application charge is $1,865 AUD (2024-25). Additional applicants (partner/children) cost extra. You can also add family members to your application.

Wait for the decision and plan your PR pathway

Processing takes 4-12 months. You get a Bridging Visa A (BVA) that allows you to work full-time while your 485 is processed. Once granted, you can work, study, and travel freely. Use this time to: gain skilled work experience (counts for PR points), improve your English (PTE 79+ for 20 points), get a NAATI credential (5 points), and submit your EOI on SkillSelect for PR.

Comparison

Provider / Option	Type	Rate / Duration	Notes
Graduate Work Stream	18-24 months	Requires skills assessment + MLTSSL occupation	For trade/VET graduates. Must have occupation on MLTSSL. Visa fee $1,865.
Post-Higher Education Work Stream	2-4 years	Bachelor/Masters/PhD from Australian institution	No skills assessment needed. 2 years for Bachelor/Masters by coursework, 3 years for Masters by research/PhD, 4 years for regional study. Visa fee $1,865.
Second 485 (Post-Study)	1-2 years	For graduates who studied in regional areas	Available if you lived, studied, and worked in a regional area on your first 485. Extends your stay by 1-2 years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 6-month deadline for the 485 visa?▾

You must apply for the 485 visa within 6 months of your course completion date. This is the date your university officially records your qualification as complete — not your graduation ceremony date. Check your completion letter or transcript. If you miss this deadline, you cannot apply for the 485 visa and will need to find another visa pathway.

How long does the 485 visa last?▾

The Graduate Work Stream is valid for 18-24 months. The Post-Higher Education Work Stream is valid for 2 years (Bachelor/Masters coursework), 3 years (Masters research/PhD), or 4 years (if you studied in a regional area). From July 2024, regional graduates can get an additional 1-2 year extension.

How much does the 485 visa cost?▾

The base visa application charge is $1,865 AUD (2024-25) for the primary applicant. Additional applicants cost: $935 for each additional adult and $465 for each child under 18. You also need to pay for OVHC health insurance (~$60-100/month), AFP police check (~$99), and English test if you need to retake it (~$410). Total cost: approximately $2,500-$3,500 for a single applicant.

Can I include my partner on my 485 visa?▾

Yes. You can include your spouse or de facto partner and dependent children in your 485 application. They will get the same visa validity period as you. Your partner can work full-time and study in Australia. Additional visa fees apply: $935 per adult and $465 per child.

Can I apply for PR after the 485 visa?▾

Yes, the 485 visa is designed as a pathway to PR. During your 485, you should: gain skilled work experience (1 year Australian work = 5 PR points), improve your English (PTE 79+ = 20 points), get a NAATI credential (5 points), and submit an EOI on SkillSelect for the 189, 190, or 491 visa. Many Nepali graduates successfully transition from 485 to PR within 2-3 years.

Official Sources & References

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