What is Australia's 485 Graduate Visa?
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) allows international students who graduated from an Australian institution to live and work in Australia temporarily. For most Indian master's students, the Post-Study Work stream is the right option — it gives 2 years of work rights with any Australian employer.
485 Visa Duration
| Qualification | Standard | Regional Study Bonus | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's (3–4 yr) | 2 years | +1 year | 3 years |
| Master's (1–2 yr) | 2 years | +1 year | 3 years |
| PhD / Doctoral | 4 years | No bonus | 4 years |
Regional Cities That Give Extra 1 Year
- ✅ Perth (UWA, Curtin) — regional for 485 purposes
- ✅ Adelaide (Univ. of Adelaide, Flinders)
- ✅ Geelong (Deakin University)
- ✅ Gold Coast (Griffith, Bond)
- ❌ Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane — standard duration only
485 → Australian PR Pathway
- Skilled Independent (189): Points-based, no sponsorship. 65+ points. Indian master's grad + 2yr Australian work + IELTS 8 = typically 80–90 points.
- Skilled Nominated (190): State sponsorship adds 5 points — good for lower scorers.
- Skilled Regional (491): Regional state sponsorship adds 15 points — live/work in regional area 3 years for PR (191).
Visa cost: AUD 1,895 (≈ ₹1,05,000). Apply within 6 months of graduation.
StudyFar helps you pick the right Australian city and university to maximize 485 duration and PR points. Get a free Australia roadmap or explore all Australian universities.