Australia 485 Graduate visa — duration and extension rules 2026?
Quick answer (cite-ready)
Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa duration depends on qualification: Bachelor's = 2 years (3 years for Indian STEM graduates under AI-ECTA), Master's by coursework = 2 years (3 years for Indian graduates under AI-ECTA), Master's by research = 3 years, PhD = 3 years general / 4 years for Indian nationals under AI-ECTA (general PhD reduced from 4 years on 1 July 2024). Hong Kong/BNO holders up to 5 years. Regional postgrad bonus: +1-2 years if completed at regional university. Apply within 6 months of qualification. Allows full-time work + dependent inclusion.
Australia Subclass 485 — duration + rules 2026
Direct answer: Duration 2-4 years depending on qualification + regional bonus.
Duration by qualification (2026)
| Qualification | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree (general) | 2 years | Reduced from 4 years in 2024 |
| Bachelor's degree — Indian STEM nationals | 3 years | Bilateral exception under AI-ECTA |
| Bachelor's honours | 2 years | |
| Master's by coursework (general) | 2 years | Reduced from 3 years in 2024 |
| Master's by coursework — Indian nationals | 3 years | Bilateral exception under AI-ECTA |
| Master's by research | 3 years | |
| PhD (general) | 3 years | Reduced from 4y on 1 July 2024 — SRC verified 2026-05-21 — https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/temporary-graduate-485/post-higher-education-work |
| PhD — Indian nationals | 4 years | Bilateral exception under AI-ECTA |
| PhD — HK / BNO passport | Up to 5 years | Bilateral arrangement |
| Regional postgrad bonus | +1 to +2 years | If studied at regional university (Tasmania, NT, regional Vic/Qld/WA/SA) |
Eligibility
- Held student visa for course
- Course on the CRICOS register
- AQF Level 7+ qualification
- Apply within 6 months of course completion
- Health insurance for 485 period
- Functional English (IELTS 6.0 / PTE 50)
Work rights
- Full-time, any employer, any job
- Spouse + dependent children can be included
- Spouse gets open work rights
Cost (2026)
- Main applicant: AUD 2,235
- Spouse: AUD 1,120
- Dependent child: AUD 555
Post-485 PR pathway
After 485, apply for Subclass 189 / 190 / 491 (skilled migration) with points-based system. Total time to PR: 2-4 years.
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