Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) Changes in 2026: What International Students Must Know

Key Changes to the 485 Graduate Visa

The Australian Government has implemented several policy adjustments that directly impact graduate visa eligibility and duration. Here's what has changed:

Duration Reductions

Important: These reduced durations apply to applications lodged from 1 July 2024 onwards. If you submitted your application before this date, the previous durations may still apply.

Age Limit Adjustment

The maximum age for 485 visa eligibility has been reduced from 50 years to 35 years. This change affects mature-age students who may have been planning to use the graduate visa as part of their migration strategy.

Who is Still Eligible for the 485 Visa?

Despite the changes, the core eligibility requirements remain:

Basic Requirements

• Recent graduate: Completed an eligible Australian qualification within the last 6 months
• Study requirement: Met the Australian Study Requirement (minimum 2 academic years of study)
• English proficiency: Competent English (IELTS 6.0 overall, or equivalent) - see our English Test Comparison Guide for test options
• Age: Under 35 years old at time of application
• Health and character: Meet standard health and character requirements
• Student visa compliance: No significant breaches of student visa conditions

Eligible Qualifications

Extended Duration for In-Demand Fields

While standard durations have been reduced, students in certain fields can still receive extended visa duration:

Fields Qualifying for Extra 2 Years

Students who complete qualifications in the following areas may be eligible for an additional 2-year extension:

• Healthcare: Nursing, Medicine, Allied Health, Aged Care
• Teaching: Early Childhood, Primary, Secondary Education
• Engineering: Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Software
• Information Technology: Cybersecurity, Data Science, Software Development
• Agriculture and Food Sciences

Regional Study Advantage

If you completed your studies at a regional campus, you may be eligible for:

• Additional 1-2 years on your graduate visa
• Points advantage for future skilled visa applications
• Access to regional-only occupation lists for state nomination

Regional campuses include universities in Adelaide, Perth, Gold Coast, Newcastle, Hobart, and other designated areas outside Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane CBD.

Strategic Planning: Maximising Your 485

Given the reduced durations, strategic planning is more important than ever:

Timeline Example: Bachelor's Graduate

Month 0:    Graduate from Bachelor's program
            → Apply for 485 visa immediately

Months 1-6: Begin job search, gain Australian experience
            → Focus on occupation relevant to skilled visa

Year 1:     Secure employment in nominated occupation
            → Start preparing skills assessment

Year 2:     Complete skills assessment, gain reference letters
            → Lodge EOI for 189/190/491 visa
            → 485 visa expires - need to transition

Recommended Actions

1. Apply early: Don't wait until the last moment. Processing times can vary.

2. Choose your field wisely: If you're still deciding on a course, consider fields that offer extended visa duration.

3. Gain skilled employment: Use your 485 time to work in your nominated occupation to build your case for permanent residency.

4. Get your skills assessment done: Most skilled visas require a positive skills assessment. Start this process in your first year.

5. Explore employer sponsorship: Many graduates transition from 485 to employer-sponsored visas (482/494) if invited by an eligible employer.

Concurrent Applications and Bridging Visas

If your 485 visa is about to expire and you're applying for another visa:

• A Bridging Visa A (BVA) is typically granted automatically when you lodge a valid visa application onshore
• BVA allows you to remain in Australia while your new application is processed
• Work rights on the BVA depend on your previous visa conditions

Common Questions

Can I apply for 485 twice?

No. The 485 visa can only be granted once. However, if you complete a higher qualification later (e.g., Master's after Bachelor's), you may apply for a second 485 visa if you haven't already used this option.

What if I'm over 35?

Unfortunately, the age limit is strict. Consider alternative pathways such as:

• Employer-sponsored visas (no age limit on some subclasses)
• Partner visas (if you have an Australian partner)
• Business/Investment visas

Does online study count?

Post-COVID, online study arrangements during the pandemic are generally accepted. However, for applications lodged in 2026, most of your study should have been completed onshore in Australia.

What Comes After the 485?

The graduate visa is a stepping stone, not a destination. Common pathways after 485 include:

How First Migration Can Help

The 485 visa landscape has become more complex, and the reduced durations mean you have less time to plan your next move. At First Migration Service Centre, our registered migration agents specialise in helping international students:

• Assess your 485 eligibility and duration entitlement
• Plan your post-study pathway to permanent residency
• Prepare skills assessments and EOI submissions
• Identify employer sponsorship opportunities

Ready to take the next step? We invite you to submit a free visa assessment so we can understand your situation and provide tailored advice.