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485 Graduate Visa Timeline

Interactive calculator for Australian 485 Temporary Graduate visa. See your timeline from graduation to visa expiry, and explore pathways to PR.

Your Details

Your course completion date or expected graduation

💼 Work Rights on 485

Full-time work allowed — not limited to university work
Any employer, any role — not tied to sponsorship
No need for visa sponsorship — independent of employer
This is the ideal visa for gaining work experience towards PR pathways like 186 ENS or 189 Skilled Independent.

✓ 485 Eligibility Checklist

🏆 Pathways to PR from 485

Apply during 485 validity or after lodging early

482

Work visa

Temporary Skill Shortage (482) / Skills in Demand (SID)

Work for a sponsor on skilled occupation list. 482 being phased out; SID visa replaces it from Dec 2024.

Processing: 3–8 months

186

PR

Employer Nomination Scheme (186)

Permanent sponsorship by employer. Requires 2+ years work experience in nominated occupation.

Processing: 6–12 months

190

PR

Skilled Nominated (190)

PR via state sponsorship. State nominates you based on skills and points. Popular for IT, nursing, engineering.

Processing: 6–9 months

189

PR

Skilled Independent (189)

PR via SkillSelect points test. No sponsor needed. Highly competitive (80+ points needed).

Processing: 6–12 months

Key Tips

  • •Lodge early: Submit 485 as soon as you receive your course completion letter — don't wait until the 6-month deadline.
  • •Plan ahead: With 10–12 months processing, start exploring PR pathways (points test, state sponsorship, employer sponsorship) immediately after lodging.
  • •Regional bonus: Studying in regional Australia adds 1–2 years to your visa. Check if your institution qualifies (DHA website).
  • •Work experience counts: Days worked during 485 count towards PR requirements (e.g., 2-year work requirement for ENS 186).
  • •English requirements: Ensure IELTS 6.0 (overall) — critical for 485 and all PR pathways.