Subclass 485 Graduate Visa: What African Students Must Know for 2025
Just completed your studies in Australia? You may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), a powerful opportunity that allows international graduates to stay and work in Australia after graduation.
For Nigerian and African students, this visa can serve as a stepping stone to permanent residency (PR). In this guide, you’ll learn what it offers, who qualifies, how long it lasts, and how Afrovo supports your application from start to finish.
What is the Subclass 485 Graduate Visa?
The Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) allows eligible international students to live, work, and study in Australia temporarily after completing their course.
It comes in two main streams:
- Post-Study Work Stream
- Who It’s For: Students with a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD from an Australian university
- Duration: 2-6 years, depending on degree and location
- Graduate Work Stream
- Who It’s For: Students with qualifications in specific skilled occupations (e.g. trade)
- Duration: Up to 18 months (recently extended to 24)
What You Can Do with a 485 Visa
- Work full-time with no employer restrictions
- Gain local work experience in your field
- Travel in and out of Australia freely
- Improve your points for skilled PR pathways (189, 190, or 491)
- Study short courses (optional)
Who Is Eligible?
To apply, you must:
✅ Be under 50 years old
✅ Hold an eligible student visa within the past 6 months
✅ Have completed a CRICOS-registered course
✅ Meet English language requirements (IELTS 6.0+ or equivalent)
✅ Have applied for or held Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
✅ Provide Australian Federal Police (AFP) clearance
✅ For Graduate Work Stream: Your occupation must be on the MLTSSL, and you must obtain a skills assessment
How Long is the 485 Visa Valid For?
Bachelor’s
- Metro Cities: 2-4 years
- Regional Areas: 3-5 years
Master’s
- Metro Cities: 3-5 years
- Regional Areas: 4-6 years
PhD
- Metro Cities: 4-6 years
- Regional Areas: Up to 7 years
VET/Trade (Graduate Work Stream)
- Metro Cities: Up to 2 years
- Regional Areas: +1-2
Afrovo Tip: Studying in regional areas can give you up to 2 extra years!
How Afrovo Supports Your 485 Application
Applying for this visa involves more than filling out a form. At Afrovo, we offer end-to-end support, especially for Nigerians and African graduates:
- Eligibility Check & Stream Advice: Based on your qualification and goals
- Document Review: Ensuring all papers (transcripts, English scores, AFP check) are correct
- Application Lodgement: Via ImmiAccount with all supporting documents
- Optional Skills Assessment: For trade-related occupations
- Post-visa Planning: We help you explore PR pathways & job options
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Applying with missing or incorrect documents
❌ Missing the 6-month post-study deadline
❌ Not understanding which stream applies to you
❌ Ignoring PR planning while on your 485 visa
❌ Not using a migration expert
“Afrovo helped me lodge my 485 visa within two weeks of graduation. I’m now working full-time and preparing for PR!”
— Tope, Graduate, Western Sydney University“They explained everything clearly—from skills assessment to PR planning. I couldn’t have done it alone.”
— Chiamaka, Cookery Graduate, Adelaide
✅ Graduating soon or already done? Don’t wait!
👉 Book a Free 485 Visa Consultation
📈 Want to use your 485 visa to plan for PR?
👉 Explore PR Pathways with Afrovo
🎓 Need help understanding if you qualify?
👉 Take Our 485 Eligibility Quiz
Achieve Your Migration Journey Today with Afrovo.
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