Temporary Graduate (485)
Since 2 October 2026, 485 holders can't go back to a student visa from inside Australia. That makes the time on your 485 the most important window you'll have.
- Category
- Graduate
- Streams
- Post-Higher Education Work; Post-Vocational Education Work
- Government charge
- A$5,750 main applicant
- Leads to
- Skills assessment, 482, 494, 190, 491, 189
- Our fee
- Consultation A$110; pathway packages quoted per stage
Start here
Do this
- Start your skills assessment early
- Work in your nominated occupation and keep every payslip
- Pick a route — employer, state or independent — within 6 months
- Book an English test early if you need more points
Avoid this
- Treating the 485 as a break before planning
- Working outside your field if you need skilled experience
- Assuming you can study again from inside Australia
- Leaving the plan until the last few months
What a wrong turn can cost: Using the 485 years without a plan can leave you with no visa to move to — and studying again now means applying from outside Australia.
Are you on the right track?
- Do you know your nominated occupation?
- Are you working in that field now?
- Do you know which route you're aiming for?
Unsure about any of these? Talk it through on a free call — you're not alone in this.
Is this you?
- You've just finished a degree, diploma or trade course in Australia.
- You have your 485 and haven't started a PR plan.
- You have under a year left and options feel like they're shrinking.
What changed
2 Oct 2026 485 holders can no longer apply for a Student visa from inside Australia.
17 Sep 2026 The Government announced new 485 applications won't allow family members. Check the start date with us.
2026–27 State nomination places rose; regional places were reportedly cut.
Who qualifies
- Completed an eligible Australian course meeting the study requirement (usually 2 academic years).
- Apply within the required time after finishing — usually 6 months.
- Age limit and English requirement apply.
- The Post-Vocational stream needs a skills assessment in an eligible occupation.
Step by step
- Months 1–3Consultation, then start your skills assessment.
- Months 3–9Work in your nominated occupation and keep every payslip.
- Months 6–12Choose your route: employer (482 then 186), state (190/491) or independent (189).
- Before expiryLodge a decision-ready application.
Document checklist
Your ticks are saved on this device only.
Common problems
Myths and facts
How we help you with Temporary Graduate
- 1UnderstandA consultation on your course, occupation and goals.
- 2PlanA written 485-to-PR plan with month-by-month milestones.
- 3PrepareSkills assessment, experience tracking and English planning.
- 4LodgeYour next visa lodged before the 485 runs out.
- 5DestinationPR planned and tracked.
What you'll receive
How we keep in touch: Quarterly check-ins across your 485, plus alerts when rules change for your occupation.
Three ways to do it
An honest look at your options. Some people do this themselves, and that can work well.
| Topic | With Omar Nafiz | Doing it yourself | With another provider |
|---|---|---|---|
| Planning | A month-by-month plan from day one | Often left until the last year | Varies |
| Experience | Tracked so it counts for points | Often in the wrong field | Rarely tracked |
| Route | Employer, state and independent compared | One route, often a friend's | Varies |
| Deadlines | Tracked by your case officer | Easy to miss | Varies |
| After 2 Oct | Plans that don't rely on studying again | Many still plan to re-study onshore | Varies |
Free mini-course: Skills assessment, first time right
3 short lessons and quick checks. About 11 minutes.
Questions people ask
Which stream am I in?
Degrees usually go to Post-Higher Education Work. Diplomas and trade qualifications usually go to Post-Vocational Education Work.
Can my partner come on my 485?
A change was announced on 17 September 2026 so new applications can't include family members. Check the start date before you apply.
Does any job count as experience?
For skilled visas, only work in your nominated occupation at the right skill level, usually 20+ hours a week.
Pricing
Consultation
A full review of your situation and a written plan.
Graduate to PR
Job-readiness review, skills assessment, 482 or 494, then 186. Quoted per stage, price locked.
Skills to Visa
Skills assessment, expression of interest, state applications and 189, 190 or 491.
Packages are paid in stages, only after you sign a written service agreement.
Book
Talk to us about Temporary Graduate
Start with a free 15-minute phone call. If you need full advice, book a A$110 consultation — it comes off your package.
Often considered alongside
Official sources
Figures checked 8 October 2026. Visa rules and charges change — we confirm everything for your situation before you pay for a package.