The Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa is one of the best post-study work visas in the world. After completing a Master's degree in Australia, Bangladeshi graduates can stay and work full-time with no employer sponsorship needed. The streams and durations were restructured on 1 July 2024, so a lot of older advice online is out of date — this guide reflects the current rules.
1. What Is the Subclass 485 Visa?
The Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate) visa allows international students who have recently graduated from an Australian institution to stay in Australia and work. It has three streams (restructured on 1 July 2024):
- Post-Vocational Education Work stream: for associate degree, diploma or trade qualifications. Duration: up to 18 months.
- Post-Higher Education Work stream: for degree-level qualifications and above. Duration: usually 2–3 years depending on your qualification.
- Second Post-Higher Education Work stream: a further 1–2 years for eligible graduates who studied and lived in a designated regional area.
Most Bangladeshi Master's graduates apply under the Post-Study Work stream — it's simpler and gives longer work rights.
2. How Long Can You Stay?
The duration depends on your qualification and where you studied:
- Bachelor's degree: 2 years
- Master's by coursework: 3 years
- Master's by research: 4 years
- PhD: 4 years
- Regional bonus: If you studied AND lived in a designated regional area, you get an additional 1-2 years on top
Example for BD students: If you complete a 2-year Master's by coursework at a university in a regional city (like Newcastle, Adelaide, or Gold Coast), you could get 3 + 2 = 5 years of post-study work rights.
3. Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the 485 visa, you must:
- Be aged 35 or under when you apply (exceptions apply)
- Hold a valid student visa (Subclass 500) at the time of application
- Have completed a CRICOS-registered qualification of at least 2 academic years (92 weeks)
- Meet the Australian Study Requirement — completed within the past 6 months
- Have IELTS 6.0 overall (minimum 5.0 in each band) — or equivalent PTE/TOEFL score
- Meet health and character requirements
- Hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the visa duration
4. How to Apply
Step 1: Complete your degree and receive your completion letter from your university.
Step 2: Apply within 6 months of your course completion date.
Step 3: Submit your application online through ImmiAccount.
Step 4: Pay the application fee — AUD $1,895 (~BDT 1.5 lakh) for the main applicant.
Step 5: Provide health examination and police clearance certificate (from Bangladesh and Australia).
Step 6: While your visa is processing, you receive a Bridging Visa A — allowing you to stay and work in Australia with full work rights.
Processing time is typically 3-6 months. During this time, you can work full-time on your Bridging Visa.
5. From 485 Visa to Permanent Residency
The 485 visa is not just a work permit — it's your PR pathway. Here's how Bangladeshi graduates typically convert 485 to PR:
- Skills Assessment: Get your qualification assessed by the relevant skills authority for your occupation.
- Work Experience: Gain 1-2 years of skilled work experience in Australia on your 485 visa.
- Express Entry (SkillSelect): Submit an Expression of Interest for the Skilled Independent (189) or Skilled Nominated (190) visa.
- State Nomination: Many states actively nominate international graduates who studied in their state — especially in regional areas.
- Points test: You need 65+ points. A Master's degree (15 points) + age under 33 (30 points) + IELTS 7+ (10 points) + Australian study (5 points) + regional study (5 points) = you're very competitive.
Realistic timeline: Study 2 years → 485 visa 2–3 years → Apply for PR after 1-2 years of work → PR granted → Total: about 4-5 years from arrival to permanent residency.
6. Frequently Asked Questions
Can my spouse work on my 485 visa?
Yes. Your spouse or de facto partner receives full work rights on a dependent 485 visa. They can work unlimited hours for any employer.
Can I change employers?
Yes. The 485 is an open work permit. You can work for any employer, change jobs, or even start your own business.
What if I studied in a regional area?
You get 1-2 extra years on your 485 visa AND 5 extra points toward PR. Regional study is one of the smartest strategies for Bangladeshi students targeting Australian PR.
Do I need a job offer to apply?
No. The 485 visa does not require a job offer or employer sponsorship. You apply based on your qualification alone.