International students who have just graduated from Australian universities and/or colleges are eligible to remain, work, and pursue further education in Australia under the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485). You must fulfill the Department of Home Affairs' English proficiency criteria in order to apply for this visa.
IELTS 6.0 overall, with no band score lower than 5.0 (or equivalent), is required before March 21, 2024, for the 485 visa English requirement. Although the Australian government issued a new English requirement for 485 and 476 visas on March 21, 2024, it was part of the migration policy that was revealed on December 11, 2023 (485 Visa Updates). This new need will take effect on March 23, 2024.
Immigration (English Language Standards for Subclass 476 (Skilled – Recognized Graduate) and Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate) Visas) Instrument (LIN 24/021) 2024 shortens the timeframe within which the results of an English language test must be obtained in order to be eligible for a Temporary Graduate (sc 485) visa, from three years to one year prior to the date of the visa application.
The table below shows the changes made to the test results. Please take note that the final column, shown in green, contains the revised needed test scores.
| Test name | Old required test score | New required test score |
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) |
(a) an overall band score of 6; and (b) a score of at least 5 for each test component |
(a) an overall band score of at least 6.5; and (b) a score of at least 5.5 for each test component |
| Cambridge English: Advanced test (CAE) |
(a) an overall band score of at least 169; and (b) a score of at least 154 for each test component |
(a) an overall band score of at least 176; and (b) a score of at least 162 for each test component |
| Occupational English Test (OET) | a score of at least B for each test component | a score of at least B for each test component |
| Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE) |
(a) an overall band score of at least 50 (b) for listening a score of at least 36; and (c) for reading a score of at least 36; (d) for speaking a score of at least 36 (e) for writing a score of at least 36 |
(a) an overall band score of at least 57; and (b) for listening a score of at least 43; and (c) for reading a score of at least 48; (d) for speaking a score of at least 42 (e) for writing a score of at least 51 |
| Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based test (TOEFL iBT) |
(a) a total overall score of at least 64; and (b) for listening a score of at least 4 (c) for reading a score of at least 4 (d) for speaking a score of at least 14 (e) for writing a score of at least 14 |
(a) a total overall score of at least 83; and (b) for listening a score of at least 7 (c) for reading a score of at least 8 (d) for speaking a score of at least 16 (e) for writing a score of at least 18 |
For bearers of Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passports, the test scores have not improved. The necessary test results for this cohort are still an IELTS (or equivalent) overall band score of 6.0 and a minimum score of 5.0 for each IELTS (or equivalent) component.
The document is applicable to Temporary Graduate (SC 485) visas filed on or after March 23, 2024, and it goes into effect on that date.
The IMMI 15/062- Migration Regulations 1994 - Specification of English Language Tests, Scores, and Passports 2015 is repealed by this instrument. IMMI 15/062, however, is still applicable with regards to an application submitted before March 23, 2024, but not yet determined, for a Temporary Graduate (SC 485) visa.
The 485 visa requires you to demonstrate your English language skills or to possess a specific passport. You must provide proof that, within the previous three years, you were able to obtain:
| English test | Minimum overall Score |
Total overall score | Listening | Reading | Speaking | Writing |
| IELTS (General or Academic) | 6 | - | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| OET | B | - | B | B | B | B |
| TOEFL iBT | - | 64 | 4 | 4 | 14 | 14 |
| PTE Academic | 50 | - | 36 | 36 | 36 | 36 |
| Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) (taken on or after 1 January 2015) | 169 | - | 154 | 154 | 154 | 154 |
| TEST | SCORE |
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) | Overall score of at least 6 with a minimum score of 5 for each of the 4 parts |
| Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based Test (TOEFL iBT) | Total score of at least 64 with a minimum score of 4 for listening, 4 for reading, 14 for writing and 14 for speaking |
| Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) | Overall score of at least 50 with a minimum score of 36 for each of the 4 parts |
| Occupational English Test (OET) | At least B for each of the 4 parts |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced test | Overall at least 169 with a minimum score of at least 154 in each of the 4 test components |
You can demonstrate your English proficiency or show us that you are in possession of a valid passport from the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada, New Zealand, or the Republic of Ireland. To accomplish this, provide proof that you met one of the aforementioned scores within the last three years.
To meet the English language requirements for the 485 Visa (Temporary Graduate Visa), applicants must demonstrate their proficiency by achieving a certain score on an approved English language test. The accepted tests include IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and others. Generally, applicants must achieve an overall IELTS score of at least 6.0 with a minimum of 5.0 in each band, or equivalent scores in other accepted tests. These results must be obtained within three years before lodging the visa application.
Yes, you can use previous English test results for your 485 Visa application, provided they meet the required scores and are not older than three years at the time of your visa application. This applies to all the accepted English language tests, including IELTS, TOEFL iBT, and PTE Academic. Ensure that the test results reflect the minimum scores required for each section as specified by the Department of Home Affairs.
The main eligibility criteria for the 485 Visa include having recently completed a CRICOS-registered course in Australia, being under 50 years of age, meeting the required English language proficiency, and having applied for the visa within six months of completing your course. Additionally, applicants must have health insurance, meet health and character requirements, and provide evidence of adequate health insurance coverage for their stay in Australia. They must also meet specific requirements related to their stream, either the Graduate Work Stream or the Post-Study Work Stream.
The processing time for the 485 Visa can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the application and the volume of applications received by the Department of Home Affairs. Generally, processing times range from a few months to over a year. For the latest and most accurate processing time estimates, applicants are encouraged to check the Department of Home Affairs website or contact them directly.
The documents required for the 485 Visa application include a valid passport, proof of English language proficiency, academic transcripts and completion certificates from your Australian educational institution, health insurance documentation, a recent police certificate, and evidence of your health and character status. Additionally, you must provide a copy of your birth certificate, proof of relationship for dependents (if applicable), and any other documents requested by the Department of Home Affairs to support your application.
Yes, you can include family members in your 485 Visa application. Eligible family members include your spouse or de facto partner, your or your partner's dependent children, and other dependent relatives. Each family member included in your application must meet health and character requirements, and you must provide evidence of your relationship with them. Including family members in your application allows them to stay in Australia on the same visa as the primary applicant.
The validity period of the 485 Visa varies depending on the stream under which you apply. For the Graduate Work Stream, the visa is generally valid for 18 months. For the Post-Study Work Stream, the visa can be valid for up to four years, depending on the qualification you completed. The duration is typically two years for a bachelor’s degree, three years for a master's degree, and four years for a doctoral degree. The specific duration of your visa will be detailed in your grant letter.
No, the 485 Visa cannot be extended once it expires. However, visa holders can explore other visa options, such as employer-sponsored visas, skilled migration visas, or further study in Australia. Planning ahead and understanding the pathways to permanent residency or other temporary visas is crucial for those wishing to extend their stay in Australia after their 485 Visa expires. It is advisable to seek professional migration advice to explore the best options based on individual circumstances.
There are no work restrictions on the 485 Visa, allowing visa holders to work full-time in Australia. This provides an excellent opportunity for graduates to gain valuable work experience in their field of study, which can be beneficial for future visa applications and career progression. Additionally, visa holders can also engage in further studies if they wish, without any limitations on their work rights.
To apply for the 485 Visa, you must submit an online application through the Department of Home Affairs' ImmiAccount portal. The application process involves creating an account, completing the online form, paying the visa application fee, and uploading the required documents. It is important to ensure all information is accurate and complete to avoid delays. Applicants should also regularly check their ImmiAccount for updates and any additional information requests from the Department of Home Affairs.
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