July 1, 2024
The 485 graduate visa age limit has dropped to 35
By Roman Lama
The subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa had its maximum age reduced from 50 to 35 for most applicants, alongside a trimming of the pandemic-era stay extensions.
Who keeps the higher limit
- Masters by research and PhD graduates can still apply up to age 50.
- Hong Kong and British National (Overseas) passport holders can apply up to 50.
Everyone else, including coursework masters and bachelor graduates, must be under 35 at the time of application.
What to do if you are close to 35
Apply as soon as you meet the Australian study requirement and hold the other pieces (English test, AFP check, health cover). The 485 must be lodged within six months of your last student visa, so there is limited room to delay. If you are already over 35 with a coursework qualification, the employer-sponsored 482 route does not have an age bar at the temporary stage, though the permanent 186 does.
The stay periods also changed: bachelor and coursework masters graduates now get two years rather than the temporary three, and research graduates get three.