485 Graduate Visa Sydney | Expert Nepali Migration Agent for Post-Study Work | Right & Associates

The 485 visa serves multiple strategic purposes: it provides valuable Australian work experience essential for skilled migration applications (189, 190, 491 visas), allows graduates to improve English proficiency to higher levels, enables networking within Australian professional communities, and creates time and flexibility to explore permanent residency pathways. For Nepali graduates in Sydney, the 485 visa is not merely a transition visa—it is a launchpad for long-term Australian career and residency success.​

The 485 visa has undergone significant changes in 2025. The Department of Home Affairs updated eligibility criteria, visa durations based on qualification level, English language requirements, and application costs to align with Australia's strategic skills needs. Right & Associates Sydney stays current with these changes and guides Nepali graduates through the updated requirements.​

The 485 Temporary Graduate visa operates under three distinct streams, each designed for different qualification levels. Understanding which stream applies to your circumstances is the first step toward successful 485 visa application.​

Stream 1: Post-Higher Education Work Stream (Bachelor's, Master's, PhD)

Who is eligible: Graduates with Bachelor degrees (including honours), Master's degrees (coursework and research), or Doctoral degrees (PhD) from Australian CRICOS-registered institutions.​

Duration of stay:

• Bachelor degree (including honours): 2 years
• Master's degree (coursework and extended): 2 years
• Master's degree (research) and PhD: 3 years
• Hong Kong/BNO passport holders: 5 years (extended)
• Indian nationals: Up to 4 years (select qualifications)​

Key advantage: This is the most common stream for Nepali graduates from Sydney universities. Most Nepali students graduate with bachelor's or master's degrees, making this stream directly applicable.​

Stream 2: Post-Vocational Education Work Stream (Diplomas, Trade Qualifications)

Who is eligible: Graduates with diplomas, associate degrees, or trade qualifications from Australian CRICOS-registered institutions, provided the qualification is related to a skilled occupation on the Skilled Occupation List.​

Duration of stay:

• Diploma or trade qualification: 18 months
• Hong Kong/BNO passport holders: 5 years​

Key consideration: Vocational graduates must ensure their qualification is linked to a valid occupation on the MLTSSL (Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List). Right & Associates Sydney verifies occupation eligibility before application.​

Stream 3: Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream (Additional Qualification)

Who is eligible: Graduates who have already completed a 485 visa and want to apply for a second 485 visa based on an additional qualification completed in Australia.​

Duration of stay:

• Up to 2 years depending on where you studied and worked​

Updated 485 Visa Eligibility Requirements 2025

As of July 2025, the Department of Home Affairs has tightened eligibility requirements for the 485 visa. Nepali graduates in Sydney must now meet stricter criteria than previously. Right & Associates Sydney ensures your application complies with current regulations.​

Core Eligibility Criteria

Age Requirement: You must be 35 years or under at the time of application. This is a strict requirement—reaching age 36 makes you ineligible unless you hold a Hong Kong or British National Overseas (BNO) passport (exemption up to age 50) or graduated with a research master's or PhD (exemption extends eligibility).​

Recent Graduate Status: You must have completed your course within the last 6 months. This is your application window. If you completed your degree 7 months ago, you are ineligible. Nepali graduates must apply immediately after receiving their completion letter to avoid missing this deadline.​

Valid Student Visa: You must have held an eligible Australian student visa within the last 6 months. Exceptions apply only in specific circumstances. You must be in Australia when you lodge your 485 application.​

Course Completion: Your course must be:

• CRICOS-registered (all Australian universities and colleges are)
• Taught entirely in English
• Completed as at least 2 academic years (92 weeks minimum)
• Completed in at least 16 calendar months
• Completed while you held a student visa in Australia​

Critical note: Online study outside Australia no longer counts toward your 485 eligibility (this changed November 25, 2023). You must have completed at least 16 months of in-Australia study for your qualification to be eligible.​

English Language Proficiency: As of 2025, English requirements have increased significantly:

• IELTS: Minimum 6.5 overall with no band score below 5.5 (this was increased from 6.0 in 2024)
• PTE Academic: Minimum 55 overall (for tests taken after August 7, 2025)
• TOEFL iBT: Minimum 79 overall
• OET: Minimum Grade C in all elements
• Your test must be less than 12 months old at the time of application​

For Nepali graduates already holding IELTS results at the 6.0-6.5 range, Right & Associates Sydney recommends upgrading to 6.5+ (or higher if pursuing skills migration) to maximize future permanent residency points.​

Health and Character: You must undergo health examinations as directed by the Department and obtain police clearances from all countries where you have lived for 12+ months in the past 10 years. For most Nepali graduates, this includes police clearances from Nepal and any other countries where you lived before coming to Australia.​

Health Insurance: You must maintain valid Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) or Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) for the entire period you remain in Australia on the 485 visa.

The 485 visa application process is straightforward but time-sensitive. Right & Associates Sydney guides Nepali graduates through each step to ensure success.​

Step 1: Verify Your Eligibility (3-4 weeks before graduation)

Contact Right & Associates Sydney 3-4 weeks before completing your studies. We verify:

• Your age (under 35?)
• Your qualification (CRICOS-registered, 92+ weeks, 16+ months in Australia?)
• Your English proficiency status
• Your student visa validity
• Your intended visa stream (Post-Higher Education or Post-Vocational)​

Step 2: Obtain Your Course Completion Letter and Academic Transcript (Upon graduation)

Immediately upon graduating, request:

• Completion letter from your institution confirming you have completed all course requirements and the completion date
• Official academic transcript showing all subjects, grades, and conferment date
• CRICOS course code confirmation​

Right & Associates Sydney can advise your institution on required letter content to ensure compliance with Department standards.​

Step 3: Arrange English Language Testing (If needed)

If your previous English test is more than 12 months old or does not meet the 6.5 minimum, arrange IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL testing immediately. Results must be obtained before you lodge your 485 application. Right & Associates Sydney can refer you to approved test centers in Sydney.​

Step 4: Obtain Police Clearance (2-4 weeks)

Contact the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and request:

• Australian Federal Police clearance for your time in Australia
• Nepal police clearance from your home country (coordinate with Right & Associates if needed)
• Any clearances from other countries where you have lived 12+ months

Police clearances typically take 2-4 weeks to process. Begin this process early.​

Step 5: Arrange Health Examination (1-2 weeks)

Book a health examination with an approved panel physician in Sydney. The Department will notify you of required tests. Health examinations typically cost AUD $300-$500 and take 1-2 weeks to be finalized with the Department.​

Step 6: Prepare Your Application Documents (1-2 weeks)

Compile all required documents:

• Valid passport (photo page and any visa pages)
• Birth certificate
• Course completion letter
• Official academic transcript
• IELTS/PTE/TOEFL results (original or notarized copies)
• Police clearances (AFP and Nepal)
• Health examination clearance from panel physician
• OVHC/OSHC health insurance confirmation for intended stay
• Payment receipt for application fee (AUD $2,300 as of July 2025)​

Right & Associates Sydney prepares a comprehensive checklist and reviews all documents for completeness and compliance.​

Step 7: Lodge Your 485 Visa Application (Within 6 months of completion)

Create an ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website and lodge your 485 application online. Key details:

• Personal information
• Student visa and study details
• Completion date of course
• English language proficiency details
• Health examination and character information
• Nominated visa stream (Post-Higher Education or Post-Vocational)
• Intended length of stay​

Critical timing: Ensure you lodge your application within 6 months of your course completion date. Missing this window results in ineligibility. Right & Associates Sydney manages this timeline to ensure on-time lodgment.​

Step 8: Receive Your Bridging Visa (1-2 weeks after lodgment)

Upon lodging your 485 application while holding a valid student visa, you are automatically granted a Bridging Visa A (BVA). This bridging visa:

• Keeps you in lawful status while your 485 is being processed
• Grants unlimited work rights across all occupations and industries
• Allows you to study if desired
• Remains valid until your 485 visa is granted or refused​

Your student visa typically expires around this time. Your bridging visa automatically takes effect, and your work rights shift to the bridging visa work conditions (usually unlimited).​

Step 9: Await Your 485 Visa Decision (3-8 months)

The Department processes 485 applications in order of lodgment. Processing times range from 3-8 months depending on completeness of your application and case officer workload. Right & Associates Sydney monitors your application status and requests updates if processing is delayed beyond 8 months.​

Step 10: Receive Your Visa Grant Notification

Upon approval, you receive an official visa grant notification confirming:

• Your 485 visa duration (2, 3, or 5 years depending on your qualification and passport)
• Your work rights (typically unlimited)
• Your conditions (health insurance, reporting requirements if any)
• Your initial travel validity period (usually 12 months to enter Australia with your new visa, though you are already in Australia)​

One of the primary advantages of the 485 visa is its unlimited work rights. Unlike student visas with restrictive work hour limits, the 485 visa grants Nepali graduates complete freedom to work.

Unlimited Work Rights Explained

On the 485 visa, you can:

• Work full-time (40+ hours per week) with no hour restrictions
• Change employers freely without requiring permission from the Department
• Work across all occupations and industries—from your field of study to completely unrelated sectors
• Work as an independent contractor or business owner
• Combine study and work if desired​

This unrestricted work rights policy is deliberately designed to allow graduates to gain diverse Australian work experience, build professional networks, and explore career pathways.​

Important Conditions to Monitor

Despite unlimited work rights, your 485 bridging and substantive visas come with conditions:

• Health insurance: Maintain valid OVHC throughout your stay—no exceptions
• Remain in Australia: Travel outside Australia is restricted unless you apply for a separate Bridging Visa B (BVB) to maintain status
• Report changes: Update the Department with any changes in contact details, employment, or circumstances
• Comply with Australian law: Avoid criminal activity, which could jeopardize your visa​

Violating these conditions can result in visa cancellation and deportation. Right & Associates Sydney ensures you understand all conditions before your visa is granted.

Understanding realistic processing timelines helps Nepali graduates plan their work, finances, and career trajectory while on the 485 visa.​

Current Processing Timeframes

Overall Processing Time: The Department reports that most 485 visa applications are finalized within 3-8 months from lodgment, with an average of 4-6 months for straightforward cases.​

Factors Affecting Processing Speed:

• Completeness of application: Comprehensive applications with all documents included are processed faster (3-4 months)
• Request for documents: If the case officer requests additional documents, processing extends by 2-4 weeks per request
• Police clearance delays: If your Nepal police clearance is delayed, overall processing extends accordingly
• Health examination complexity: Standard health checks take 1-2 weeks; complex cases requiring additional tests extend processing​

Bridging Visa Duration: Your bridging visa continues throughout the 485 processing period. Even if processing takes 12 months, your bridging visa remains valid, keeping you in lawful status the entire time.​

Success Rates

The 485 visa success rate exceeds 99% for applications that meet all eligibility criteria and provide complete documentation. Refusals are rare and typically occur only when:

• Applicant does not meet the 6-month application window after course completion
• English language test results do not meet the IELTS 6.5+ requirement
• Course did not meet the 92-week/16-month Australian study requirements
• Police clearance reveals character concerns
• Health examination identifies grounds for cancellation​

Right & Associates Sydney ensures your application falls well within the "straightforward approval" category through meticulous preparation and documentation.​

485 Visa Costs: Your Financial Breakdown

Understanding the full cost of the 485 visa helps Nepali graduates budget appropriately.​

Government Application Fees (2025)

• Primary applicant: AUD $2,300 (increased from $1,480 in July 2024)
• Dependent adult (18+ years): AUD $1,150
• Dependent child (under 18): AUD $575​

Most Nepali graduate applicants are sole primary applicants with no dependents, so the cost is AUD $2,300.​

Additional Costs to Budget

English Language Testing (if renewal needed):

• IELTS Academic: AUD $380-$420
• PTE Academic: AUD $400-$450​

Police Clearances:

• Australian Federal Police (AFP): AUD $42 (online application)
• Nepal police clearance: Varies by consulate (typically NPR 3,000-5,000 equivalent)​

Health Examinations:

• Panel physician health examination: AUD $300-$500 per applicant​

OVHC/OSHC Health Insurance (for entire 485 stay):

• 2 years (Bachelor/Master graduates): AUD $1,200-$1,600
• 3 years (PhD graduates): AUD $1,800-$2,400​

Migration Agent Fees (Optional but recommended):

• Right & Associates Sydney fixed-fee 485 visa assistance: AUD $2,500-$3,500 including full application preparation, document review, submission, and case monitoring​

Total Estimated Cost (Primary applicant with migration agent): AUD $6,500-$8,500

Cost-Benefit Analysis

While AUD $8,500 may seem substantial, the 485 visa provides invaluable benefits:

• 2-3 years of unlimited work in Australia (earning AUD $20-$30/hour = AUD $40,000-$80,000+ over the period)
• Pathway to permanent residency through skilled migration (worth AUD $50,000+ in potential lifetime earnings)
• Professional development in an English-speaking, developed economy
• Network building for future career opportunities​

Right & Associates Sydney emphasizes that the 485 visa investment typically returns itself many times over through employment income and career advancement.​

The 485 visa is not an end destination—it is a strategic stepping stone toward permanent residency (PR). Nepali graduates in Sydney have multiple pathways from 485 to PR status. Right & Associates Sydney helps you plan which pathway suits your circumstances.​

Pathway 1: Skilled Independent Visa (189) or State Nomination (190)

What: After 2-3 years of Australian work experience on your 485 visa, you can apply for skilled permanent visas such as:

• Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent): PR anywhere in Australia without restrictions
• Subclass 190 (State Nominated): PR in your nominated state (New South Wales for Sydney)
• Subclass 491 (Regional Skilled): PR requiring 3-year regional work commitment

Timeline: 485 (2-3 years) + Skills assessment (3-6 months) + EOI/Invitation (1-6 months) + Visa application (8-15 months) = 3-4.5 years total to PR

Requirements: You need 65+ points on the skilled migration points test, which typically requires:

• 3+ years Australian work experience (15 points)
• Bachelor's or higher degree (15 points)
• Proficient English (IELTS 7.0 = 10 points)
• Age 25-32 (30 points)​

Right & Associates Sydney builds your skills migration profile from day one of your 485 visa, strategically selecting employment and additional qualifications to maximize your points score.​

Pathway 2: Employer Sponsorship (TSS 482 or Permanent 186/187)

What: If your employer values your work and is willing to sponsor you, you can transition to:

• TSS Visa (482): Temporary employer-sponsored visa for specific roles (4 years)
• ENS Visa (186): Permanent employer-sponsored residency

Timeline: 485 (2-3 years) + Employer sponsorship nomination (2-4 months) + Visa application (4-8 months) = 2.5-3.5 years to permanent residency

Requirements: Your employer must be an approved sponsor, your role must be on the Skilled Occupation List, and you must have met work experience and English requirements.​

This pathway is ideal for Nepali graduates who have excelled in their roles and developed strong employer relationships. Right & Associates Sydney advises employers on sponsorship pathways during your 485 period.​

Pathway 3: Partner Visa (801/820)

What: If you marry an Australian citizen or permanent resident during your 485 visa, you can apply for a partner visa leading to PR.

Timeline: Partner visa applications take 12-24 months to process, with a bridging visa maintaining your lawful status throughout.

Advantage: This pathway is available regardless of your occupation or skilled migration points. It is accessible to all Nepali graduates who meet relationship requirements.​

Pathway 4: State Sponsorship Extension (Provisional 491 to Permanent)

What: If you complete 3 years of skilled work in regional Australia on a 491 visa, you can apply for permanent residency via the 191 visa (or equivalent state-specific scheme).

Timeline: 485 (2-3 years) + Regional 491 (3 years) + 191 PR application = 5-6 years total to PR

This pathway requires commitment to regional Australia but provides a clear, point-independent pathway to PR.​

Right & Associates Sydney helps Nepali graduates evaluate all four pathways and select the option best aligned with their career, financial, and personal goals.

Right & Associates Sydney combines 25+ years of global migration experience with specialized expertise in supporting the Nepali community in Sydney. We understand the unique circumstances, challenges, and aspirations of Nepali graduates navigating Australian education and migration systems.​

Our Competitive Advantages

MARA-Registered Expertise: Our Sydney team includes Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA) registered agents who stay current with Department of Home Affairs policy changes and 485 visa updates. We understood the July 2025 changes before they took effect and adjusted our guidance accordingly.​

Nepali Community Focus: Unlike generic migration agents, we specialize in supporting Nepali students and graduates. We understand your language, cultural background, and specific migration goals. Many of our team members are themselves from Nepal or have worked extensively with the Nepali community.​

25+ Years, 15,000+ Success Stories: Right & Associates has guided over 15,000 international students through their entire Australian journey—from initial course selection through student visa, 485 work visa, and permanent residency. Our track record speaks for itself.​

Holistic Career and Migration Planning: We don't just process visa applications—we help you build a strategic career and migration plan. From your first day in Sydney on a student visa, we advise on which courses, employers, and work experiences will maximize your permanent residency prospects.​

Comprehensive 485 Support: Right & Associates Sydney handles:

• Pre-application eligibility verification
• Document preparation and compliance review
• ImmiAccount creation and application lodgment
• Bridging visa condition guidance
• Work rights and employment advice
• Migration pathway planning during your 485 period
• Transition to permanent residency visa applications​

Transparent Fixed-Fee Pricing: Our Sydney office offers clear, upfront pricing with payment plan options. No hidden fees or hourly billing surprises.​

Face-to-Face Consultations: Our Sydney office provides in-person meetings for detailed consultations, document reviews, and career planning sessions. We understand that complex migration decisions benefit from personal, direct communication.​

Common 485 Visa Questions from Nepali Graduates

Can I apply for the 485 visa if I am 36 years old?
No, unless you hold a Hong Kong/BNO passport (exemption to age 50) or graduated with a research master's or PhD (limited exemption). The 35-year age limit is strict. Nepali graduates should apply immediately upon graduation to avoid missing this deadline.​

What if my course started overseas and I finished in Australia?
Your entire course must qualify as Australian study. If you completed less than 16 months in Australia or less than 92 weeks (2 academic years) in Australia, you are ineligible. Online study outside Australia doesn't count toward the 16-month requirement. Right & Associates Sydney verifies your exact study timeline.​

Can I work part-time during my 485 visa?
Yes, you can work part-time, full-time, or any combination. The 485 visa grants unlimited work rights with no hour restrictions. Many Nepali graduates combine part-time work with further study (master's degrees) during their 485 period to enhance their PR prospects.​

What if my English test is older than 12 months?
You must retake the English test (IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL) to meet current requirements. Plan to retake tests during your final semester of study to ensure results are current at application time. Right & Associates Sydney reminds graduates early to schedule tests in advance.​

What happens if my 485 application is refused?
Refusals are rare (<5% of applications) and typically occur only for failure to meet core requirements. If refused, you have 28 days to apply for internal review or appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT). Right & Associates Sydney provides legal support for appeals.​

Can I include my spouse/partner as a dependent on my 485 visa?
If your spouse/partner is in Australia and wants to stay with you, they can apply as a dependent on your 485 visa under certain circumstances, or independently if they meet their own eligibility criteria. Right & Associates Sydney advises family situations individually.​

What if I want to return to Nepal during my 485 visa?
To travel outside Australia and maintain your 485 visa status, you must apply for a Bridging Visa B (BVB) before departing. Without a BVB, departing on your 485 visa cancels your visa and strands you outside Australia. Always apply for a BVB if planning international travel.​

If you are a Nepali graduate completing your studies in Sydney, the 485 visa is your next critical step toward a fulfilling career and permanent residency in Australia. Right & Associates Sydney is ready to guide you through every stage of the application process and beyond.​

Book Your Free 485 Visa Consultation

Contact Right & Associates Sydney today for a comprehensive 485 visa eligibility assessment and planning session:

• We verify your 485 eligibility based on your qualification, age, English proficiency, and timeline
• We advise on immigration pathways from 485 to permanent residency
• We provide a detailed document checklist and application timeline
• We answer all your questions about work rights, costs, and processing times

Right & Associates Sydney
🌐 Website: https://rassociates.com.au/
🏢 Office Location: 301 Castlereagh Street, Sydney NSW 2000

Why wait? Your 6-month application window starts the moment you complete your degree. Every day you delay is one day closer to missing the deadline. Contact Right & Associates Sydney today, and let our expert Nepali migration agents help you transition from student to skilled professional and permanent resident.​

Your Australian future is waiting—make your move today with Right & Associates Sydney!