From 485 to permanent residence: what's actually involved
The Temporary Graduate visa does not lead to permanent residence by itself. Graduates who go on to obtain PR generally do so by separately meeting the requirements of a skilled or employer-sponsored pathway during or after the 485 period.
Aarish Haider · Registered Migration Agent · MARN 2619656
Updated 2026-10-22 · General information · Official-source check 2026-10-22
Key facts
| Stage | What's required |
|---|---|
| 485 (Graduate) | Complete an eligible course, meet visa criteria, hold temporary work rights |
| Skills assessment | Obtain a positive assessment in a nominated occupation, if pursuing a skilled pathway |
| Points-tested route | Meet 189/190/491 requirements independently — the 485 itself contributes no points |
| Employer-sponsored route | Secure a genuine sponsoring employer and nomination, independent of having held a 485 |
Who this is relevant to
For graduates using a temporary post-study period to develop a realistic next step without assuming permanent residence is automatic.
Requirements
Review the occupation and assessment pathway, the evidence for any skilled points claim and the requirements of a possible employer nomination. Relevant work or Australian study may contribute where the rules allow; simply holding a 485 does not itself earn skilled-migration points.
Process
- Confirm the 485 stream, expiry and conditions.
- Identify the occupation and assessment required for the intended next visa.
- Compare points-tested and employer-sponsored requirements against evidence already available.
- Plan alternatives and application timing before the current visa expires.
Evidence
Keep qualification, assessment, English and work records current. Review employment duties and supporting pay records rather than assuming every job during a 485 is skilled employment.
Common issues
An EOI is not a visa application or a Bridging visa. Further graduate-family restrictions were still described as being developed in official October guidance, so check actual commencement before treating an announcement as a current requirement.
Official sources
Related pages
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