Important Update: Changes to 485 Temporary Graduate Visa Fees and Degree Requirements

The Australian Government has announced an increase in application charges for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485). This change will take effect on 1 February 2025 and apply to all Subclass 485 visa applications lodged from this date onwards.

Fee Increase Starting February 1, 2025

From 1 February 2025, the base application charge for the Subclass 485 visa will increase as follows:

1. Initial Subclass 485 Visa Applications:

   • Primary Applicant: Fee increases to AUD 2,235.

   • Secondary Applicant (over 18 years): Fee increases to AUD 1,115.

   • Secondary Applicant (under 18 years): Fee increases to AUD 560.

2. Subsequent Subclass 485 Visa Applications (Post-Study Work Stream or Replacement Stream):

   • Primary Applicant: Fee increases to AUD 880.

   • Secondary Applicant (over 18 years): Fee increases to AUD 440.

   • Secondary Applicant (under 18 years): Fee increases to AUD 225.

Updated Degree Requirements for 485 Visa

The Australian immigration department has revised the definition of eligible degrees for the Subclass 485 visa. Key changes include:

1. Graduate Certificates (GC):

   • Not eligible for 485 visa applications.

2. Graduate Diplomas (GD):

   • Eligible only if the following conditions are met:

     • The GD is completed in the same academic year or the next academic year as a qualifying degree (see below) and

     • The GD is directly related to the qualifying degree.

3. Eligible Degrees for 485 Visa Applications:

   • Bachelor’s Degree (Bachelor)

   • Bachelor Honours Degree

   • Masters (Coursework) Degree

   • Masters (Extended) Degree

   • Masters (Research) Degree

   • Doctoral Degree (Research)

   • Doctoral Degree (Professional)

   • Higher Doctoral Degree