1. Temporary Graduate Visa – Subclass 485

Apply to: International students who have completed an eligible CRICOS-registered course in Australia and wish to stay temporarily to work, gain local experience or prepare for future migration (189 / 190 / 491 / employer-sponsored).

Main streams:

• Post-Higher Education Work stream – for graduates of Australian bachelor, master’s (coursework or research) and doctoral degrees; generally 2 years for bachelor or coursework master’s holders, and up to 3 years for research master’s and PhD.
• Post-Vocational Education Work stream – for graduates of Australian vocational education and training (VET) programs related to occupations in demand; generally up to 18 months.

Key requirements:

• Most applicants must be under 35 years of age (at application time); research master’s and PhD graduates may apply up to 50.
• Must have completed an eligible Australian course and hold an eligible visa.
• Must meet English-language, health and character requirements.
• Must apply within the DHA-specified time limit after course completion.

Note: The 485 visa is temporary and does not grant permanent residency, but it is a common transition visa for graduates before moving to skilled migration or employer-sponsored PR pathways.

2. Employer-Sponsored Temporary Skilled Visa – Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand)

Purpose: Allows Australian employers to nominate overseas skilled workers when suitable local workers cannot be found.

Duration: Generally 1 – 4 years depending on occupation and stream.

Requirements:

• Employer must hold valid sponsorship/nomination approval.
• The occupation must be listed on the relevant Skilled Occupation List.
• Salary must meet the annual market salary and minimum threshold requirements.
• Applicant must meet English, skills, health and character criteria.
• Pathways: Some 482 holders may transition to permanent residence via Subclass 186 (ENS) or regional routes (494 → 191).

3. Regional / Provisional Employer-Sponsored Visas

Subclass 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional)

For skilled workers sponsored by regional employers to live and work in designated

regional areas.

Valid for up to 5 years; holders and their families can live, work and study regionally.

May lead to permanent residency through Subclass 191 once residence and income requirements are met.

Subclass 191 – Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional)

For eligible 491 or 494 visa holders who have lived and worked in regional Australia for at least 3 years, and

met the minimum taxable income threshold (set annually by the Australian Government).

4. Labour Agreements and Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA)

Designed for specific industries or regions facing long-term skill shortages; established through agreements between state/territory governments and the Commonwealth.

May offer concessions on occupation, English, salary or age requirements, and often include a pathway to permanent residence.

Currently implemented in the Northern Territory, South Australia, parts of Queensland and Western Australia.

Conditions vary by region and industry; professional assessment is recommended before application.

5. Short-Term and Specialised Work Visas

These visas are for applicants coming to Australia to undertake specific, short-term tasks and do not provide long-term stay rights.

Subclass 400 – Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist)

For short, non-ongoing highly skilled work or specialist assignments; generally up to 3 months (occasionally 6 months).

Subclass 403 – Temporary Work (International Relations)

For work carried out under bilateral agreements or international relations programs.

Subclass 408 – Temporary Activity Visa

For participation in specific short-term activities such as sport, religion, research, entertainment, or cultural exchange; length of stay depends on the activity type.

Disclaimer：

This information is compiled based on the official announcements of the Australian Department of Home Affairs as of November 2025 and is intended for general reference only. Policies may change at any time. Please refer to the official Department of Home Affairs website for the most up-to-date information.

Please contact us for more information.