Can I Bring My Spouse on Subclass 485 Visa?
Are you curious about whether you can bring your spouse to Australia under a graduate subclass 485 visa? Let’s find out

Australia is a good destination for international students as it offers them several opportunities while studying and even after completing their education. Students often choose Australia as their study destination because of the work opportunities it offers. However, the strictness of Australia's immigration laws and the competition in almost all the subclasses make it difficult for many people to obtain an Australian visa.
But if you are lucky enough to get a subclass 485 visa, you must be wondering if you can bring your spouse to Australia on this visa. This article provides a detailed answer to your question and also outlines the requirements that you need to meet for this visa. Let's dive into the details of the subclass 485 visa.
What is a Subclass 485 Visa?
This visa allows you to stay in Australia if you are an eligible international student who has graduated from an Australian CRICOS-registered course. This visa will enable you to bring your family, including your partner or partner's child. The mandatory condition is that they must meet health and character visa requirements. Moreover, under this visa, you can work without any limitations on the number of hours. You can work in any industry or field that you choose.
Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 485 Visa
You must meet the following criteria to be eligible for a Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa.
- You must be 35 or under at the time of application.
- You must have held a student (subclass 500) visa in Australia in the last six months.
- You must provide evidence that you have applied for an AFP check.
- You must attach proof of the required English language level with the application.
Length of Stay and Work Rights on Subclass 485 Visa
The length of your stay in Australia on a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) differs depending on the course you studied and the visa stream you apply for. There are three main visa streams you can apply for. The details of these visa streams are as follows:
Post-Vocational Education Workstream
- This visa stream is for recent international graduates with qualifications relevant to specific occupations Australia needs.
- These visa holders can stay in Australia for up to 18 months. Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders may stay for 5 years.
- You must be 35 years of age or under to obtain this younger when you apply. Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders can apply until they are under 50.
- Your qualification must be relevant to your nominated occupation on the skilled occupation list.
- You must meet the Australian study requirement with only an associate degree, diploma, or trade qualification.
Post-Higher Education Workstream
This visa stream is for international students who have recently graduated with a degree from an Australian education provider. To be eligible for this visa, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must be 35 years of age or under when you apply. Hong Kong or British National Overseas passport holders can apply under 50.
- You must have a recent degree in a CRICOS-registered course.
- Depending on your qualifications, you can stay between 2 and 3 years on this visa.
- Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders may stay for 5 years.
Second Post-Higher Education Workstream
Temporary graduates from an Australian university in a regional area who hold a Post-Higher Education Work, Post-Study Work, or Replacement visa are eligible for this visa stream. To qualify for this visa, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must be 35 years of age or under when you apply.
- If you hold a Hong Kong or British National Overseas passport, you must be under the age of 50 when you apply.
- You can stay between 1 and 2 years depending on the regional location of the education provider you graduated from and the regional area you live in as your temporary graduate visa holder.
Conclusion
Obtaining a Subclass 485 visa is a fantastic opportunity for international students in Australia. This visa allows you to stay and work in Australia after graduation and allows you to bring your spouse and family members. Understanding the eligibility criteria and the different streams of the Subclass 485 visa is crucial to making the most of this opportunity.
If you are considering applying for a Subclass 485 visa or need assistance, The Migration is here to help. Our team of experts can guide you through the process, ensuring you meet all the requirements and submit a strong application. Don't miss out on the chance to enhance your career and life in Australia.
About the Creator
Tim Duck
My Name is Tim Duck and I'm a Visa Consultant and currently working in The Migration. I'm Passionate about helping individuals and businesses successfully secure visas and permits for international travel.




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