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Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) vs Graduate Visa (Post-Study Work)

🇦🇺 Australia · 485vs🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Graduate

If you're choosing between these two, the question usually comes down to your location and long-term plans. Both offer two years of post-study work rights with no job offer required. But Australia's path leads toward permanent residency while the UK's is a standalone visa. Your choice depends on whether you want a migration pathway or simply work experience abroad.

Section 01

At a glance

485
Graduate
Processing time
3–9 months
1–2 months
Application fee
$1,140
$1,170
Initial validity
2 yrs
2 yrs
Path to PR
Yes — ~2 yrs
No
Points-based
No
No
Employer sponsor
Not required
Not required
Minimum salary
Language test
Required
Required
Verified
2026-05-03
2026-05-03
Section 02

Which one fits you?

  1. 01

    Path to permanent residency

    Pick 485

    Choose Australia if you're aiming to eventually settle and get PR status within two years.

    Pick Graduate

    Choose UK if you only want temporary work rights and plan to move elsewhere after.

  2. 02

    Processing speed

    Pick 485

    Choose Australia if you can wait 3-9 months and want certainty before your studies end.

    Pick Graduate

    Choose UK if you need approval quickly, as processing takes just 1-2 months.

  3. 03

    Maximum age eligibility

    Pick 485

    Choose Australia if you're over 35, as there's an age cap on this visa.

    Pick Graduate

    Choose UK if you're over 35, as there's no age restriction whatsoever.

  4. 04

    Cost and visa validity

    Pick 485

    Choose Australia if you want a 2-year visa at a slightly lower cost (USD 1,140).

    Pick Graduate

    Choose UK if you have a PhD (3-year visa) or prefer minimal processing hassle.

Still can't decide?

Take the 14-question quiz. We'll score your specific profile against 485, Graduate, and 60+ other pathways and tell you which is the best fit — with the why.

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