If you've recently finished your degree in Australia and typed "485 visa agent in Melbourne" into Google, you're probably trying to figure out one thing: who can actually be trusted to handle your Temporary Graduate visa application without costly mistakes. With the Subclass 485 visa fee now sitting at AUD 4,600 for the primary applicant and the application being non-refundable even if refused, this isn't a visa you want to get wrong.

Melbourne is home to one of Australia's largest international student populations, which means the city also has no shortage of people calling themselves "visa consultants." The problem is that not everyone advertising migration help is legally allowed to give immigration advice. This guide breaks down what the 485 visa actually requires in 2026, what a genuine migration agent does, and how to find the right one in Melbourne.

What Is the Subclass 485 Visa?

The Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) lets international students who've completed an eligible Australian qualification stay on and work after graduation. It gives full, unrestricted work rights, meaning you can work for any employer in any role without needing sponsorship. It's not a permanent visa, but it's widely used as a stepping stone toward skilled migration pathways like the Subclass 482 and eventually the Subclass 186.

What Changed for the 485 Visa in 2026?

A few updates are worth knowing before you apply:

• The visa application charge increased to AUD 4,600 for the primary applicant from 1 March 2026.
• The general age limit dropped to 35 years, though Research/PhD graduates and HK/BNO passport holders can still apply up to age 50.
• English requirements tightened, with most current guidance pointing to a higher IELTS benchmark and test results now needing to be more recent at the time of lodgement.
• Visa duration ranges from 18 months to 4 years, depending on your qualification level, your stream, and where in Australia you studied.
• Regional study can extend your stay by an extra 1 to 2 years, which is one reason many graduates outside Sydney and Melbourne end up with longer visa periods.

Because fees, age limits, and test requirements are reviewed regularly by the Department of Home Affairs, always confirm current settings before lodging.

Who Is Eligible for the 485 Visa?

Generally, you need to:

• Be under the relevant age limit at the time of application
• Be in Australia when you apply
• Have completed a CRICOS-registered course with at least two academic years of study
• Hold or have recently held an eligible student visa
• Meet health, character, and English language requirements
• Apply within six months of your course completion date

That last point trips up more applicants than almost anything else. Missing the six-month window by even a day makes the application invalid, with no exceptions.

Why Use a Migration Agent for the 485 Visa Instead of Applying Yourself?

You're not legally required to use a migration agent for a 485 visa application, but most refusals don't happen because someone is completely ineligible. They happen due to avoidable errors: incomplete documents, missed deadlines, the wrong stream selected, or English test results that don't meet the current validity window. A registered migration agent reviews your situation against current legislation, picks the correct stream, and makes sure your application is lodged correctly the first time, which matters given how expensive a second attempt would be.

How Do You Know If a Migration Agent in Melbourne Is Legitimate?

This is the part most people skip. Anyone can call themselves a "visa consultant," but only agents registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA) are legally permitted to provide immigration assistance for a fee. Before working with anyone, check their MARN (Migration Agent Registration Number) on the official MARA register. A legitimate agent will display this number openly, usually in their website footer or email signature.

How Edvise Hub Can Help With Your 485 Visa Application

Edvise Hub is a Melbourne-based, MARA-registered migration and education consultancy that works specifically with international students and graduates across Australia. Our team can help you:

• Confirm your eligibility for the correct 485 visa stream (Post-Higher Education Work, Post-Vocational Education Work, or Replacement)
• Review your English test results against current validity requirements
• Check your course and CRICOS registration meet the study requirement
• Prepare and lodge your application accurately to avoid refusal risk
• Plan your post-485 pathway, including Subclass 482 and Subclass 186 options

Whether you studied in Melbourne or in a regional area and want to understand your extended stay options, our consultants give you clarity instead of guesswork before you spend AUD 4,600 on a single attempt.

Looking for a 485 Visa Agent Outside Melbourne?

Edvise Hub also assists international graduates searching for migration support in Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, and Canberra, as visa rules and fees apply nationally regardless of which city you studied in.

FAQs

1. How much does a 485 visa cost in 2026?
The primary applicant fee is AUD 4,600 as of 1 March 2026, with separate fees for dependants.

2. What is the age limit for the 485 visa?
Most applicants must be under 35, though Research/PhD graduates and HK/BNO passport holders can apply up to age 50.

3. How long can I stay in Australia on a 485 visa?
Stay periods range from 18 months to 4 years depending on your qualification level, stream, and study location.

4. Do I need a migration agent for a 485 visa application?
It's not legally required, but a MARA-registered agent reduces the risk of refusal due to documentation or eligibility errors.

5. How soon after graduating do I need to apply for the 485 visa?
You must apply within six months of your course completion date, with no exceptions for late applications.