Coalition Pledges to Abolish the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)

Australia's Liberal-National Coalition has announced a major migration proposal that would abolish the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) for most international graduates if elected to government.

Announced on 6 October 2026, the proposal could significantly affect international students planning to work in Australia after graduation.

Importantly, this is not current law. The 485 visa remains available to eligible applicants.

What the Coalition Is Proposing

The key proposals include:

• 485 Visa: Abolish the existing post-study work pathway for most graduates.
• International Students: Limit annual commencements to 240,000.
• Student Numbers: Aim to reduce international students' share of higher education enrolments to below 25%.
• Temporary Migration: Reduce temporary visa holder numbers by approximately 650,000 over four years.
• Student Visa Rules: Tighten visa compliance and link student visas to enrolled institutions.

Who Would Be Exempt?

The Coalition has proposed limited post-study visa pathways for:

• PhD graduates
• Health and education graduates
• Graduates from regional universities

Detailed eligibility requirements and transitional arrangements have not yet been announced.

Industry Reaction

The proposal has raised concerns across Australia's higher education sector.

The Group of Eight (Go8) and Universities Australia have warned that restricting post-study work opportunities could weaken Australia's ability to attract international talent and skilled graduates.

What This Means for Current and Prospective Students

The 485 visa has not been abolished, but future changes could affect your post-study plans.

Students approaching graduation, preparing a 485 application or relying on post-study work rights for permanent residency should review their options early.

Those planning to bring their partner or children should also be aware of the current government's separately announced restrictions on 485 family applications.

Key Takeaways

• The Coalition proposes scrapping the 485 visa for most graduates.
• Limited pathways may remain for specified graduates.
• The proposal is not yet law, and current 485 eligibility rules remain in place.
• Students should review their visa and permanent residency plans before further changes occur.

The content of this article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration law is complex and subject to change. The information provided may not reflect the most current legal developments. For advice specific to your circumstances, please consult a registered Australian migration lawyer. For full terms governing use of this website and its content, please refer to our Website Terms and Conditions.

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