Nearly 74,000 family members are currently in Australia as secondary holders of the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa, putting family arrangements under growing political attention.

For graduates planning to stay in Australia with a partner or children, the key question is not whether the rules have already changed. They have not. The question is whether your family's next visa plan relies too heavily on one person's 485.

What the Latest Data Shows

According to Home Affairs data reported in August 2026, there were 271,191 Temporary Graduate visa holders in Australia as at 30 June 2026.

Of these, 73,897 were secondary applicants, including family members attached to a primary 485 visa holder.

The number of secondary applicants has increased significantly in recent years, bringing greater political attention to family members accompanying temporary visa holders.

Can You Still Include Family Members on a 485?

Yes. Current rules have not changed.

Eligible family members, including a spouse or de facto partner and dependent children, can still be included as secondary applicants where the relevant requirements are met. Family members may also be able to join a 485 holder later as subsequent entrants.

Secondary applicants do not need to independently satisfy the study requirements that apply to the primary graduate visa applicant.

Is the Government Removing 485 Dependants?

No change has been announced by the Australian Government.

One Nation has publicly proposed removing secondary applicants from Temporary Graduate visas as part of its push for lower migration.

However, this is a political proposal, not current government policy.

The Albanese Government is separately considering broader migration reforms, but as at August 2026, there has been no official announcement removing 485 secondary applicants or changing their work rights or visa duration.

What Does This Mean for 485 Families?

If your family's Australian visa strategy depends on one person's 485, this is a good time to review what happens after the 485 expires.

Questions worth considering include:

• Does your partner have an independent skilled or employer-sponsored pathway?
• Could either partner become the stronger primary applicant for the next visa?
• How much time is left on the current 485?
• Would a change in family eligibility affect your longer-term plan?

The important point is not to react to political speculation, but to understand whether your family has a Plan B if visa settings change in the future.

Planning to Stay in Australia After Your 485?

There is currently no announced change to 485 family eligibility.

But with temporary migration settings under increasing political scrutiny, families approaching the end of a 485 should avoid leaving their next visa decision until the last minute.

If you are unsure whether your family can transition from a 485 to a skilled, employer-sponsored, student or other visa pathway, getting your options assessed early can give you more time to plan before your current visa expires.

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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