For people already in Australia
Jobs for Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa holders
A Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa is designed for recent graduates of Australian study to stay and gain work experience for a limited time. Check your work conditions and visa end date in VEVO, then target roles that use your qualification. The visa is not tied to a sponsoring employer, and each employer decides whether to hire you.
Who this guide is for
This guide is for recent graduates who have finished study in Australia and now hold a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), or have applied for one and hold a bridging visa while they wait. It is most relevant to nursing, allied health, medical imaging and trades graduates who want their first role in their field, and to graduates working in aged care or hospitality while they look.
What work can I do on a 485 visa?
The Temporary Graduate visa is meant to give graduates time to build work experience in Australia after study, and it is not linked to one employer. The exact conditions depend on your grant, so check VEVO rather than assuming. If you are waiting for a decision on your 485 application, you may be on a bridging visa, and its work conditions can differ from both your old student visa and the visa you applied for. Look at those bridging visa conditions in VEVO before you accept extra hours. When you apply for jobs, share your VEVO result so the employer can see your work rights straight away. That removes a common point of hesitation for employers who are less familiar with graduate visas. CrossNation will ask about your work conditions and visa end date, but we cannot confirm what your visa allows. Home Affairs is the authority on that.
How do I turn my qualification into a job offer?
For many healthcare roles, the qualification is only the first step. Registered nurses, allied health professionals and medical radiation practitioners generally need registration with Ahpra and the relevant national board before they can practise, so apply for registration as soon as you are eligible. Trades graduates may need a state or territory licence, and some roles need a working with children check, police check or NDIS worker screening. Have these ready, or in progress, when you apply. Your resume should lead with clinical placements, practical hours and any Australian work experience, even if it was casual. Employers in aged care, community health and regional services tend to look closely at hands-on experience. Apply widely, but focus on roles where your registration status meets the job requirements. CrossNation can match you with roles across healthcare and trades, but an interview or offer is never guaranteed.
What should I plan for before my visa ends?
The 485 visa is temporary, and the time you have depends on your grant. Note your end date and plan your job search around it. Some graduates look for employers who may later consider sponsorship, but that is the employer's decision and has its own requirements, including approval as a sponsor and a nomination for your occupation. A role on our job board does not mean the employer will sponsor anyone. If you are thinking about a longer-term visa, get advice from a registered migration agent early, because the options and requirements depend on your occupation, experience and circumstances. In the meantime, you have the same rights at work as everyone else, including correct pay and a safe workplace. The Fair Work Ombudsman explains these rights for visa holders and is a good first stop if you think something is wrong at work.
Which open roles could suit you?
These counts are live from the CrossNation job board. A listing is not a job offer, and it does not mean the employer sponsors visas. Check that a role fits your work rights before you apply.
- Nursing jobs: 0 open
- Allied health jobs: 9 open
- Healthcare jobs: 1 open
- Aged care jobs: 0 open
- Trades jobs: 4 open
Open roles in these sectors
- Speech Pathologist (Grade 1 / Grade 2)Mildura, VICFull Time
- Social Worker (Grade 1 / Grade 2)Mildura, VICFull Time
- Podiatrist – Grade 2Mildura, VICFull Time
- Podiatrist – Grade 1Mildura, VICFull Time
- Physiotherapist – Grade 2Mildura, VICFull Time
- Physiotherapist – Grade 1Mildura, VICFull Time
- Occupational Therapist – Grade 2Mildura, VICFull Time
- Occupational Therapist – Grade 1Mildura, VICFull Time
Frequently asked questions
Can CrossNation advise me on my 485 visa?
No. CrossNation is a recruitment agency, not a registered migration agent. We can talk about jobs that suit your qualification and work rights, but visa questions should go to Home Affairs, a registered migration agent or an Australian legal practitioner.
Do I need a sponsor to work on a 485 visa?
Generally no. The Temporary Graduate visa is not tied to a sponsoring employer. Check your conditions in VEVO to confirm what your grant allows.
Should I tell employers when my visa ends?
Yes. Being open about your work rights and end date helps employers plan rosters, training and registration support. It also avoids surprises late in the hiring process.
Can I apply for jobs while my 485 application is being processed?
You can apply, but check the work conditions on your bridging visa in VEVO first. Tell the employer which visa you hold right now and what it allows.