Subclass 485 OVHC duration: 2 to 3 years, or 5 years for HK and BNO holders

The Department of Home Affairs says the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), Post-Higher Education Work stream usually allows 2 to 3 years depending on the qualification, while Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders may stay for 5 years. The Department also requires evidence of adequate health insurance for all applicants at application; the Working visa applicants guidance on privatehealth.gov.au explains that compliant Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) must be maintained for the full authorised stay. Information checked 1 October 2026.

This stream is for international students who have recently graduated with a degree from an Australian institution. It allows them to live, work and study in Australia temporarily.

Which stay period applies?

The duration affects how long you need to maintain compliant health cover.

Applicant circumstance	Stay stated by Home Affairs	OVHC planning point
Qualification-based duration	Usually 2 to 3 years, depending on the qualification	Maintain compliant cover for the full authorised term in the visa decision.
Hong Kong passport holders	May stay for 5 years	Maintain compliant cover throughout the authorised 5-year term if granted.
British National Overseas passport holders	May stay for 5 years	Maintain compliant cover throughout the authorised 5-year term if granted.

The general range does not determine an individual’s authorised term by itself. Check the dates in your own visa decision rather than selecting a policy end date based only on the usual 2 to 3 years.

Is existing OSHC accepted when I apply?

Yes, for the application stage described in the guidance. If you hold a valid Student visa when applying for subclass 485, you are already covered by an Overseas Student Health Cover policy because it is a condition of the Student visa. Your existing OSHC is considered acceptable when lodging the subclass 485 application, and you should submit evidence of it.

However, accepting OSHC at application does not complete the subclass 485 health-cover requirement.

Stage	What you need to do
When lodging the application	Provide evidence of adequate health insurance for all applicants. If relying on a valid Student visa policy, submit evidence of the existing OSHC.
During processing	Take out subclass 485-compliant health insurance at some stage so the application can be finalised.
Before the visa is issued	Home Affairs will request evidence that you have taken out a policy complying with subclass 485 requirements.
If the Student visa and OSHC are approaching expiry	Arrange a new policy meeting the minimum health-insurance level for subclass 485 before they expire. A bridging visa issued after the Student visa expires does not extend the OSHC policy.
After the visa is granted	Maintain a compliant level of health insurance for the full authorised stay.

Which policy should I choose for that stay?

The guidance says Australian insurers offer a range of OVHC policies, and some international insurers also offer policies that meet visa requirements. It advises considering only policies that are comprehensive enough to comply.

When reviewing a policy:

• Check the policy documents for subclass 485 compliance rather than relying on the product name alone.
• Compare the cover period with the authorised term shown in your visa decision and check for any gap before expiry.
• Arrange insurance for every family member joining you on the visa.
• Inform your insurer as soon as possible if your visa status or Medicare eligibility changes, so it can confirm whether your cover remains suitable.

Can a Medicare arrangement remove the insurance requirement?

Not automatically. If you are covered by a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement and have enrolled in Medicare, you may be able to apply to Home Affairs for an exemption from the visa health-insurance requirements.

Eligibility is assessed case by case. The guidance notes that you cannot enrol in Medicare until after arriving in Australia. Contact the Department of Home Affairs and your visa processing officer for information about an exemption.

This is general information only. Check the current Home Affairs page for your visa and the policy documents before arranging or changing cover.

Sources

• Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) Post-Higher Education Work stream
• Working visa applicants

FAQ

Does every subclass 485 visa last for 5 years?

No. The usual stay is 2 to 3 years, depending on the qualification. Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders may stay for 5 years. Check the authorised term in your visa decision.

Can I use my OSHC when lodging the subclass 485 application?

Yes. If you hold a valid Student visa, your existing OSHC is considered acceptable at the application stage and you should provide evidence of it. You must still take out subclass 485-compliant insurance during processing.

Must OVHC continue for the entire authorised stay?

Yes. Once the subclass 485 visa is granted, you must maintain compliant health insurance for the full authorised term.

Does enrolling in Medicare automatically remove the insurance requirement?

No. People covered by a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement who enrol in Medicare may be able to apply to Home Affairs for an exemption. Eligibility is assessed case by case.

Must my family members also have health cover?

Yes. Family members joining you on the visa must also be insured.