Australia's 485 visa has new family rules from 13 November 2026

Visa news · Published 12 November 2026 · By the NEC counselling team

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In short

Australia has changed who can join a student on the 485 Graduate visa. From 13 November 2026, a husband, wife or child must apply together with the student, and can't be added later. In most cases, only family members who are already with the student on their student visa can be included.

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What is the 485 visa?

After a student finishes a course in Australia, the 485 visa lets them stay and work there for a while. Until now, family could join this visa, even after it was granted.

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What changed?

• Family must apply together with the student, in the same application.

• Family can't be added after the 485 is granted.

• Only some family members can be included (see below).

• The student must be in Australia when they apply. Family can apply from Nepal or from Australia.

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Who can still join?

• A husband, wife or child who is already with the student on the student visa, now or in the last 6 months.

• A husband, wife or child already on the student's 485 (when applying for a second 485).

• A baby born after the student's last visa was granted.

• Family of students who did a PhD, or whose study was fully paid by a foreign government scholarship.

• Family of Pacific and ASEAN passport holders. Nepal is not on this list.

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Who is not affected?

• 485 applications made before 13 November 2026.

• Babies born in Australia to a 485 visa holder.

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What does this mean for Nepali families?

• Husband or wife already in Australia as a dependant: they can stay together on the 485. Apply together, and before the family member's visa ends.

• Planning to marry or bring family after study: that family member can't be added to the 485. They would need their own visa.

• Parents: decide whether family will travel with the student before applying for the student visa. That choice now decides who can stay after study.

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Why did Australia do this?

The Government says the 485 visa is for graduates to get work experience, not a way to bring family. The same kind of change was made to student visas on 2 October 2026.

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नेपालीमा छोटकरीमा (अभिभावकका लागि)

१३ नोभेम्बर २०२६ देखि अस्ट्रेलियाको ४८५ भिसामा श्रीमान्/श्रीमती वा छोराछोरीले विद्यार्थीसँगै, एउटै आवेदनमा मात्र आवेदन दिन पाउँछन्। ४८५ भिसा पाएपछि परिवारलाई पछि थप्न पाइँदैन। प्रायः विद्यार्थी भिसामा पहिले नै सँगै रहेका (वा पछिल्लो ६ महिनाभित्र सँगै रहेका) परिवारका सदस्य मात्र समावेश हुन सक्छन्। नेपाल छुट पाउने देशको सूचीमा छैन। त्यसैले छोराछोरीलाई अस्ट्रेलिया पठाउनुअघि नै परिवार सँगै जाने कि नजाने निर्णय गर्नुहोस्।

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Talk to a counsellor (free)

Every family's situation is different. Talk to an NEC counsellor before you apply.

Book: applynec.com/contact

WhatsApp: 980-2364830 · Office: Putalisadak, Kathmandu (opposite Star Mall)

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Source

• Federal Register of Legislation (Australian Government): Migration Amendment (Temporary Graduate Visa Reform) Regulations 2026 (F2026L01500) and its explanatory statement, published 12 November 2026.

• Department of Home Affairs (Australia): Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)

This is general news, not advice for your case. Visa rules can change. Always check the Department of Home Affairs website.