It depends on your visa history and where you are when you apply. Many 485 applicants need a recent eligible student visa, and some must be in Australia when they apply.
The 485 validity rules look at your current visa, your recent student visa history and where you are when you lodge. Some applicants may apply in or outside Australia, but not in immigration clearance. Other applicants must be in Australia when they apply.
You also need to check whether your previous student visa is an eligible student visa. A student visa granted as a Foreign Affairs or Defence student, or as a family member of a student visa holder, may not meet the eligible student visa requirement for the primary 485 applicant.
Some no-further-application rules can stop a valid 485 application in Australia unless the rule has been waived or an exception applies.
Last checked and reviewed 24 August 2026.