Short answer: It's possible, most commonly on a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) with a job in Australia. Lenders focus on your visa's remaining time, your income and your local credit history. The loan term is often limited to the time left on your visa, which makes repayments higher.
Where graduates usually stand
Most international graduates move from a student visa to a 485 visa, which lets you live and work in Australia for a set period after finishing study. Some then move to an employer-sponsored visa such as the 482 (Skills in Demand) or apply for permanent residency. Lenders see each stage differently:
| Situation | How lenders often view it |
|---|---|
| Still on a student visa | Hard. Work hours are restricted and income is often irregular |
| 485 visa with a full-time job | Possible with some lenders, term tied to the visa expiry |
| 482 visa with a sponsoring employer | Generally easier, as income is linked to a sponsored role |
| Permanent resident | Assessed much like a citizen |
What lenders look at
- Time left on your visa. Many lenders want at least 12 months remaining and won't lend past the expiry date.
- Employment. A full-time or permanent role, ideally past probation, related to your qualification. Casual hospitality work is harder to rely on.
- Australian credit history. A phone plan or small credit card paid on time for a year or two helps. Your overseas credit history generally doesn't transfer.
- Savings and deposit. A deposit reduces the loan and shows you can save.
- Bank statements. Usually 90 days, showing salary coming in and sensible spending.
Documents to prepare
- Passport and a current VEVO printout showing your visa and its expiry
- Australian driver licence, or an overseas licence valid in your state (rules and time limits vary by state)
- Employment contract or letter, plus recent payslips
- 90 days of bank statements
- Details of the car you want to buy
Think about the term
Because the loan often has to finish before your visa ends, a short visa means a short term and bigger repayments.
Example only: $20,000 at 9% p.a. is about $415 a month over 5 years, but about $636 a month over 3 years.
Buying a cheaper car, or saving a larger deposit, can make the numbers work. Avoid stretching the budget on the assumption that your next visa will be granted.
Before you apply
Check your visa details with Home Affairs, get a free copy of your Australian credit report, and use Moneysmart's calculators to test repayments. Applying to lots of lenders at once can leave multiple enquiries on your file, so it's better to target lenders that accept your visa type.
Related guides
- Financing a car on a 485 visa
- Matching your loan term to your visa
- Car loans without Australian credit history
Recently graduated and working in Australia? Tell us about your situation in about 60 seconds and a licensed broker will call you. No credit check to enquire.
General information only. This isn't financial advice. Finance the Ride is a referral service and doesn't hold an Australian Credit Licence. Last reviewed September 2026.
