Australia Post-Study Work Visa (Subclass 485): Complete Guide for International Graduates

Finished your studies in Australia and want to stay on to work? The Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) is designed exactly for that. This guide walks you through every stream, eligibility rule, visa duration, application step, and the pathway from temporary work rights to permanent residency.

What Is the Australia Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)?

The Subclass 485 visa is a temporary visa granted by the Australian Department of Home Affairs. It is specifically designed for international students who have recently completed a qualification at an Australian educational institution. Rather than having to leave Australia immediately upon graduation, the 485 visa allows graduates to remain in the country and work, gain professional experience, and explore long-term migration options.

The visa does not require employer sponsorship. Once granted, you can work for any employer, in any occupation, anywhere in Australia. This flexibility makes it one of the most valuable post-study work visas available globally.

The 485 visa is a temporary visa, not a permanent one. However, it serves as a critical bridge for graduates who intend to pursue permanent residency through Australia’s points-based skilled migration system. (Source: Department of Home Affairs, immi.homeaffairs.gov.au)

What Are the Streams of the Subclass 485 Visa?

As of 1 July 2024, the Subclass 485 visa operates under the following streams. Understanding which stream applies to you is essential before preparing your application.

1. Post-Study Work Stream

This is the primary stream and the one most commonly used by international graduates. It is available to applicants who have completed a Bachelor’s degree or higher qualification from an Australian institution registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). The visa duration under this stream depends on the level of qualification obtained. (Source: Department of Home Affairs, immi.homeaffairs.gov.au)

2. Post-Vocational Education Work Stream

This stream caters to graduates who have completed certain vocational education and training (VET) qualifications. Eligibility criteria and visa durations for this stream differ from the Post-Study Work stream. Applicants must have completed a qualification that meets the specific requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs.

3. Post-Higher Education Work Stream

This stream applies to graduates who have completed a higher education qualification and meet specified criteria. It provides an avenue for graduates whose qualifications fall within a particular set of requirements distinct from the main Post-Study Work stream.

4. Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream

Graduates who have previously held a 485 visa under the Post-Higher Education Work stream and who meet additional criteria may apply for a second visa under this stream, extending their ability to remain and work in Australia.

Replacement Stream (Repealed)

The Temporary Graduate (Replacement) stream was repealed and closed to new applications from 1 July 2024. Graduates who previously qualified under this stream should assess their eligibility for the current active streams. (Source: Department of Home Affairs, immi.homeaffairs.gov.au)

How Long Does the 485 Visa Last?

The visa duration under the Post-Study Work stream is determined by the highest qualification you completed at an Australian institution. The table below summarises the standard durations.

(Source: Department of Home Affairs, immi.homeaffairs.gov.au)

These durations apply to the Post-Study Work stream. Durations under other streams may vary depending on specific eligibility criteria set by the Department of Home Affairs. Always verify the current duration applicable to your situation before applying.

Who Is Eligible for the Subclass 485 Visa?

Eligibility for the Subclass 485 visa requires meeting several conditions simultaneously. The Department of Home Affairs assesses each application against all of the following criteria.

General Eligibility Requirements

• Age: You must generally be under 50 years of age at the time of application. (Source: Department of Home Affairs, immi.homeaffairs.gov.au)
• Student visa: You must hold, or have held, a student visa at the time of applying.
• Study requirement: You must have completed a CRICOS-registered course of at least 2 academic years (92 weeks) of study in Australia. The course must have been completed within 6 months before lodging your 485 visa application. (Source: Department of Home Affairs, immi.homeaffairs.gov.au)
• Qualification: Under the Post-Study Work stream, you must hold a qualification at the Bachelor level or above from an Australian institution.
• Health insurance: You must hold adequate health insurance for the duration of your stay. This means maintaining Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) or an equivalent approved policy. (Source: Department of Home Affairs, immi.homeaffairs.gov.au)
• Character and health: You must meet Australian character and health requirements.
• Debts to the Australian Government: You must have no outstanding debts to the Commonwealth.

What Are the English Language Requirements?

Applicants for the Subclass 485 visa must demonstrate competent English. The Department of Home Affairs accepts scores from several recognised English language tests. The minimum scores are listed below.

(Source: Department of Home Affairs, immi.homeaffairs.gov.au)

Your test results must be valid at the time of your visa application. Scores from tests taken more than 36 months before your application date are generally not accepted. Certain passport holders from English-speaking countries may be exempt from providing test scores; check the Department of Home Affairs website for the current list of exempt nationalities.

What Are the Study Requirements in Detail?

The Australian Study Requirement is one of the most important criteria for the 485 visa. It ensures that the visa is reserved for genuine graduates of Australian institutions. Here is what the requirement entails:

• CRICOS registration: Your course must be registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). Non-CRICOS courses do not qualify.
• Duration: The course must be at least 2 academic years in duration. The Department of Home Affairs defines this as a minimum of 92 weeks of registered study, though actual study duration may be shorter due to credit exemptions or accelerated study. What matters is that the course is registered as a 2-year course.
• Study in Australia: You must have completed the course while physically present in Australia. Online study completed overseas generally does not count toward this requirement.
• Timing: The course must have been completed within the 6 months immediately before lodging your visa application. (Source: Department of Home Affairs, immi.homeaffairs.gov.au)
• English instruction: The course must have been conducted in English.

If you have completed multiple shorter courses that together amount to 2 academic years, these may count if they meet the other criteria. However, it is safest to consult the Department of Home Affairs guidelines or a registered migration agent for your specific circumstances.

How Do You Apply for the Subclass 485 Visa Step by Step?

Applying for the 485 visa is done entirely online through the Department of Home Affairs ImmiAccount system. Follow these steps to prepare and lodge your application.

1. Confirm your eligibility. Review all requirements (age, study, English, health insurance, student visa status) before you start. Ensure your course completion letter is available and dated within the 6-month window.
2. Gather your documents. You will need:
   • A valid passport
   • Course completion letter or Australian qualification certificate
   • Academic transcript
   • English language test results (IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL iBT)
   • Evidence of Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) or equivalent
   • Police clearance certificates (if required)
   • Health examination results (you may be asked to complete a medical after lodging)
3. Create or log in to your ImmiAccount. Visit the Department of Home Affairs website at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au and access your ImmiAccount. If you do not have one, create a new account.
4. Complete the online application form. Select the Subclass 485 visa and the appropriate stream. Fill in all personal, educational, and employment details accurately.
5. Upload supporting documents. Attach certified copies of all required documents. Ensure files meet the size and format requirements specified by the system.
6. Pay the visa application fee. The fee is payable online by credit card, debit card, or other accepted payment methods. The current fee amount is published on the Department of Home Affairs website and is subject to change.
7. Submit and wait. After submitting, you will receive an acknowledgement with a Transaction Reference Number (TRN). You can track your application status through your ImmiAccount.
8. Respond to any requests. The Department may ask for additional information, a health examination, or further documentation. Respond promptly to avoid processing delays.

You must be in Australia at the time of application and at the time the visa is granted. (Source: Department of Home Affairs, immi.homeaffairs.gov.au)

What Are the Current Processing Times?

Processing times for the Subclass 485 visa vary depending on the stream, the completeness of your application, and the overall volume of applications being assessed. The Department of Home Affairs publishes indicative processing times on its website and updates them regularly.

As a general guide, many 485 visa applications are processed within several months of lodgement. However, applications that are incomplete, require additional documentation, or involve complex character or health assessments can take significantly longer.

To minimise delays:

• Submit a complete application with all required documents from the outset.
• Respond to any departmental requests within the timeframe specified.
• Ensure your health examinations and police clearances are current and valid.

While your 485 visa application is being processed and you hold a valid Bridging Visa, you may be entitled to work in Australia. Check the conditions of your bridging visa carefully. (Source: Department of Home Affairs, immi.homeaffairs.gov.au)

What Work Rights Does the 485 Visa Provide?

One of the strongest features of the Subclass 485 visa is its work rights. Once granted, the visa entitles you to:

• Full-time, unrestricted work for any employer in Australia. Unlike the student visa, there is no cap on weekly working hours. (Source: Department of Home Affairs, immi.homeaffairs.gov.au)
• Freedom to change employers at any time. You are not tied to a specific employer or occupation.
• Freedom to study if you choose, although the visa is primarily a work visa.
• Travel rights. You can travel in and out of Australia during the visa’s validity. However, time spent outside Australia does not extend your visa duration.

These unrestricted work rights make the 485 visa particularly attractive for graduates seeking to build professional experience in the Australian labour market. Many graduates use this period to gain the skilled employment experience needed to qualify for permanent skilled migration.

How Does the 485 Visa Provide a Pathway to Permanent Residency?

The Subclass 485 visa is not itself a permanent visa. However, it is widely regarded as one of the most effective stepping stones toward Australian permanent residency (PR). Here is how the 485 visa fits into the broader migration pathway:

Building Points for Skilled Migration

Australia’s general skilled migration programme operates on a points-based system. Under visas such as the Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent), Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated), and Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional), applicants are assessed against criteria including age, English proficiency, educational qualifications, and work experience. The 485 visa gives you time to:

• Gain Australian work experience, which earns additional points on your skilled migration application.
• Improve your English score, as higher IELTS or PTE scores translate to more points.
• Obtain a skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your occupation.
• Secure state or territory nomination if applying for the Subclass 190 or 491.

Employer-Sponsored Pathways

During your time on a 485 visa, you may also find an employer willing to sponsor you for an employer-sponsored visa, such as the Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) or the Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme), which can lead directly to permanent residency.

Regional Advantages

Working and living in regional Australia on a 485 visa can unlock additional migration advantages, including bonus points for regional study and work, and eligibility for regional-specific visa pathways.

The 485 visa essentially provides a window of 2 to 4 years during which you can position yourself for a successful permanent residency application. Many graduates who plan strategically during their 485 visa period successfully transition to PR. (Source: Department of Home Affairs, immi.homeaffairs.gov.au)

Frequently Asked Questions