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Temporary Graduate Visa · Subclass 485
Graduate Visa
Subclass 485
The Temporary Graduate visa lets international students live and work in Australia after graduation. Three streams — post higher education, vocational, and regional — each with different stay periods and eligibility.
MARN: 2619317
Three Streams
Which 485 Stream Applies to You?
Your qualification level, institution location, and study type determine which stream you qualify for and how long you can stay.
Stream 1
Higher Education Stream
For bachelor degree, honours, masters, or doctoral graduates
The Higher Education stream is for international students who have recently completed a bachelor degree, graduate diploma, masters, or doctoral qualification at an Australian institution. This stream allows graduates to live and work in Australia to gain professional experience after their studies.
Key Benefits
- Live and work in Australia after graduation — no employer sponsorship required
- Unrestricted work rights during the visa period
- Visa length depends on the level and location of your qualification
- Opportunity to gain the work experience needed for skilled migration pathways
- Pathway to build your points profile for a 189, 190, or 491 visa
Basic Requirements
- Completed an eligible bachelor degree, honours, masters, or doctoral qualification
- Qualification must be from a registered Australian provider (CRICOS)
- Application lodged within 6 months of course completion
- Held a student visa (or bridging visa after a student visa) in the last 6 months
- Age 35 or under when you apply. Exceptions apply.
- English language requirement — at least competent English
- Health and character requirements
How long can you stay
- Bachelor degree (including honours) — 2 years
- Masters (coursework and extended) — 2 years
- Masters (research) — 3 years
- Doctoral degree — 3 years
- Graduate Diploma default stay period — 2 years, but it may be longer where previous study would have attracted a longer stay period
- Indian nationals under AI-ECTA: Bachelor degree (including honours) — 2 years
- Indian nationals under AI-ECTA: Bachelor degree with first class honours in STEM, including ICT — 3 years
- Indian nationals under AI-ECTA: Masters (coursework, extended and research) — 3 years
- Indian nationals under AI-ECTA: Doctoral degrees (PhD) — 4 years
- Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders may stay up to 5 years
📋 The visa starts on the date it is granted. You can travel in and out of Australia while it remains valid.
Stream 2
Post Vocational Education Work
For CRICOS-registered trade or vocational qualification graduates
The Post Vocational Education Work stream is for international students who have completed a trade or vocational qualification at a CRICOS-registered Australian institution. This stream supports graduates of certificate, diploma, or trade programs to work in Australia after their studies.
Key Benefits
- Work in Australia after completing a vocational or trade qualification
- Unrestricted work rights during the visa period
- 18-month visa period
- Time to pursue further study or build work experience for skilled migration
Basic Requirements
- Completed an eligible diploma, advanced diploma, or select certificate qualification
- Qualification from a CRICOS-registered institution in Australia
- Application lodged within 6 months of completing the course
- Held a student visa in the last 6 months before applying
- Age 35 or under when you apply. Exceptions apply.
- English language requirement
- Health and character requirements
📋 This stream grants an 18-month stay period. It is a good option for trade and vocational graduates looking to gain Australian work experience.
Stream 3
Second Post Study Work (Regional)
Additional post-study work time for regional study graduates
The Second Post Study Work stream provides an additional 2 years of post-study work rights to graduates who studied and completed their qualification in a regional or low-population area of Australia. This stream is available to those who have already held a Post Higher Education Work visa in this stream or through specified regional qualifications.
Key Benefits
- Additional up to 2 years of post-study work rights in Australia
- Rewards graduates who studied in regional Australia
- Unrestricted work rights during the visa period
- Extra time to build the skills, experience, and points for a regional PR visa (491 or 494)
Basic Requirements
- Held a Post Higher Education Work (Graduate visa) as a first grant
- Study and completion at a CRICOS institution in a regional or low-population area
- In Australia when applying
- English language requirement
- Health and character requirements
📋 Regional study can provide a significant advantage — additional up to 2 years on the 485, +5 to +15 points for regional nomination, and access to the 491 pathway.
After Your 485
Next Migration Steps
Your 485 visa is valuable time — use it to build work experience, meet points thresholds, and prepare your next visa application.
Ready to Apply for Your
Graduate Visa?
Book a migration assessment to confirm which stream applies to your qualification, check your eligibility, and plan your next steps.