Post-Study Work Opportunities in Australia
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) is an important pathway for international students who wish to stay in Australia after completing their studies.
This visa allows graduates to live, work, and study in Australia temporarily, gain valuable local work experience, and prepare for future permanent residency pathways such as the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) or Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190).
At RR Patel Overseas And Education Private Limited, we help graduates make informed decisions and maximise the long-term value of their post-study stay in Australia.
Key Features of the Subclass 485 Visa
With the Temporary Graduate Visa, you can:
- Work full-time or part-time in Australia
- Gain Australian work experience relevant to your career
- Stay in Australia for a temporary period (duration depends on the stream)
- Use this visa as a stepping stone toward Permanent Residency
Streams Under the Subclass 485 Visa
1. Post-Vocational Education Work Stream
(Previously Graduate Work Stream)
This stream is for graduates whose qualifications are closely related to occupations on Australia’s skilled occupation list.
- Stay: Up to 18 months (longer in certain cases)
2. Post-Higher Education Work Stream
(Previously Post-Study Work Stream)
This stream is for graduates with higher education qualifications.
Stay duration depends on qualification:
- Bachelor’s Degree: Up to 4 years (selected courses may receive extensions)
- Master’s Degree: Up to 5 years (selected courses)
- PhD: Up to 6 years
3. Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream
This stream is for graduates who:
- Previously held a Post-Study Work 485 visa, and
- Completed their studies at a designated regional campus
- Stay: Additional 1–2 years, depending on the regional location
485 Visa Extensions for Selected Qualifications
The Australian Government has introduced two-year extensions for graduates with qualifications in areas of skills shortage, including:
- Nursing
- Allied Health
- Teaching
- Veterinary Science
- Engineering
- Information Technology (IT)
Examples of extended durations:
- PhD: Up to 6 years (from 4 years)
- Bachelor’s Degree: Up to 4 years (from 2 years)
- Master’s Degree: Up to 5 years (from 3 years)
Graduates who studied in regional Australia may also qualify for an additional 1–2 years of post-study work rights.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), you must:
- Be under 50 years of age
- Hold an eligible visa (such as a Student Visa)
- Have recently completed a qualification from a CRICOS-registered course
- Meet English language proficiency requirements
- Hold valid Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC)
- Meet Australian health and character requirements
How to Apply for Subclass 485 Visa
- Prepare Documents
Gather qualifications, completion letters, English test results, health insurance, and identification documents. - Submit Online Application
Lodge your application through the Department of Home Affairs portal. - Pay Visa Fees
Fees vary depending on the stream and individual circumstances. - Await Decision
Processing times depend on the stream and complexity of the application.
Estimated Fees & Processing Time
- Visa Fees: Vary by stream and applicant profile
- Processing Time: Depends on stream selection and document completeness
Why Choose the Subclass 485 Visa?
- Gain real-world Australian work experience
- Improve employability for skilled migration pathways
- Access extended post-study rights, especially in regional areas
- Build a structured pathway toward Permanent Residency
Why Choose RR Patel Overseas And Education Private Limited?
- Clear assessment of stream eligibility
- Strategic advice on 485 to PR pathways
- Accurate application preparation and submission
- Honest, long-term migration planning for graduates
Start Your Post-Study Journey in Australia
The Temporary Graduate Visa – Subclass 485 is a valuable opportunity to build your career, gain experience, and plan your future in Australia.
RR Patel Overseas And Education Private Limited is here to support you at every step of your post-study visa journey.
Book a consultation today and make the most of your Australian graduate pathway.
