Australia has long been a top destination for international students due to its high-quality education system, multicultural environment, and promising career opportunities. If you’ve completed your studies in Australia and are exploring ways to kickstart your professional journey, the 485 post study work visa could be your golden ticket. This visa offers a fantastic opportunity for international graduates to gain practical experience, improve their employability, and transition toward permanent residency. In this blog, we will explore how the 485 post study visa, particularly the 485 post study work stream, can serve as a powerful tool to shape your future in Australia.
The 485 post study work visa—officially known as the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)—is designed for international students who have recently graduated from an Australian educational institution. It provides these graduates with the ability to remain in Australia temporarily to gain work experience related to their field of study. This visa acts as a stepping stone from student life to professional employment in Australia, giving international graduates the opportunity to gain a competitive edge in the job market.
The 485 visa is divided into multiple streams, with the most popular being the Post Study Work stream. This stream is available to students who have completed a higher education degree such as a Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctorate from a CRICOS-registered Australian institution. Unlike the Graduate Work stream, the Post Study Work stream does not require a nominated occupation from the skilled occupation list, making it more accessible for a wide range of graduates.
This visa provides temporary full-time work rights, enabling you to gain hands-on industry experience, build a professional network, and strengthen your eligibility for permanent residency options in the future. The duration of the visa typically ranges from 2 to 4 years, depending on the qualification level, and it also allows for dependent family members to join you in Australia.
If you’re aiming to stay in Australia after your studies, the 485 post study work visa offers a flexible, practical, and valuable opportunity to bridge the gap between academic achievement and long-term career success.
Application completeness: Missing documents or incorrect details can lead to delays or even refusals.
Health checks and police clearances: If these take longer to process or require additional information, they may delay your visa outcome.
Changes in immigration policies: Updates to visa rules or criteria can impact timelines.
Volume of applications: During peak graduation seasons, processing may take longer due to higher demand.
Submit all required documents upfront, including identity, academic, and visa-related paperwork.
Provide genuine and verifiable educational qualifications from CRICOS-registered institutions.
Ensure you meet English language requirements through tests like IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL.
Maintain adequate Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) or other appropriate insurance for the duration of your stay.
Apply early, preferably as soon as you become eligible (within six months of course completion).
Being proactive, thorough, and organized with your application will help avoid unnecessary delays and improve your chances of a smooth and timely visa outcome.
This visa is particularly popular among students who want to gain valuable work experience in Australia, which may later help them transition to permanent residency.
The 485 visa is divided into two main streams:
Post-Study Work Stream – for international students who have recently graduated with a higher education degree from an Australian institution.
Graduate Work Stream – for graduates with skills and qualifications that relate to an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List.
Depending on the stream and your qualification level, the visa can be granted for up to 2 to 4 years. This visa also allows applicants to bring eligible family members to Australia.
Post Study Work Visa 485 Requirements To be eligible for the Post Study Work Visa Subclass 485, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Hold an eligible visa – Typically, applicants must hold a valid student visa or have held one within the last 6 months before applying.
Be under 50 years of age – Applicants must not have turned 50 at the time of application.
Have completed a CRICOS-registered course – The course must be registered with the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students and be at least 2 academic years in duration.
Meet English language requirements – You must demonstrate English proficiency through accepted tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE. Minimum score requirements apply.
Have adequate health insurance – You must have a valid Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) or an adequate alternative health insurance policy in place.
Meet Australian study requirements – The course should have been completed in no less than 16 calendar months while holding a valid visa in Australia.
Apply within 6 months of course completion – Your application must be submitted within six months of receiving your final course results or graduation date.
Provide evidence of character and health checks – Police clearance certificates and health examinations may be required as part of the application process.
It’s highly advisable to consult a registered migration agent or legal professional to ensure you meet all the Post Study Work Visa 485 requirements accurately and avoid missing any critical documentation or deadlines that may affect your visa outcome.
Bachelor’s Degree: Up to 2 years
Master’s by Coursework: Up to 2 years
Master’s by Research: Up to 3 years
Doctorate: Up to 4 years
Additional years may be granted for those studying in regional areas or under specific government policies.
You can apply for the 485 visa post study work stream if you:
Completed a higher education degree in Australia
Meet Australian study and residency requirements
Have held a student visa in the last 6 months
Are applying for your first Temporary Graduate Visa
The temporary graduate visa Australia offers different streams, so ensure you apply under the correct one that aligns with your educational background.
To maximise your chances of building a successful career during your 485 visa period, consider the following strategies:
Australian employers are increasingly aware of the 485 post study visa and its benefits. It allows them to hire qualified, locally-educated candidates without going through sponsorship processes immediately. Demonstrating your eligibility and readiness to work full-time under this visa can make you an attractive candidate.
Missing deadlines: Apply within the 6-month window post-graduation.
Incorrect stream selection: Choose the right stream based on your course.
Lack of job search preparation: Have your resume and LinkedIn profile ready.
Avoiding these mistakes ensures a smooth start to your Australian career.
The 485 post study work visa is more than just a temporary extension of your stay in Australia; it’s a career-launching platform. Whether you’re exploring entry-level jobs, gaining industry experience, or working toward permanent residency, this visa is an invaluable asset for international graduates.
Make sure to plan strategically, stay compliant with visa conditions, and use every opportunity to enhance your skills and networks. The Australian job market is full of potential—grab it with both hands and let your 485 visa be the stepping stone to a successful future!
1. Can I apply for the 485 visa more than once?
No, the post study work visa subclass 485 can only be granted once as a primary applicant.
2. What is the cost of the 485 post study visa?
The visa application charge starts from AUD 1,895 (as of 2025) for the primary applicant, but it may vary.
3. Can I bring my family on a 485 visa?
Yes, you can include your spouse and dependent children in your application.
4. What happens when my 485 visa expires?
You may transition to another visa type, such as skilled migration or employer-sponsored visa, depending on your eligibility.
