Australia offers international students an excellent opportunity to stay and work after completing their studies through the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485).

This visa allows eligible graduates to gain valuable Australian work experience, improve career prospects, and potentially transition to permanent residency pathways.

In 2026, the Post-Study Work Visa remains one of the most important immigration options for international students who graduate from Australian institutions.

What is Australia’s Post-Study Work Visa (Subclass 485)?

The Australia Post-Study Work Visa (Subclass 485) is a temporary visa that allows international students who graduate from an Australian institution to live, work, and gain professional experience in Australia after completing their studies. Depending on the qualification level, graduates can stay and work in Australia for 18 months to 5 years.

This guide explains everything you need to know, including:

• Visa streams under Subclass 485
• Eligibility requirements
• Visa duration for different degrees
• Documents required
• Application costs
• PR pathway benefits

If you are planning to study in Australia or recently graduated, understanding the Post-Study Work Visa (PSW) is essential for planning your future.

What Is the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)?

The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) allows international students who have completed at least two years of study in Australia to remain in the country and work.

This visa is especially valuable because it provides:

• Full-time work rights
• Opportunity to gain Australian work experience
• Time to improve English and professional skills
• Potential pathway toward skilled migration visas

Many graduates use this visa to transition toward permanent residency pathways in Australia.

Students preparing their visa applications should also review the required documents here:
👉 Student Visa 500 Checklist (2026): Documents, Requirements & Step-by-Step Guide

Streams Under the 485 Visa (2026)

There are two main streams available under the Temporary Graduate Visa.

Post-Study Work Stream

This stream is designed for students who completed higher education degrees in Australia.

Eligible qualifications include:

Bachelor’s degree
Master’s degree
Doctoral (PhD) degree

Duration depends on the qualification level.

Post-Study Work Visa Duration

Bachelor’s Degree → 2–3 years
Master’s Degree → 3–4 years
PhD → 4–5 years

This stream is the most common pathway for international graduates.

Graduate Work Stream

The Graduate Work Stream is designed for graduates whose qualifications are related to occupations on Australia’s skilled occupation list.

Requirements include:

A qualification relevant to a skilled occupation
Skills assessment in the nominated occupation
Completion of an eligible course

The visa duration is typically 18 months.

Eligibility Requirements for Subclass 485 Visa

To apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa, applicants must meet several requirements.

Completed Eligible Australian Qualification

Students must complete at least two academic years of study in Australia.

The course must be registered under CRICOS.

Hold a Valid Student Visa

Applicants must apply for the 485 visa within six months of completing their course.

English Language Requirement

Applicants must provide evidence of English proficiency through tests such as:

IELTS
PTE Academic
TOEFL

Health Insurance Requirement

Applicants must maintain Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) during their stay in Australia.

Age Requirement

Applicants must usually be under 50 years of age when applying.

Documents Required for 485 Visa Application

Applicants must submit several documents to support their visa application.

Typical documents include:

Passport
Academic transcripts
Completion letter from the university
English test results
Police clearance certificate
Health insurance proof
Identity documents

Students should prepare documents carefully using this guide:
👉 Student Visa 500 Checklist (2026)

Cost of the 485 Visa (2026)

The application fee for the Temporary Graduate Visa is approximately:

AUD 1,895 (primary applicant)

Additional costs may include:

Health checks
Biometrics
Police certificates

Applicants should also plan finances carefully using this guide:
👉 How Much Money Do I Need to Study in Australia? (2026 Complete Budget Guide)

Processing Time for Subclass 485 Visa

Processing times vary depending on application complexity and documentation.

Typical processing times in 2026:

2–4 months for most applications.

Applicants should submit complete documentation to avoid delays.

Work Rights Under the 485 Visa

One of the biggest benefits of the Post-Study Work Visa is unrestricted work rights.

Graduates can:

Work full-time
Change employers freely
Work in any industry
Gain professional experience

Many students start working immediately after graduation.

Before graduation, students can work limited hours under the student visa. Learn more here:
👉 Australia Student Visa Working Hours 2026 (Rules, Salary & Job Options)

Best Jobs for Graduates on 485 Visa

Graduates commonly find employment in industries such as:

Information Technology
Engineering
Healthcare
Business and Finance
Construction
Education

Australian work experience gained under this visa can significantly improve future visa options.

How the 485 Visa Helps With Permanent Residency

The Temporary Graduate Visa is often used as a bridge toward skilled migration visas.

Benefits include:

Opportunity to gain Australian work experience
Ability to improve English test scores
Chance to meet skilled migration requirements
Employer sponsorship opportunities

Many graduates transition from the 485 visa to:

Skilled Independent Visa
Skilled Nominated Visa
Employer Sponsored Visa

Choosing PR-friendly courses increases your chances of long-term migration success.

You can explore these pathways here:
👉 Diploma to Degree Pathways in Australia (Best PR-Friendly Routes)

Tips to Increase Your 485 Visa Approval Chances

Graduates should follow these best practices.

Apply within the 6-month deadline
Ensure all academic documents are correct
Maintain valid health insurance
Prepare English test results early
Submit complete documentation

Careful preparation significantly improves visa approval chances.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for 485 Visa

Several common mistakes may cause delays or refusals.

Applying after the deadline
Missing documents
Expired English test results
Incorrect health insurance coverage

Students can avoid these mistakes by preparing early.

You can also learn about potential visa problems here:
👉 Australia Student Visa Rejection Reasons & How to Avoid Them (2026)

FAQ – Australia Post-Study Work Visa (Subclass 485)

What is the Post-Study Work Visa in Australia?

The Post-Study Work Visa (Subclass 485) allows international graduates to live and work in Australia after completing their studies.

How long can I stay on the 485 visa?

Depending on your qualification, the visa duration ranges from 18 months to 5 years.

Can I apply for PR after the 485 visa?

Yes. Many graduates use the 485 visa to gain work experience before applying for skilled migration or employer-sponsored visas.

Do I need a job to apply for the 485 visa?

No. A job offer is not required to apply for this visa.

Can family members join me on the 485 visa?

Yes. Eligible family members can be included in the visa application.

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