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Introduction

For international students looking to continue their career development after studying in Australia, the 485 visa provides valuable post-study work opportunities. This visa allows graduates to gain practical work experience in their field of study, making them more competitive in the job market. With the proper guidance and understanding of the visa requirements, international students can take advantage of the post-study work opportunities available in Australia. In this blog, we will explore the details of the 485 visa and how it can benefit international students seeking to kickstart their careers in Australia.

What Is the 485 Visa?

The 485 Visa, officially known as the Temporary Graduate Visa, is an Australian visa that allows international students to live, work, and study in Australia after completing their studies. It's designed for students who have finished a qualification in Australia and want practical work experience to boost their career.

This visa offers two main streams — the Graduate Work Stream and the Post Study Work Stream — each providing different lengths of stay depending on your qualification level. Many students choose the 485 Visa because it gives them real-world industry exposure, access to full work rights, and a potential pathway to skilled migration or permanent residency later on.

Streams Under the 485 Visa

The Temporary Graduate 485 Visa offers different streams so international students can choose an option that matches their qualifications and career goals. Each stream gives full work rights, but the stay duration and eligibility rules vary. Here's a simple breakdown to help you understand the main options:

1. Post-Study Work Stream

This stream is for students who completed a higher education degree, such as a bachelor's, master's, or PhD, in Australia. It offers the most extended stay, usually 2 to 4 years, depending on the qualification level. It's ideal for graduates who want professional experience, time to job-hunt, or pathways to skilled migration.

2. Graduate Work Stream

Designed for students who completed a vocational qualification linked to an occupation on the skilled list. This stream generally offers up to 18 months of stay. It suits those with trade qualifications or diploma-level studies who want hands-on work experience in their field.

3. Post-Study Work Extension Stream

This extension is for eligible graduates who studied in regional Australia. It provides 1 to 2 extra years on top of the Post Study Work Stream. It encourages students to live and work in regional areas where demand for skilled workers is high.

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485 Visa Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Temporary Graduate 485 Visa, international students must meet several key criteria set by the Australian Government. These requirements ensure that applicants have completed valid studies, hold the right visa status, and can meet health and character standards. 

1. Age Requirement

You must be under 50 years old at the time of application. This applies to all 485 visa streams.

2. Hold an Eligible Student Visa

You must have held a student visa within the last 6 months, usually subclass 500, and maintained valid visa conditions throughout your studies.

3. Completed an Eligible Qualification in Australia

You must have completed a CRICOS-registered course, such as a diploma, bachelor's, master's, or doctorate, depending on your chosen stream.

Your course must also meet the Australian Study Requirement, meaning it lasted at least 92 weeks and was completed over a minimum of 16 months in Australia.

4. Meet English Language Requirements

You'll need to show proof of English proficiency through tests such as IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL. Minimum scores vary by stream, but a functional or competent level of English is required.

5. Skills Assessment (For Graduate Work Stream Only)

Applicants under the Graduate Work Stream must have a positive skills assessment for an occupation listed on the Skilled Occupation List.

6. Health and Character Requirements

You must undergo required health examinations and meet Australian character standards, including providing police clearance certificates.

7. Hold Valid Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

At the time of application, you must have appropriate health insurance (OVHC after your student visa ends).

8. Apply Within Six Months of Completing Studies

Your 485 visa application must be lodged within 6 months of finishing your course or receiving your completion letter.

Post-Study Work Rights Duration

The 485 Visa gives international graduates the chance to stay in Australia and gain valuable work experience after completing their studies. The length of stay depends on the stream you apply for and the qualification level you've finished. Here's a clear and easy breakdown of how long you can remain in Australia under each option:

1. Post-Study Work Stream

This stream offers the longest stay for university graduates.

• Bachelor's Degree: up to 2 years
• Master's by Coursework or Research: up to 3 years
• PhD graduates: up to 4 years
• It's ideal if you want time to build your career or work toward permanent residency.

2. Graduate Work Stream

This option applies to those with vocational qualifications linked to skilled occupations.

• Duration is typically up to 18 months.
• This stream helps students gain industry-level experience in their trade or technical field.

3. Post-Study Work Extension Stream

For graduates who studied in regional Australia, an additional

• 1 to 2 years
• may be granted on top of the regular Post Study Work Stream duration.
• This extension encourages students to live and work in areas with skill shortages.

Required Documents for the 485 Visa

To apply for the Temporary Graduate 485 Visa, you must submit a set of documents that prove your identity, education, visa status, health, and eligibility. Here's a clear and simple list of what you'll need, making the process easier to understand:

1. Identity Documents

• Valid passport
• Birth certificate (if available)
• National identity card (optional)

2. Australian Study Documents

• Completion letter from your university or college
• Official academic transcripts
• Evidence that your course is CRICOS-registered
• Confirmation that you met the 92-week and 16-month study requirements

3. English Language Evidence

• IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, OET, or Cambridge test results
• Scores must meet functional or competent English levels, depending on your stream.

4. Health Insurance Documents

• Proof of Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) at the time of application
• Proof of Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) after your student visa expires

5. Character Documents

• Police clearance certificates from any country you have lived in for 12 months or more
• Australian Federal Police (AFP) check receipt.
• Form 80 or Form 1221 (if requested)

6. Skills Assessment (Graduate Work Stream Only)

• Positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority
• Evidence that your qualification is related to a listed skilled occupation

7. Relationship or Family Documents (If Applicable)

• Documents for spouse or dependent children
• Birth certificates or a marriage certificate
• Proof of genuine relationship (if adding partner)

8. Visa & Enrollment Records

• Current or expired student visa details
• Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE) history
• Academic attendance records (if requested)

Job Opportunities for 485 Visa Holders

The 485 Visa opens the door for international graduates to gain real work experience in Australia, often becoming the first significant step toward building a long-term career. Since this visa gives full work rights, you can explore a wide range of job opportunities depending on your qualifications, skills, and location. Here's a simple breakdown of the sectors and roles where 485 visa holders commonly find work:

Pathways to Permanent Residency After a 485 Visa

The 485 Visa is often the first significant step toward long-term migration in Australia. Once graduates gain local work experience, they become eligible for several PR pathways depending on their skills, job role, and location. Here's a simple breakdown of the main options:

1. Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189

This PR pathway is for highly skilled graduates who can reach enough points without needing a sponsor. Points depend on age, English level, qualifications, work experience, and occupation. Many 485 holders use their Australian work experience to increase their points significantly.

2. Skilled Nominated Visa Subclass 190

This visa requires sponsorship from an Australian state or territory. If your occupation is on a state's priority list and you meet their criteria, you can receive an invitation to apply. Graduates with in-demand skills and local Australian study experience often have a strong advantage.

3. Skilled Work Regional Visa Subclass 491

This is a pathway for graduates willing to live and work in regional Australia. It offers a five-year visa and a clear route to PR through the 191 visa. Many 485 holders choose this path because regions offer more invitations and faster processing.

4. Employer-Sponsored PR Subclass 186

If you secure a full-time skilled job and your employer is willing to sponsor you, you may qualify for the 186 PR visa. Having Australian work experience on a 485 visa often makes employers more confident in offering sponsorship.

5. Temporary Skill Shortage Visa Subclass 482

Graduates can transition from a 485 visa to a 482 (TSS) work visa if they get a job offer in a skilled occupation. After gaining work experience under the 482 visa, you may become eligible for PR through the 186 pathway.

6. Regional Employer Sponsored Visa Subclass 494

This is another option for those willing to work in regional areas. After three years on the 494 visa, you can apply for PR through the 191 visa. Regional employers often sponsor graduates due to talent shortages.

7. Partner Visa Pathway

If you are in a genuine relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, you may qualify for a partner visa leading to PR. This is a standard route for students who build long-term relationships during their studies.

Costs and Processing Times

Understanding the overall cost and expected waiting period for the 485 Temporary Graduate Visa helps you plan with confidence. Here's a clear and simple breakdown of what you can expect in terms of fees and timelines, so you know exactly how to prepare.

1. Visa Application Cost

The standard 485 visa application fee starts at around AUD 1,895 for the primary applicant.

Additional charges apply if you include a partner or dependent children. You may also need to budget for health checks, police certificates, English tests, and skills assessments, depending on your stream.

2. Graduate Work Stream Processing Time

Processing for this stream generally ranges between 6 and 9 months. Times may vary depending on application completeness, background checks, and assessment demands.

3. Post-Study Work Stream Processing Time

This stream is slightly quicker, with most applications being processed in 5 to 7 months. Submitting accurate documents and responding to requests quickly can speed things up.

4. Additional Cost Factors

You should also consider costs for:

• English language tests
• Medical examinations
• AFP police check
• Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC)
• These extra expenses usually add AUD 400 to 800, depending on your situation.

[Learn More: From the USA to Australia Discover the Steps to Secure Your PR]

Conclusion

The 485 Visa is one of the most valuable pathways for international students who want to build a future in Australia. It bridges the gap between graduation and long-term career growth by giving you the freedom to work full-time, gain real industry experience, and explore multiple pathways to permanent residency. Whether you choose professional roles, trades, healthcare, IT, hospitality, or research, the Australian job market offers plenty of opportunities for motivated graduates.

For many students, this visa becomes the stepping stone that transforms their time in Australia from a temporary study experience into a long-term career journey. If you plan wisely—choosing the right stream, gathering the proper documents, and building experience in your skilled field—the 485 visa can open doors to meaningful work, employer sponsorship, and eventually PR.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the 485 Visa in Australia?

The 485 Visa is a temporary post-study work visa that allows international graduates to stay and work in Australia after completing eligible qualifications. It helps students gain professional experience related to their field of study. This visa is especially valuable for those planning long-term careers or residency pathways in Australia.

2. What are the main streams under the 485 Visa?

There are two main streams: Graduate Work Stream and Post-Study Work Stream. The Graduate Work Stream is for students who completed skills-related qualifications, while the Post-Study Work Stream is for higher-education graduates like bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD holders. Your eligibility depends on the level and type of course you completed.

3. How long can I stay in Australia on a 485 visa?

The duration ranges from 18 months to 4 years, depending on your qualification level. Master’s by coursework and research programs often receive longer stays. PhD graduates may receive the maximum allowed duration.

4. What are the eligibility requirements for the 485 Visa?

You must have completed a CRICOS-registered course, meet the Australian study requirement, and apply within 6 months of finishing your studies. English proficiency and health insurance are also mandatory. You must also hold an eligible student visa during or immediately before the application period.

5. Can I work full-time on a 485 Visa?

Yes, the 485 Visa allows you to work full-time in Australia during your entire visa period. There are no restrictions on the type of job or employer. This flexibility enables graduates to gain hands-on experience in any industry.

6. Does the 485 Visa help in applying for Australian PR?

Yes, many students use the 485 Visa as a stepping stone toward Skilled Migration or employer-sponsored PR pathways. The work experience gained helps increase points for the points-tested PR system. It also gives you time to explore regional and skilled job opportunities.

7. What skills assessment is required for the Graduate Work Stream?

Applicants must obtain a provisional skills assessment from a relevant assessing authority. This ensures your qualification aligns with an occupation on the skilled occupation list. Without a positive skills assessment, the visa application cannot proceed under this stream.

8. Can I include family members in my 485 Visa application?

Yes, dependents such as your spouse or children can be added to the application. They will receive the same visa duration and rights as the primary applicant. All dependents must meet health and character requirements.

9. Do I need health insurance for the 485 Visa?

Yes, you must hold adequate Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) for the entire duration of the visa. Without proper health insurance, your application may be refused. It must remain active until your visa expires.

10. When should I apply for the 485 Visa?

You should apply within six months of completing your course and before your student visa expires. Applying early reduces the risk of visa gaps or last-minute delays. Your course completion date is the key timeline marker—not your graduation ceremony date.

11. Can I study further while holding a 485 Visa?

Yes, you can study without restrictions while on a 485 Visa. Many students enroll in short courses, professional training, or English improvement programs. This helps strengthen future job and PR prospects.

12. What post-study work opportunities exist for 485 Visa holders?

Graduates can find work in sectors like IT, engineering, healthcare, business, education, and hospitality. Employers often value the practical experience students gained during their studies. The visa allows you to build industry connections and improve your professional profile.