How long is the subclass 485 visa valid for?

Under the Post-Higher Education Work stream it is generally 2 years after a bachelor's or a master's by coursework, and 3 years after a master's by research or a PhD. Vocational graduates get about 18 months. The old two-year extension for skills-shortage courses ended in 2024, so ignore older guides that still mention it.

Is there an age limit for the 485 visa?

You must usually be under 35 when you apply. Graduates of a master's by research or a PhD, and Hong Kong and British National (Overseas) passport holders, can apply up to age 49. Your age is assessed on the date you lodge, so timing matters if you are close to the limit.

What English score do I need for the 485 visa?

The Temporary Graduate visa requires IELTS 6.5 overall with no band below 5.5, or an accepted equivalent, taken within the 12 months before you apply. This is higher than the student-visa minimum, so plan ahead if staying to work is part of your goal.

Does studying in a regional area give extra time?

Yes. Studying at a regional campus and then living in a designated regional area can add 1 to 2 years through the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream. Regional study can also pair with scholarships like Destination Australia and may help with skilled-migration pathways.

Can the 485 visa lead to permanent residence?

Not directly. The 485 is a temporary visa, but many graduates use it to gain skilled work and then apply for PR through the points-tested Skilled Independent (189), Skilled Nominated (190), or employer-sponsored routes. PR has its own criteria and changes often, so consider a registered migration agent before planning around it.

Post-Study Work in Australia: Subclass 485 Guide 2026

Going from student to worker in Australia

One of Australia's biggest advantages is its post-study work program. After completing an eligible qualification, international graduates can stay and work full-time, build professional experience, and in some cases move toward permanent residence.

The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)

The 485 visa is the main route. Under the Post-Higher Education Work stream, it generally lets you live and work in Australia for:

2 years after a bachelor's degree (including honours)
2 years after a master's by coursework
3 years after a master's by research or a PhD

Vocational (VET) graduates apply under the Post-Vocational Education Work stream, which is usually 18 months. Note that the earlier two-year "extended" duration for select skills-shortage courses ended in 2024, so ignore older guides that promise it. Some nationalities have specific concessions (for example, under bilateral agreements), and Hong Kong and BN(O) passport holders receive longer durations, so check your own case.

Regional bonuses

Studying and living outside the main cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane) can unlock an additional 1 to 2 years through the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream, provided you studied at a regional campus and then lived in a designated regional area. Combined with the Destination Australia scholarship, regional study is one of the smartest budget plays for international students.

Requirements

Be under 35 when you apply (graduates of a master's by research or PhD, and Hong Kong and BN(O) passport holders, can apply up to age 49).
Complete an eligible CRICOS-registered qualification in Australia while holding a valid student visa.
Apply within 6 months of completing your course, while you are in Australia and hold a substantive visa.
Meet the English requirement of IELTS 6.5 (no band below 5.5), with a test taken in the 12 months before you apply, plus health and character requirements.
Meet the Genuine Graduate requirement, which asks you to show your study was genuine and that you intend to use your qualification.

Note that since 2024 you generally cannot switch from a 485 back to a student visa while onshore, so plan your study sequence before you finish. The 485 application charge is also substantial (around AUD 5,750 in 2026 for the main streams), and it changes, so confirm the current fee on the Department of Home Affairs website.

Pathways to permanent residence

Some graduates use the 485 to gain skilled employment and then move toward permanent residence through the Skilled Independent (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated (190), or employer-sponsored routes, plus state and territory nomination programs. Occupations on the skills-shortage lists, such as nursing, teaching, IT, engineering and some trades, tend to have the clearest paths. PR is a separate process with its own points test and criteria, and the rules change often, so consider advice from a registered migration agent (MARA) before you commit to a plan.

Practical tips

Choose a recognised, accredited course at a registered institution, since your post-study work rights depend on it.
Keep proof of everything: your CoE, transcripts, and your Australia study dates.
Start job-hunting in your first year, because Australian employers value local internships, networking and experience.

Sources: Department of Home Affairs, Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) streams, durations, age and English requirements; Study Australia (studyaustralia.gov.au). Fees, durations and age rules change frequently; verify on immi.homeaffairs.gov.au before applying.

Explore study options in Australia, or see how school, university and work connect in our Australia study pathways guide.