Post-Study Work Visa
Post-Study Work Visa (Subclass 485) – Your Pathway to Career and Permanent Residency in Australia
“The Post-Study Work Visa in Australia opens the door to real-world employment opportunities and is a crucial step toward long-term settlement. Learn about eligibility requirements, visa benefits, and the application process below.”
What is the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)?
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) allows international students who have recently graduated from an Australian institution to remain in the country to work, study, or travel.
The visa duration depends on your completed qualification and the stream you apply under. There are three main streams:
- Post-Vocational Education Work stream
- Post-Higher Education Work stream
- Second Post-Higher Education Work stream
Am i eligible?
To be eligible for a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), you must meet the following criteria:
- Be under 35 years of age
- Have completed at least two academic years (92 weeks) of study in Australia under a valid Student Visa (Subclass 500)
- Apply within six months of course completion
- Meet the English language requirement (IELTS overall 6.5, no band less than 5.5, or equivalent)
- Hold valid Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC)
- Have a clean criminal record
- Some streams may require a positive skills assessment in a nominated occupation
Key benefits of the graduate visa
Holding a Temporary Graduate Visa comes with several valuable advantages:
- Remain in Australia after graduation to gain professional experience
- Work full-time with no restriction on hours
- Option to pursue further study
- Eligible to include dependent family members (partner/spouse and children)
- Pathway to long-term visas and permanent residency if you meet migration criteria
What documents do I need?
To apply for the Subclass 485 visa, you’ll need the following:
- Valid passport and previous Student Visa (Subclass 500)
- Graduation certificate and academic transcript
- Completion Letter from your education provider
- English language test results
- Valid OVHC insurance
- Police clearance certificate
- Health examination results
- Skills assessment (if applying under the Graduate Work stream)
How much does it cost?
- Post-Vocational and Post-Higher Education Work streams: AUD $2,235
- Second Post-Higher Education Work stream: AUD $880
How long does it take to process?
Processing times vary based on the stream and application volume. On average, it may take between 3 to 12 months.
>> The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) is your golden opportunity to transition from student life to a professional career and potential permanent residency in Australia. Let NextGem guide you through each step of your post-study journey with expert advice and personalised support.