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Post Study Work Stream
Temporary Resident Visa
(Sub-Class 485)

After finishing their studies, international graduates can access the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa to live, study, and work permanently in Australia. The visa establishes a vital connection between educational activities and professional prospects while providing multiple advantages for obtaining work experience assessing potential permanent residency and enabling graduates to help the Australian skilled labor force.

As a prominent visa consultancy provider, Grace International supports candidates from beginning to end in their 485 Subclass Visa applications through individualised guidance that makes complex application procedures easier to navigate.

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What is a 485 Visa?


After completing their studies in Australia international graduates get the chance to stay permanently through the 485 Visa which serves as a temporary visa. Through this visa, people can access employment opportunities and further study with a student visa as well as prepare for both permanent residency and skilled migration pathways like skilled work regional visa and skilled independent visa. The 485 visa stands vital for Australian post-study migration because it lets graduates acquire work experience to strengthen their contributions to the national economy.

Benefits of the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)

The Subclass 485 Visa offers numerous advantages, including:



Experiencing genuine work situations that exist within the Australian work environment will become possible.

You create opportunities that lead the way to permanent immigration.

Family unit members qualify for inclusion in visa applications.

Creating business associations must include contacts across your industry field and wider expansive professional networks.

Visa holders can access multiple professional and educational possibilities.

Basic Eligibility of Temporary Graduate Visa


To qualify for the 485 Visa, applicants must meet the following requirements:


  • Applicants must be under 35 years old to qualify for consideration (exceptions might exist).
  • Successful applicants need to hold an eligible visa at the time of submission (a Student Visa serves as an example).
  • Students need to have graduated from a CRICOS-registered course within the past six months.
  • When applying select the proper stream because switches between streams are not possible.
  • The application requires all necessary supporting documents which include proof of health insurance and completed police checks.

English Language Requirements for the 485 Visa


Applicants must meet minimum English language proficiency standards. Accepted tests include IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE. For example, a PTE score of 50 overall is commonly required.

Students who study for their tests beforehand combined with preparatory courses improve their chances for successful outcomes. Guidance support from Grace International helps candidates successfully fulfil these requirements.

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Health and Character Requirements for the 485 Visa


The 485 Visa demands continuing valid health insurance coverage from applicants who need to submit to police verification and medical tests during their visa duration. Australian health and safety standards require all applicants to pass these tests.

Streams of 485 visa


The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) features distinctive streams that suit different types of qualifications together with purposeful objectives.

Post-Vocational Education Workstream


Graduates holding respective qualifications linked to skilled occupation list vocations can apply for this visa stream. With this visa, Australia grants temporary periods for you to live while also studying and engaging in work activities. You can also bring eligible family members.

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Eligibility Requirements

  • Be aged 35 years or under.
  • Be in Australia when applying.
  • Hold an eligible visa.
  • Your recent Australian student visa experience should stretch back at least six months.
  • You need to apply for an assessment of your professional skills in your selected occupation.
  • The applicant needs to show evidence of suitable health insurance together with completed Australian Federal Police checks.

Stay Period: Up to 18 months.
Cost: AUD 1,730.

Post-Higher Education Workstream


The stream targets educational finishers who earned bachelor’s, master’s or doctorate degrees.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Be aged 35 years or under.
  • Holders must possess a qualification that comes from a university registered within the CRICOS education framework.

Stay Period: An applicant can stay for up to 4 years based on their chosen qualification.
Cost: AUD 1,730.

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Second Post-Higher Education Workstream


The second Post-Higher Education Workstream welcomes Temporary Graduate Visa holders who earned their qualification at a regional Australian institution after using their first Post-Higher Education Workstream visa.

Stay Period: Additional 1–2 years.
Cost: AUD 660.

Which Stream Should You Apply For?


The second Post-Higher Education Workstream welcomes Temporary Graduate Visa holders who earned their qualification at a regional Australian institution after using their first Post-Higher Education Workstream visa.



Stream Qualification Type Duration Cost
Post-Vocational Education Trade qualifications Up to 18 months AUD 1,730
Post-Higher Education Bachelor's/Master's/PhD 2-4 years AUD 1,680
Second Post-Higher Education Regional Study Graduates 1-2 years AUD 650

For tailored advice, consult Grace International to make the best decision.

How do I Apply for a Post-Graduate Visa?


Step 1: Before You Apply

  • Check your visa conditions.
  • Arrange health exams.
  • Contact Grace International if you need help.

Step 2: Gather Your Documents

  • Identity Documents: Passport and ID.
  • Study Documents: Proof of CRICOS-registered qualification.
  • English Language Requirements: Test results.
  • Health Insurance and Character Checks: Valid documentation.
  • Translate all documents if necessary.

Step 3: Apply for the Visa

  • Use the ImmiAccount online system.
  • Provide the system with precise information together with all necessary documents.

Step 4: Wait for the Outcome

  • Visa processing durations differ between streams leading to processing times spanning 4 to 8 months.

Visa Processing time


The application processing duration extends from 4 to 8 months based on stream requirements and application clarity. Post-vocational education Workstream visas generally take 4–6 months, while Post-Higher Education Workstream visas may take 6–8 months. Ensure all documents are submitted to avoid delays.

Productivity will be delayed by inaccurate or non-compliant documents.

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485 Visa Extension


An extension of the 485 Visa allows graduates to stay longer, work, and study in Australia. To extend, applicants must:


  • Have held a previous Subclass 485 Visa.
  • Meet health, character, and other eligibility requirements.

Steps to apply include submitting a new application online and providing updated documentation.

Immigration authorities grant applicant extension periods under certain conditions including finishing their regional study program. Achievement of additional work and study duration through visa extensions helps individuals move ahead professionally by creating opportunities in skilled migrant programs.

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Start Your 485 Visa Journey the Right Way with Grace International


As a trusted partner, Grace International leads people through successful 485 Visa applications. Our company’s expert team manages 485 Visa application workflows from eligibility evaluations through all preparation work to deliver a smooth experience. We offer valuable insights regarding current application procedures and rules which help candidates obtain their targets through seamless processing.

Grace International guides Visa 485 candidates through a complex process by decreasing its complexity at each step. Through our experienced guidance personalized support and a strong history of visa application successes, Grace International provides clients with a streamlined visa journey.

Fulfilling your Australian dream becomes possible through our trusted partnership which includes steps from eligibility assessment to document preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The 485 visa establishes an entry for foreign students to gain valuable job experience while meeting official requirements for skilled migration.

The minimum term you can stay under this temporary visa is Two years, and the maximum term is four years. The exact years you can stay for based on your degree level in Australia are as follows:

  • Two years for a Bachelors Degree holder (including Honors)
  • Two years for a Masters Degree holder (Masters by Coursework)
  • Three years for a Masters Degree holder (Masters by Research)
  • Four years for a Doctoral Degree holder

If you are planning to stay longer than the allotted duration mentioned above, you cannot. On the other hand, there are other skilled work visas available that you might qualify for. Please reach out to us to find out what visa options you have for staying longer.

Yes, you have the option to add your family members while applying for this visa. Some essential things you need to know are as follows:

  • All your family members whom you add to the application will have to meet the requirements of health and character.
  • Your children can be added to the visa application during the decision period. In other words, if you do not add your children while applying for the visa in the first place, you can add them while your application is waiting for approval. However, keep in mind that you cannot add any other family members during this time after you file the visa application.
  • Likewise, after you get the visa, your family members can apply as subsequent entrants to join you in Australia.

To apply for the subclass 485 visa, you need to in Australia itself. However, you cannot be in immigration clearance at the time of application. Furthermore, if your visa gets approved, your family members applying as subsequent entrants can apply from anywhere. In other words, subsequent applicants do not have to be inside Australia to apply.

Yes, you can travel outside Australia. There is no limit on the number of times you can travel out of Australia and come back as long as your visa is valid. However, you cannot add the time you spend outside of Australia to extend your visa duration.

Skill assessment is needed only for the Post-Vocational Education Workstream.

Yes, there are no work-hour restrictions.

Yes, under specific circumstances like regional study completion.

Yes, studying is allowed in this visa scheme.

The main attractions of the 485 Visa include: job experience, career advancement and pathway to a permanent residency.

Yes, if eligibility criteria are not met or documentation is incomplete.