What is a Temporary Graduate 485 Visa?
The Subclass 485 visa is tailored for international students who have recently completed a qualification from an Australian institution, giving the opportunity to live, work, and study further in Australia.
The visa offers a pathway for graduates to enter the Australian workforce and gain experience in their chosen field, opening up further opportunities for General Skilled or Employer-Sponsored migration.
The Graduate visa is split into two streams, depending on the level of qualification completed.
However, all applicants must meet the ‘Australian study requirement’, demonstrate sufficient English language ability, and pass health and character tests.
Post-Higher Education Work Stream (PHEW Stream)
Previously known as the Post-Study Work stream
This stream is available for students who have completed at least a Bachelor degree or higher in Australia.
The length of visa granted depends on the course undertaken:
- Bachelor degree (including honours) – up to 2 years
- Masters (coursework and extended) – up to 2 years
- Masters (research) and doctoral degree (PhD) – up to 3 years
Applicants in this stream must be 35 years of age or under, unless they completed a Masters by research or doctoral degree (PhD), or are a Hong Kong passport holder. This cohort can be up to 50 years of age.
Post-Vocational Education Work Stream (PVEW Stream)
Previously known as the Graduate Work stream
This stream is available for students who have completed at least an associate degree, diploma or trade qualification in Australia.
Applicants must:
- be 35 years of age or younger, or under 50 years of age if a Hong Kong passport holder
- nominate an occupation on the Medium Long Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) that is closely related to their qualification
- obtain a positive skill assessment in their nominated occupation – evidence of applying for the skill assessment must be provided at the time of lodgement
The Post-Vocational Education stream visa is granted for a period of 18 months. Hong Kong passport holders may be able to stay for up to 5 years.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Australian Study Requirement?
Students must demonstrate that they have been awarded at least one degree, diploma or trade qualification and:
- it was a CRICOS-registered course
- all course requirements have been successfully completed
- study was in English
- the course required at least two academic years (92) weeks study
- the course was completed in Australia in not less than 16 calendar months
- the applicant held a valid Student visa.
How do I meet the English language requirement for a Graduate Visa?
The Graduate visas require a level of English that is slightly higher than Competent level English, as follows:
IELTS – Overall score of at least 6.5 with a minimum score of 5.5 for each of the 4 parts.
TOEFL iBT (completed after 4 May 2024) – Total score of at least 83 with a minimum score of:
- 7 for listening
- 8 for reading
- 18 for writing and
- 16 for speaking.
PTE Academic – Overall score of at least 57 with a minimum score of:
- 43 for listening
- 48 for reading
- 42 for speaking and
- 51 for writing.
OET – At least B for each of the 4 parts.
Cambridge C1 Advanced – Overall at least 176 with a minimum score of at least 162 in each of the 4 test components.
Tests must be undertaken within 12 months before the application is lodged. Results older than 12 months will not be accepted.
Can Graduate Visas be extended?
It is only possible to be the primary holder of a 485 visa once in a lifetime, unless eligible for a Second Post-Higher Education Work stream visa which acts as an ‘extension’ of the first visa. The applicant must have completed their studies in regional Australia and have lived in regional Australia for at least 2 years before applying. The Second PHEW visa is valid for 1 or 2 years, depending on the course of study complete.
Can I apply for a 485 visa before graduation?
It is possible to apply for the Graduate visa before you have attended your graduation ceremony, provided your school or college has confirmed that you have met the course requirements and completed your course of study.
Applicants are generally provided a ‘letter of completion’ which confirms course enrolment dates and that the student has met course requirements for conferral of the degree, diploma, or trade qualification.
How long does a Graduate Visa take to process?
As of end March 2025, the Department of Home Affairs advises the following processing times:
Post-Higher Education Work (PHEW) stream – 12 to 45 days
Post Vocational Education Work (PVEW) stream – 78 days to 5 months