Overview
The Post-Higher Education Work stream is designed for international students who have recently completed a degree in Australia. It provides a bridge between your studies and your next steps, such as seeking permanent residency or gaining professional experience. You do not need an employer sponsor or a skills assessment to apply for this stream.
Who qualifies
To qualify, you must be aged 35 or under (with specific exceptions for PhD/Masters by research graduates and certain passport holders). You must have held an eligible student visa and completed at least 2 academic years of study in Australia at a CRICOS-registered institution. You must apply within 6 months of your course completion date.
Application steps
- 1
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Confirm you meet the age, study, and English language requirements for the Post-Higher Education Work stream.
- 2
Step 2: Gather Documents
Collect all required evidence, including your degree completion documents, police checks, and proof of health insurance.
- 3
Step 3: Take English Test
Ensure you have valid English test results that meet the current minimum requirements.
- 4
Step 4: Lodge Application
Submit your application through the Department of Home Affairs online portal within 6 months of your course completion.
- 5
Step 5: Pay Fees
Pay the required visa application fee at the time of lodgement.
Required documents
- Valid passport
- Evidence of health insurance (OVHC)
- Australian Federal Police check
- Academic transcripts and completion letter
- English language test results (e.g., IELTS, PTE Academic)
PR, family, language & arrival
Path to longer stay / PR
While this visa is temporary, it provides the time to gain Australian work experience, improve English proficiency, or find an employer sponsor, which are often critical components for points-tested permanent residency pathways.
Family options
You may include eligible family members (spouse and dependent children) in your application, provided they meet health and character requirements.
Language notes
Applicants must meet specific English language proficiency standards. Accepted tests include IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, OET, and others as specified by the Department of Home Affairs.
After arrival
Once granted, you have full work rights and can live and travel freely in and out of Australia for the duration of your visa.
Common pitfalls
- Applying after the 6-month deadline from course completion.
- Applying under the wrong stream (e.g., confusing Post-Higher Education with Post-Vocational).
- Failing to provide a valid, recent Australian Federal Police check.
- Not having adequate health insurance (OVHC) at the time of application.
FAQs about Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) - Post-Higher Education Work stream
Who is the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) - Post-Higher Education Work stream for?+
Recent international graduates who have completed a degree-level qualification at a CRICOS-registered Australian institution and wish to gain local work experience.
What are the eligibility requirements for Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) - Post-Higher Education Work stream?+
To qualify, you must be aged 35 or under (with specific exceptions for PhD/Masters by research graduates and certain passport holders). You must have held an eligible student visa and completed at least 2 academic years of study in Australia at a CRICOS-registered institution. You must apply within 6 months of your course completion date.
How much does the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) - Post-Higher Education Work stream cost?+
Typical fees listed for Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) - Post-Higher Education Work stream: AUD 5,750 (base application charge for primary applicant). Always confirm on the official government site.
How long does Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) - Post-Higher Education Work stream processing take?+
ImmigraPath currently lists processing time as: 50% within 30 days, 90% within 68 days.
How long can I stay on the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) - Post-Higher Education Work stream?+
2 to 3 years (varies by qualification level; longer for specific passport holders)
Can I work on the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) - Post-Higher Education Work stream?+
Full work rights; no restrictions on the type of work or number of hours.
Does Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) - Post-Higher Education Work stream lead to permanent residence in Australia?+
While this visa is temporary, it provides the time to gain Australian work experience, improve English proficiency, or find an employer sponsor, which are often critical components for points-tested permanent residency pathways.
What are common mistakes with Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) - Post-Higher Education Work stream?+
Applying after the 6-month deadline from course completion. Applying under the wrong stream (e.g., confusing Post-Higher Education with Post-Vocational). Failing to provide a valid, recent Australian Federal Police check.