Post-Higher Education Stream
For graduates of Australian Bachelor, Masters or Doctoral degrees, with full work rights to gain professional experience for around 2 to 3 years.
Post-Study Pathways
Graduate Visas.
Maximise your post-study stay with a Subclass 485 Graduate Visa. Our MARA-registered agents provide expert guidance on the Post-Higher Education and Post-Vocational Education streams, helping you secure your bridge to Australian permanent residency.
2 streams to assess
Stepping stone to PR
MARA Agent #1688088
Why apply for a 485 visa
Turn your Australian qualification into Australian experience.
For most international graduates, the 485 visa is the natural next step after study - a temporary, work-rights visa that buys time to build the experience, test results and points profile that future skilled visas reward.
Post-Vocational Education Stream
For graduates with trade or diploma qualifications relating to occupations on the skilled occupation list, typically for around 18 months.
Pathway To Skilled Visas
Time on a 485 visa can be used to complete a skills assessment, sit English tests and accumulate skilled employment for the 189, 190, 491 or 482 visas.
Family Inclusion
Your spouse or de facto partner and dependent children can generally be included as secondary applicants on your 485 application.
Multiple Entry Travel
485 visa holders generally hold multiple entry permission, allowing travel in and out of Australia for the life of the visa.
Time To Plan Your Strategy
Rather than rushing into the first available option, the 485 gives you breathing room to plan a genuinely competitive long-term migration pathway.
From graduation to your next visa
Built for recent graduates with a plan.
The 485 visa works best when treated as a strategic stage, not just an extension of your stay. We help you map which skills assessment, English test and work experience milestones to target during your 485 period.
Eligibility essentials
Six benchmarks every 485 applicant must clear.
The 485 visa has firm timing and study requirements that can be easy to miss if you are juggling the end of your course with work and life plans. We check each of these benchmarks against your CoE, transcript and visa expiry date.
CRICOS Study
Completion of an eligible course at a CRICOS registered Australian institution, at the appropriate AQF level for your chosen stream.
Age Benchmark
You must be under 50 years of age at the time of your application lodgement, with policy settings reviewed periodically.
Character & Health
Evidence of health examinations and police clearances, including Australian Federal Police checks and relevant overseas clearances.
Application Timing
Your application must be lodged within 6 months of your course completion date, calculated from your official completion documentation.
English Ability
Meeting competent English benchmarks through IELTS, PTE or an equivalent test, with minimum overall and component scores.
Substantive Visa
You must hold an eligible student visa within the 6 months prior to application, ensuring a lawful transition from study to work status.
Transition strategy
The 485 visa journey, step by step.
Timing is everything with the 485 visa. We work backward from your student visa expiry and course completion letter to make sure every step happens within the required windows.
Course Completion
Securing your official completion letter and final academic transcript from your CRICOS provider.
Stream Selection
Choosing between the Post-Higher Education and Post-Vocational Education streams based on your qualification.
Skills Assessment
Where required, technical verification of your qualifications against your nominated occupation.
Document Preparation
Compiling evidentiary requirements, including English proficiency results and identity verification.
Health & Character
Lodgement of your Australian Federal Police check and completion of required medical exams.
Application Submission
Final review and lodgement of your 485 visa through ImmiAccount within 6 months of completion.
Visa Grant
Receipt of your visa approval notice and the commencement of your full Australian work rights.
Plan Your Next Visa
Using your 485 period to build skilled experience, assessments and points ahead of your next application.
Apply before your current visa expires
Australian graduate visa policies are subject to frequent legislative updates. Meeting these base requirements is the first step; a custom professional strategy, confirmed against your date of birth and qualification, is what ensures success.
Choosing your stream
Post-Higher Education vs Post-Vocational at a glance.
Your qualification level and field of study determine which stream applies. We confirm which one matches your award before lodging.
| Feature | Post-Higher Education Stream | Post-Vocational Education Stream |
|---|---|---|
| Who it suits | Graduates of an eligible Bachelor, Masters or Doctoral degree | Graduates with trade, diploma or vocational qualifications |
| Occupation requirement | No occupation requirement | Qualification must relate to an occupation on the skilled occupation list |
| Visa length | Around 2 to 3 years, varying by qualification level | Typically around 18 months |
| Work rights | Full work rights | Full work rights |
| Typical use case | The most common stream for university graduates | Vocational or trade qualifications aligned to a listed occupation |
Official resources
Useful links before you start.
These official Home Affairs pages are a useful starting point for understanding the 485 visa and the Australian Study Requirement. We help interpret the rules against your actual course, campus location and timeline.
Common 485 risks
- Applying outside the required window after final results and course completion.
- Assuming a course meets the Australian Study Requirement without checking enrolment dates.
- Missing the age limit cut-off because of an outdated assumption about the maximum age.
- Choosing the wrong stream without confirming the occupation list match.
- Letting health insurance or substantive visa status lapse between visas.
- Treating the 485 as an end goal rather than planning the next skilled visa step.
FAQ
Before you lodge a 485 visa.
Technical analysis and expert answers to help you navigate your transition from an Australian qualification to full professional work rights.
01How long can I stay on a 485 Graduate visa?
The duration depends on your stream. The Post-Vocational Education Stream typically provides around 18 months, while the Post-Higher Education Stream can offer longer stays depending on qualification level.
02Can I apply for permanent residence while on a 485 visa?
Yes. The 485 visa is often used as a strategic bridge to permanent residency while you gain points, Australian work experience, or build toward an employer sponsorship pathway.
03What study qualifications are eligible for a 485 visa?
You must have completed a CRICOS-registered course in Australia for at least 2 academic years. Eligible qualifications include higher education degrees and certain diploma or trade qualifications.
04Can my family join me on a Graduate visa?
Yes. You can include an eligible spouse, de facto partner and dependent children. They generally receive the same visa duration and linked rights.
05Do I need to work in my field of study?
Technically, no. But if you intend to apply for skilled migration later, relevant work experience in your field can be very important for points and skills assessment strategy.
Graduate. Work. Progress.
Ready to map your 485 pathway?
Send us your qualification, course completion date, current visa expiry and English test status. We will confirm which stream fits your circumstances and help you plan the experience and assessments you will need for your next visa.
Book a graduate consultation
MARA Registered Agent #1688088
Intel Migration Pty Ltd
West End, Brisbane QLD
