Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)
Post-study work rights for recent international graduates of Australian institutions.
Official Australia pageWho this route is for
Recent graduates of eligible Australian qualifications who want to live, work and gain experience in Australia after study. Main streams: Post-Higher Education Work and Post-Vocational Education Work.
Eligibility requirements
- Recently completed an eligible CRICOS-registered Australian qualification meeting the Australian study requirement.
- Be under 35 at time of application for most applicants (reduced from 50 on 1 July 2024); exceptions to 50 apply for Hong Kong/BNO passport holders and Masters-by-research/PhD graduates.
- English generally IELTS 6.5 overall with no band below 5.5, with the test taken within 1 year of application.
- Hold or have recently held an eligible student visa.
- Hold adequate health insurance; meet health and character requirements.
Requirements reviewed June 2026. They change frequently — confirm the current rules on the official page before relying on them.
Recent changes & caveats
Major changes from 1 July 2024: age limit dropped from 50 to 35 for most applicants, English raised to IELTS 6.5, English test validity tightened to 12 months, and the old 'Graduate Work' stream was renamed/restructured into Post-Vocational Education Work. Post-study extensions for some regional graduates were wound back.
Other Australia routes
Student visa (subclass 500)
TemporaryThe single visa for studying full-time at a registered (CRICOS) Australian institution, with limited work rights.
Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) - Points-tested stream
PermanentThe flagship 'no sponsor needed' permanent visa: score enough points, get invited, then live and work anywhere in Australia.
Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)
PermanentPoints-tested permanent residence with a state/territory nomination that adds 5 points and can rescue a borderline score.
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)
ProvisionalA 5-year regional provisional visa worth a big +15 points, designed as a stepping stone to PR via subclass 191.