Post-Higher Education Work Stream (subclass 485)
Graduate visa advice after qualifying Australian degree-level study. Understand age exceptions, eligible Graduate Diplomas, stay periods and required application evidence.
- Status
- Temporary
- Standard stay
- Usually two or three years, depending on the qualification; nationality and passport exceptions apply
- Age
- Usually 35 or under; specific research-degree and Hong Kong/BNO exceptions allow applicants under 50
- Primary application
- In Australia
- Decision location
- In or outside Australia
- Skills assessment
- Not generally required for this stream
Temporary graduate work after qualifying Australian higher education studies.
Important limitations
- For first-stream applications, required English evidence, adequate health insurance and evidence of an AFP check application must be provided at lodgement. Home Affairs says the AFP check must have been applied for within the preceding 12 months and no later than the day before the visa application—not on the same day. Check all applicable evidence and validity requirements before lodging.
- Standard stay periods are not universal: bachelor’s and coursework/extended master’s generally attract two years; research master’s and doctoral degrees generally attract three. Eligible Indian nationals and Hong Kong/BNO passport holders have different arrangements.
- Eligible Graduate Diploma stay periods require assessment of the preceding qualification and current rules.
- Subclass 485 is temporary and does not guarantee employment, a skilled invitation, sponsorship or permanent residency. Any later visa requires its own eligibility assessment.
Before you rely on this page
Check the stream-specific age rule, completion window and visa history before lodging. Evidence required at application cannot simply be assumed to be supplied later. Booking does not lodge a visa application, extend your visa or protect an application deadline.
Key requirements
- Complete an eligible qualification from a CRICOS-registered course, including qualifying bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral study.
- A Graduate Diploma can qualify where it is completed in the same or next academic year as an eligible successfully completed qualification and the study is related. Not every Graduate Diploma qualifies.
- Be 35 or under unless an exception applies. Applicants using a research master’s or doctoral degree for the study requirement, and eligible Hong Kong/BNO passport holders, may apply while under 50.
- Be in Australia for the primary application and hold an eligible visa. Meet the relevant Student visa history requirements, including having held one within the last six months.
- Meet the Temporary Graduate visa study requirement and the relevant qualification completion window, generally the six months before application.
- Meet the applicable English, health, character and identity requirements, and have adequate health insurance.
What this allows
- Live, work and study temporarily, subject to the conditions.
- Include eligible family members and travel while the visa permits.
- Explore later skilled or employer-sponsored options on their own eligibility requirements.
Evidence to prepare
- Qualification, academic transcript, completion information and relevant CRICOS course records.
- Current visa details and Student visa history.
- Required English evidence, health insurance and evidence of an AFP check application, with timing checked before lodgement.
- Identity and any eligible family relationship records. These are application records, not prerequisites for booking a consultation.
- Where relying on a Graduate Diploma, records of the preceding eligible qualification, completion academic years and relationship between the studies.
- Evidence supporting a research-degree, nationality or passport exception if relied on.
How the process works
- Assess the qualification sequence, age, visa history and study requirement.
- Check the completion window and required English, AFP and insurance evidence before lodging.
- Prepare and lodge from the required location, then respond to Department requests.
- Review the actual stay period and conditions and assess future pathways separately.
How we help
- Assess the relevant stream, study and visa history, application timing and evidence.
- Prepare the migration application and explain the actual visa conditions if granted.
- Assess later GSM or employer-sponsored options separately; this is migration advice, not course placement.
Related services
General information, not an individual eligibility assessment. Requirements, charges and processing times change and are not promised. Official sources:
About Post-Higher Education Work (485)
Certain Graduate Diplomas can qualify where related to a previously completed eligible qualification and completed in the same or next academic year. The whole study history and current criteria must be checked.
No. Coursework/extended master’s generally attract two years and research master’s three years, with nationality-specific exceptions. Do not assume one duration for all graduates.
Employment is not a general prerequisite for this stream. You must still satisfy all relevant visa criteria.
Not generally for this stream. A later GSM or employer-sponsored pathway may have separate assessment requirements.
Only if an available pathway independently permits it, such as an eligible Second Post-Higher Education Work application. The first visa cannot simply be extended.
Your matter:
Post-Higher Education Work Stream.
Selected service · Post-Higher Education Work Stream
A consultation assesses your circumstances, discusses realistic options and outlines possible next steps. It is not a visa or review application and not a representation agreement. Any further work, its scope and fees are agreed separately.
- 01Book your appointment
Choose an available appointment time and check the details before confirming.
Book appointment (opens booking page in a new tab) - 02Complete the visitor registration form
After booking, add your details and circumstances for your post-higher education work stream consultation.
Complete registration form (opens in a new tab) - 03Attend your consultation
Appointments are normally by phone, via Zoom, or in person at our Melbourne office. Follow your appointment confirmation for the arrangements.
Urgent matter or approaching deadline? Call our office on 03 9620 3195 or mobile +61 415 997 528.Message (SMS)WhatsAppA booking does not lodge anything, preserve rights or extend a deadline.