Temporary Graduate Visa (485)
Post-study work rights, current streams, age limits and English requirements for the 485 visa. Your bridge from study to permanent residency in Australia.
Key changes since 2024
Age limit 35 · IELTS 6.5 (5.5 each band) · New accepted English tests · AU$5,750 fee from 1 July 2026
Recent Changes
Stay updated with the latest policy changes affecting the 485 visa
Higher Application Fee
Base application charge for the main applicant is now AU$5,750
Source: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
English Test Changes
CELPIP, LANGUAGECERT Academic and the Michigan English Test added; PTE Academic scores recalibrated; Cambridge C1 Advanced no longer accepted
Source: legislation.gov.au (LIN 25/089)
Age Limit Reduced and Streams Renamed
Maximum age reduced from 50 to 35 (Hong Kong and BNO passport holders: under 50). Streams renamed Post-Vocational Education Work and Post-Higher Education Work
Source: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
Higher English Requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each band (or equivalent) now required
Source: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
485 Visa Streams Comparison
Choose the right stream based on your qualifications and goals
Post-Vocational Education Work Stream
Formerly the Graduate Work stream. For graduates with a vocational qualification closely related to an eligible occupation
Requirements
- Completed a CRICOS-registered course that meets the Australian study requirement
- Qualification closely related to an eligible nominated occupation
- Positive skills assessment for that occupation
- 35 or under (Hong Kong and BNO passport holders: under 50)
- IELTS 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each band (or equivalent)
Benefits
- 18 months of full work rights (5 years for Hong Kong and BNO passport holders)
- Can work for any employer
- Build experience toward skilled migration
- Time can count toward employment points
Post-Higher Education Work Stream
Formerly the Post-Study Work stream. For graduates with a bachelor degree or higher from an Australian institution
Requirements
- Bachelor degree or higher from an Australian institution
- Meet the Australian study requirement (at least 2 academic years of study)
- 35 or under (Hong Kong and BNO passport holders: under 50)
- IELTS 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each band (or equivalent)
- Apply within 6 months of completing your course
Benefits
- 2 years for Bachelor and Masters by coursework graduates
- 3 years for Masters by research and PhD graduates
- Longer stays for some passport holders (for example India and Hong Kong/BNO)
- Open work rights
- Pathway to permanent residency
Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream
An extra stay for graduates who studied and then lived in a regional area on their first 485 visa
Requirements
- Held a first Post-Higher Education Work stream visa
- Studied at a regional campus and lived in a regional area while holding the first 485
- 35 or under (Hong Kong and BNO passport holders: under 50)
- Meet health and character requirements
Benefits
- 1 or 2 additional years, depending on the regional area
- Rewards regional study and living
- Enhanced skilled migration prospects
- Access to regional visa pathways
Why the 485 Visa is Valuable
Strategic advantages for your permanent residency journey
Skilled Employment Points
Time on 485 visa counts toward skilled employment experience for points-tested visas
Regional Access
Move to regional areas to access additional state nomination points and opportunities
Professional Development
Gain Australian work experience and build professional networks
Permanent Residency Pathway
Bridge to skilled migration visas (189, 190, 491) or employer sponsorship
Important Considerations
Planning Ahead
Use your 485 visa time strategically - gain relevant work experience, improve English scores, and research state nomination opportunities for your permanent residency pathway.
Regional Opportunities
Consider moving to regional areas during your 485 visa to access additional points and state nomination opportunities for skilled migration visas.
Professional Networks
Build professional relationships and seek mentorship opportunities that can lead to employer sponsorship or valuable references for your permanent residency application.