POST-HIGHER EDUCATION WORK STREAM

What is Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) Post-Higher Education Work stream

The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) Post-Higher Education Work stream is a visa for international students who have recently graduated from an Australian educational institution with a higher education degree. This visa allows them to live, work, and study in Australia temporarily. It provides an opportunity for graduates to gain practical work experience in their field of study, enhancing their career prospects.​

Duration of Stay

This is a temporary visa. The length of your stay in Australia will depend on your level of Australian study qualification:

• • • Bachelor degree (including honours) – 2 years
    • Masters (coursework and extended) – 2 years
    • Masters (research) – 3 years
    • Doctoral degree – 3 years​

  For graduate certificates or graduate diplomas, the stay period will be determined by the course they were packaged with.

For Indian nationals, as per the Australia India – Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA), the stay duration is:

• Bachelor degree (including honours) – 2 years
• Bachelor degree (with first-class honours in STEM, including ICT) – 3 years
• Masters (coursework, extended, and research) – 3 years
• Doctoral degree (PhD) – 4 years

Extended Stay

• • You cannot extend your stay in Australia with this visa. Please explore other visa options.
  • Current and future Temporary Graduate visa holders from Hong Kong may have a pathway to permanent residency after five years.

Include Family

• • You can include family members in your application if they are in Australia at the time of applying.
  • All family members included in the application must meet health and character requirements.
  • You can add your children to the application until a decision is made. However, you cannot add any other family members during this period.
  • If a family member wishes to be added to your visa after it has been granted, they can apply as a subsequent entrant from inside or outside Australia (including Replacement stream visa holders). See details for when you have this visa.

Visa Cost

The primary visa applicant fee is AUD 1,945.00. (excluding ISEMS charges). Additional charges apply for each family member included in the application. Subsequent entrants must pay the full Visa Application Charge. Additional costs may be required for health checks, police certificates, and biometrics. Additional costs may be required for health checks, police certificates, and biometrics.

To estimate your total visa cost, use the Visa Pricing Estimator .

Note that the estimator does not account for these additional costs.

The subclass 485 visa is exempt from the Subsequent Temporary Application Charge.

Apply From

You can apply for this visa while you are in Australia (provided you are not in immigration clearance).

Subsequent entrants can apply from either inside or outside Australia.

All applicants can be located either in or outside Australia at the time of the decision.

Processing Times

To estimate processing times for this visa, use the visa processing time guide tool. This tool provides processing times for recently decided applications. Please note, it serves as a general guide and may not reflect your specific application.

Your application may take longer to process if:

• It is not completed correctly
• Additional information is required from you
• More time is needed to verify the information you provided

If you do not pay the correct Visa Application Charge, ….your application will not be processed. In such cases, you will be notified and if necessary, your application will be returned.

Your Obligations

You and your family must adhere to all visa conditions and Australian laws.

Learn more about conditions for this visa.

Travel

You can leave and re-enter Australia as many times as you wish while the visa is valid.

Time spent outside Australia does not extend the validity of the visa.

Visa Label

Your visa will be digitally linked to your passport, so no physical label will be placed in your passport.

NOTE: The charges outlined above are exclusive of ISEMS fees, which apply separately.

Age Requirement

You must be 35 years of age or younger when you apply, unless you hold a Hong Kong or British National Overseas passport. In that case, you must be under 50 years of age at the time of application.

Eligibility for This Visa

You must be in Australia (but not in immigration clearance) when you apply for this visa. Subsequent entrants can apply from either inside or outside Australia.

Your visa application will be processes only if:

• • You are inside Australia and hold an eligible Student visa not supported by the Defence or Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister.
  • You held a student visa within the past 6 months before applying and currently have a Bridging Visa A or Bridging Visa B granted based on a valid visa application.
  • You held a student visa within the past 6 months before applying and now hold a substantive visa.

Note: To qualify for this visa, you must have completed your course within 6 months of applying.

Your visa will not be granted if you have previously been granted a subclass 485 or subclass 476 visa as a primary visa holder.

Hold an Eligible Degree-Level Qualification

You must have been awarded an eligible degree within the 6 months immediately before applying, regardless of your field of study. You must also meet the Australian study requirement.

Qualifications: The degree you have completed must be eligible, which includes:

• • Bachelor degree
  • Bachelor honours degree
  • Graduate certificate
  • Graduate diploma
  • Masters (coursework) degree
  • Masters (extended) degree
  • Masters (research) degree
  • Doctoral degree (research)
  • Doctoral degree (professional)
  • Higher doctoral degree

Meet the Australian Study Requirement

You must have been awarded at least one associate degree, diploma, or trade qualification within the 6 months immediately before applying and meet the Australian study requirement.

You can use multiple courses to satisfy the 2-year academic component of the Australian study requirement, provided that each course is closely related to your nominated occupation.

As of 25 November 2023, online study requirements have reverted to their pre-COVID conditions. However, online study completed during the COVID concession period (from 1 February 2020 to 25 November 2023) will still count towards the Australian study requirement.

For more details about eligible study, refer to the Australian study requirement.

Please note that the Department does not conduct pre-lodgement assessments of the Australian study requirement or other visa criteria. A delegate will assess your application based on the information provided once a valid visa application has been lodged.

Have studied with an Australian education provider

Your course must have been with an Australian education provider who is registered on CRICOS registered and offers degree-level programs.

Passport or English Language Proficiency

To demonstrate that your English proficiency meets the requirements, you must provide evidence that:

You are a citizen of and hold a valid passport from one of the following countries:

• The United Kingdom
• The United States of America
• Canada
• New Zealand
• The Republic of Ireland​​ For information on the tests and their qualifying scores, please refer to:
  • • International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
    • Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based Test (TOEFL iBT)
    • Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)​
    • Occupational English Test (OET) ​
    • Cambridge C1 Advanced test​
    • International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
    • Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based Test (TOEFL iBT)​
  • Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)​ ​
  • Occupational English Test (OET)​
  • Cambridge C1 Advanced test​

Maintain Adequate Health Insurance

You and your family members must have and maintain sufficient health insurance for the entire duration of your stay in Australia. Refer to our guidelines for what constitutes adequate health insurance.

Reciprocal Healthcare Agreements

Certain countries have reciprocal healthcare agreements with Australia. For more information on these agreements, consult Services Australia.

Health Requirement

It is important to meet the requirement listed here for you and any other family as well.

Character Requirement

Family member who are applying along with you, and are above 16yrs, must also meet the character requirement. Family members who are not accompanying you, will also have to meet the requirement. Check the list here

Sign the Australian values statement

If you are above 18yrs, you must have read and understood:

a. Have read or been explained, the Life in Australia booklet
b. Have to confirm you will respect the Australian way of life and obey Australian laws, when you sign or accept the Australian Values Statement.

Repay your debt to the Australian government

If you or anyone from your family including those of who are not applying for visa, owe any money to Australian government, you or they, must pay the debts or arrange for it to be paid back.

Should not have any previously refused or cancelled visa application

Your history will be checked before making a decision on your application. This means you may not be eligible for this visa in case there were any previously refused or cancelled visa application.

You may still apply for a permanent visa in some circumstances, even if you had previously cancelled or an application that was refused. You can see the limitations here

If you are applying for Visa from outside of Australia, you can check here

NOTE: The charges outlined above are exclusive of ISEMS fees, which apply separately.

Before You Apply

Start these steps promptly once your education provider confirms the successful completion of your course:

1. Ensure you have a valid passport.
2. Review your visa conditions.
3. Arrange for health examinations.
4. Seek assistance with your application.
5. Organise a skills assessment.

Gather Your Documents

Collect and submit evidence for the following:

• • Proof of your studies, qualifications, and skills assessment.
  • Identity and relationship documents.
  • Documents for your family members.

Ensure you provide accurate information and include the following:

• • Identity documents
  • Study documents
  • English language proficiency documents
  • Skills assessment documents
  • Health insurance documents
  • Character documents
  • Documentation for your partner
  • Documents for dependants under 18
  • Documents for dependants over 18

Make sure all documents are prepared and Organised.

Apply for the Visa

You must submit your visa application online.

If you encounter issues during the application process, refer to common problems and error messages for assistance.

Ensure you provide accurate information. For details on the consequences of failing to prove your identity or providing false information, see our guidelines.

After You Apply

You will be notified once your application and documents are received. Here’s what you need to do next:

1. 1. 1. Status Update: For all the information check -
      2. Travel after you apply: You can be either inside or outside Australia (but not in immigration clearance) when a decision is made on your visa application.
      3. Health Exams - Health Exams - Discover the required examinations and how to arrange them. Completing these examinations before applying may result in a quicker decision.
      4. Attach Additional Information: You can upload further supporting documents in Immi Account. Ensure you provide any requested information within the specified timeframe. A decision on your application will be made after this period has passed.
      5. Stay Lawful: Ensure you remain lawful by holding a valid visa while your application is being processed. Upon applying for this visa, you were granted a bridging visa. If your current visa expires before a decision is made, your bridging visa will keep you in lawful status while your application is being processed. Do not cancel your current visa, as this will result in unlawful status in Australia.
         Learn more about visa expiry.
      6. Add Family Members: You may be able to add your dependent child to your visa application before a decision is made. To do this, you will need to:
         • Complete Form 1436 adding another applicant after lodgement,(481KB PDF) with a clear statement to add the child to your 485 application.
         • Attach all supporting documents, including the child's passport, birth certificate, and documents proving your relationship and custody.
           Your family can also apply to join you in Australia as subsequent entrants after the visa is granted. See more details on subsequent entrants when you have this visa.
           Newborn Children
           If your child is born after you apply but before a decision is made on your visa, your child is considered to have made the same visa application as you. Inform us as soon as possible and provide:
           • A copy of the child's birth certificate.
           • A completed Form 1022 Notification of changes in circumstances (172KB PDF).
           • Copies of all supporting documents, including the child's passport if available.

          

      7. Correcting Mistakes on Your Application: Notify us as soon as possible by completing Form 1023 Notification of incorrect answers (168KB PDF).
      8. Assistance with Your Application Inform us if you no longer wish for someone to:
         • Receive your correspondence by completing Form 956A Appointment or withdrawal of an authorised recipient (301KB PDF).
         • Provide immigration advice by completing Form 956 Appointment of a registered migration agent, legal practitioner, or exempt person (308KB PDF).

         Upload your written notification or completed forms to ImmiAccount.

         For further details, contact ISEMS for all the required details.

      9. Notify Us of Changes: Notify us promptly if there are any changes to your phone number, email, address, or passport details; relationship status; the birth of a child; or if you wish to withdraw your application. ISEMS can help with any changes that needs to be informed.

Visa Outcome

You can be in or outside Australia (but not in immigration clearance) when your visa application is being decided upon. For subsequent entrants (family members), you can also be in or outside Australia at the time of decision.

NOTE: The charges outlined above are exclusive of ISEMS fees, which apply separately.

Arriving in Australia

If you are outside Australia when your visa is granted, you must enter Australia before the specified date provided in your visa grant letter.

Before You Depart

Ensure you have the following:

• A valid visa for entry into Australia
• A valid passport or other acceptable travel document

At the Border

Upon arrival in Australia:

You must complete the Incoming Passenger Card , which will be provided to you onboard.
An automated process using facial recognition technology and E-Passports through SmartGate will enable to expedite your exit from the airport.

While in Australia

Reside, work, and study in Australia during your stay. You will have to find your own employment while on this visa.

You and your family members need to obey all Australian Laws. Use VEVO to check your specific conditions, work
requirements, and study obligations or your visa grant letter.

Understanding Your Stay Duration

• • This visa is temporary.
  • To determine your departure date or when to apply for another visa to remain in Australia, consult your visa grant letter and VEVO.

Extending Your Stay

• You cannot prolong your stay in Australia by extending this visa. You must apply for a new visa if you wish to stay longer. Explore your options.
• Check if you are eligible for any other skilled work visas

Traveling on Your Visa

This visa allows for multiple entries, so you can leave Australia and return as often as you like while the visa remains valid. Note that time spent outside Australia does not extend the visa's validity.

Check your visa conditions in VEVO for more details.

Proving Your Visa​

To confirm your visa status and view your conditions, use VEVO. For proof of your international travel records, request your movement history.

Work Conditions

Check your work conditions using VEVO. You are entitled to protections under Australian workplace laws. Review your workplace rights and entitlements.

Bringing Family​

Family members can apply to join you in Australia as subsequent entrants once your visa is granted. They can apply from either within or outside Australia (but not while in immigration clearance). Subsequent entrant applications must be submitted online via ImmiAccount. For details, follow the step-by-step guide.

Visa holders must arrive in Australia by the Initial Entry Date.

Newborn Children:

Learn the procedures for adding a child born after your visa application or grant.

Leaving Australia

Before Departure

Ensure your travel documents are in order:

• You must possess a valid passport or an acceptable travel document to depart Australia and return.

At the Border

Fast Exit Option

An automated process using facial recognition technology and E-Passports through SmartGate will enable to expedite your exit from the airport.

After you leave​

Claiming Your Superannuation (if leaving Australia permanently)

If you are leaving Australia with no plans to return, you may be eligible to claim your superannuation.

You likely have funds in a superannuation account if you:

• Are 18 years old or older
• Earned AUD 450 or more before tax in a month while working in Australia

Learn how to access your superannuation.

NOTE: The charges outlined above are exclusive of ISEMS fees, which apply separately.