Skilled Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
After graduating high school and university, international students can apply for this visa to continue living, working, and studying within Australia temporarily. This visa pathway is designed for recent graduates.
Who is this Visa suitable for?
International students who are recent university graduates and looking to extend their stay in Australia. To further study or work for a temporary period after graduating, instead of immediately returning overseas.
What are the Visa streams?
There are 3 streams for this visa:
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Post-Vocational Education Work stream
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Post-Higher Education Work stream
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Second Post-Higher Education Work stream
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What this Visa lets you do?
Post-Vocational Education Work stream
- 18-24 months (5 years for Hong Kong & British National Overseas passport holders) temporary residency within Australia
- Travel, Study and Work in Australia
- Members of your family unit can be included within the application.
- For the Post-Vocational Education Work Stream, applicants will need to have a qualification that is relevant to an occupation on the skilled occupation list. Applicants must also complete a skills assessment in the nominated occupation
You must also be under 35 years of age or under when you apply.
Post-Higher Education Work stream
- 2-4 years, pending qualification (5 years for Hong Kong & British National Overseas passport holders)
- Study, work and live in Australia during the length of your stay.
- The visa will last the length of qualification completion.
- You must be completing a graduate degree (bachelor, masters, doctoral)
- Members of your family unit can be included within the application.
- Unlimited travel in and out of Australia
- For 485 Visa extension post study work stream applicants with specific degrees can extend their 485 visa for another 2 years.
You must also be under 35 years of age or under when you apply.
Second Post-Higher Education Work stream
- 1–2 year stay
- Travel, work, or study in Australia
- For graduates who completed their study in a regional Australian education institution.
- Must have lived in an eligible regional area for 2 years prior to application.
You must also be under 35 years of age or under when you apply.
Visa Requirements
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Under the age of 35.
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Currently must be holding an eligible visa and be a student visa holder within the last 6 months.
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Holders must have recently completed and received a qualification in a CRICOS registered course.
How to Apply?
With Australian Immigration & Visa Services on your side, you can trust that our registered immigration agents will guide you through the entire application process and be there to support you along the way.
Begin Application
Immediately begin application after completing a CRICOS registered course.
Gather Documents
Provide proof of your study, qualifications, skills assessment, identity and relationships. You will also need to provide documents for your family members.
Apply Online
Applications are completed online using an ‘immiAccount’.
Frequently Asked Questions
The two streams are the Post-Higher Education and the Post-Vocational Education.
- The Post-Higher Education Work stream is for those who have achieved a Bachelor’s degree or higher in Australia.
- The Post-Vocational Education Work stream is for students with an Australian Certificate III, Diploma or higher.
If you are not the holder of a certain passport or prove your English proficiency then you will need to do an English test.
If you are granted under the Post-Vocational Education Work the visa will be valid for 18 months.
For the post-higher education work stream, the visa can be valid for between 2 – 4 years. This will depend on the qualification.
For Bachelor, Bachelor with Honours, Masters by Coursework or Masters: 2 years
Masters by research: 3 years
Doctorate: 4 years
Yes. From 1 July 2023 you must have an occupation on the skills list and your qualification must be in relations to your industry.
Schedule Your Australian Visa Consultation Appointment
With AIVS’ registered visa migration agents, we can help you find a solution to your visa needs, and assist you with any questions you may have about which visa is suitable for your specific circumstances.