Graduating in Australia opens a short, valuable window to build work experience and line up a long-term pathway. The Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa sits at the centre of that plan. This guide sets out the work rights you actually have on a 485, how long you can stay under the current rules, and practical steps to turn post-study time into permanent residency.
What the 485 visa lets you do
The 485 is a post-study visa that allows eligible graduates to live in Australia, work without an hours cap, and include eligible family members. On the visa itself, there’s no limit on weekly work hours, so employers can roster you like any other full-time hire.
From 1 July 2024, the program was reshaped and retitled streams to match your qualification level:
- Post-Vocational Education Work (PVEW) — for associate degree, diploma and trade qualifications linked to occupations on the skilled lists.
- Post-Higher Education Work (PHEW) — for bachelor, master’s and doctoral graduates.
- Second Post-Higher Education Work — an extra stay for eligible regional graduates.
How long you can stay (current settings)
Stay lengths depend on your highest eligible Australian qualification and where you studied. Recent policy changes also removed the temporary two-year “select degree” extension.
Indicative stay periods
| Qualification (PHEW stream) | Typical stay* |
|---|---|
| Bachelor (including honours) | Up to 2 years |
| Master’s (coursework/extended) | Up to 2 years |
| Master’s (research) | Up to 3 years |
| Doctoral (PhD) | Up to 4 years |
* Durations are set in legislation and can change; always check the current Home Affairs page for your exact stay period.
For PVEW, stay is up to 18 months. Some graduates can later qualify for the Second PHEW visa (usually one extra year) if they studied and lived in a designated regional area and meet the stream’s rules.
Tip: Perth, Adelaide, the Gold Coast and many other centres are classed as “regional”, which can support that extra year if you meet the criteria.
Age, timing and other key rules
- Age: Most PHEW and PVEW applicants must be 35 or under at lodgement. Master’s (research) and PhD graduates remain eligible under 50. Hong Kong and BN(O) passport holders also have higher caps.
- When to apply: Lodge within six months of course completion and after meeting the Australian Study Requirement. Don’t wait for the graduation ceremony date.
- Switching back to Student onshore: Since 1 July 2024, Temporary Graduate visa holders can’t apply for a Student visa while in Australia (“visa hopping” changes). If you need a new Student visa, you must apply offshore. That planning detail matters for people considering further study.
- English & GTE: From March 2024, English requirements increased and the Genuine Student test replaced the older GTE, affecting both Student and 485 pathways.
If you’re unsure how these cut-offs affect you, a registered immigration consultant in Sydney can check eligibility against your exact completion dates and visa history.
Turning post-study time into PR
A 485 visa is a bridge, not a destination. Use it deliberately:
- Pick a target PR pathway early
Most graduates aim at one of three avenues:- Points-tested skilled visas (189/190/491) — bank points through English, work experience, NAATI CCL, Professional Year and, where viable, regional residence.
- Employer sponsorship — secure a skilled role with an employer ready to sponsor (today that may be via the new Skills in Demand settings, with potential PR steps down the track).
- State nomination — research target states’ occupation lists and evidence requirements before you move.
- Get your skills assessment underway
Many assessments take months. Start it once you have final transcripts and the right employment evidence. - Treat your first Australian role as portfolio-building
Keep position descriptions, payslips, contracts and reference letters laid out to the assessing authority’s format. That paperwork often makes or breaks a points claim. - Use regional incentives wisely
If you can live and work in a regional area, you may qualify for the Second PHEW year and gain extra points or nomination options at the same time. - Mind the new onshore Student ban
If you were counting on “going back to study” to extend time in Australia, build a plan B now. That shift changed the sequencing for many graduates.
Employer conversations that work
Hiring managers sometimes hesitate when they hear “temporary visa”. Lead with clarity: 485 holders have full work rights and no sponsorship is needed to start. If you expect to pursue sponsorship later, explain the likely timeline and requirements so the employer sees a stable path. Include your visa grant/expiry dates on your CV and LinkedIn profile to avoid back-and-forth.
If you’re comparing offers or drafting a pitch, many people ask the best immigration agents Sydney to sanity-check which role helps most with skills assessment and points.
Common timing traps
- Late lodgement: missing the six-month window after course completion. Set reminders the day you receive your completion letter.
- Wrong stream: your eligible stream is tied to the qualification that meets the study requirement; you can’t swap streams after you apply.
- Assuming old extensions still exist: the extra two years for select degrees ended mid-2024. Plan around the current, shorter stays.
Final word
Treat the 485 as a sprint with a strategy, not a casual gap year. Lock in eligibility, line up a role that matches your occupation code, and keep your assessment and points story tidy from day one. If you want hands-on help, a licensed immigration agent near me can map your pathway, while an immigration advisor Sydney can review evidence before you lodge. For end-to-end support, talk to a registered immigration agency Sydney like Pace Migration & Education at pacemigration.com.au.
