Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa: Post-Higher Education vs Post-Vocational Streams

Clear Answer First

The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) allows international students who have recently completed their studies in Australia to live, study, and work in the country for a limited period. There are two streams:

• Post-Higher Education Work Stream
• Post-Vocational Education Work Stream

This blog will focus on the age limit and the visa duration.

Post-Higher Education Work Stream

Age Limit

• You must be 35 years of age or under when you apply.
• Exceptions: You can be under 50 years if:
  • You completed a Masters (Research) or Doctoral Degree (PhD) in Australia, or
  • You hold a Hong Kong or British National Overseas (BNO) passport.

Visa Duration (General)

• Bachelor degree (including honours): 2 years
• Masters (coursework and extended): 2 years
• Masters (research): 3 years
• Doctoral degree (PhD): 3 years
• Graduate Diploma: 2 years (default), may be longer if earlier study attracted longer stay periods.

For Hong Kong & BNO Passport Holders

• Up to 5 years stay.

Post-Vocational Education Work Stream

Age Limit

• You must be 35 years of age or under when applying.
• Exception: Up to 50 years if you hold a Hong Kong or BNO passport.

Visa Duration

• Standard duration: 18 months
• Hong Kong & BNO passport holders: Up to 5 years

This visa also allows unlimited travel in and out of Australia during its validity.

Why the 485 Visa Matters for Your Pathway

Many graduates use the Temporary Graduate Visa as a stepping stone towards:

• Work visa Australia options such as the Employer Sponsored Visa Australia (Subclass 482)
• Transitioning into a Skilled Independent Visa Australia
• Building eligibility for Regional Visa Australia and Regional Sponsorship Visa Australia pathways
• Eventually applying for Permanent Residency through employer or skilled migration options.

It also provides time to gain skilled work experience, an essential factor for future Australia immigration visa applications.

Choosing the Right Stream

• If you completed a trade or vocational qualification (for example, Certificate III or IV in Carpentry, Plumbing, Automotive, or Childcare), the Post-Vocational Stream is for you.
• If you graduated with a higher education qualification such as a Bachelor, Masters, or PhD, then the Post-Higher Education Stream applies.

Both visas require careful planning, especially if you intend to move onto long-term visas such as an Employer Sponsored Visa, Skilled Worker Visa Australia, or even family visas such as the Australian Partner Visa or Parent Visa Australia.

Why Work with an Immigration Specialist in Sydney?

The rules for the 485 Graduate Visa can be complex, especially with different age limits, country-specific arrangements like the AI-ECTA for Indian nationals, and varying visa durations.

At AustraliaMigrate, our team of immigration specialists in Sydney and registered migration agents Australia-wide provide personalised advice to help you:

• Determine your eligibility for the correct Temporary Graduate Visa stream
• Plan your future migration pathway (such as sponsorship visas or skilled independent visas)
• Navigate requirements for student visa Australia holders transitioning into work visas

Key Takeaway

The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) offers valuable time to gain work experience in Australia after completing your studies. Whether you’re applying under the Post-Higher Education Stream or the Post-Vocational Stream, understanding the age limits and visa durations is critical to planning your future in Australia.

With expert guidance from a trusted immigration specialist Australia, you can make the most of your study investment and secure your pathway towards long-term opportunities in Australia.