Temporary Graduate Visa (485) - Post-Higher Education Work Stream

The Post-Higher Education Work stream is the most popular pathway for international students who have completed Bachelor, Masters, or Doctoral degrees at Australian universities. This stream offers 2-4 years of post-study work rights without occupation restrictions, providing maximum flexibility for career development.

Who Is This Stream For?

This stream is designed for graduates with:

• Bachelor degrees (including Honours)
• Masters degrees (Coursework or Research)
• Doctoral degrees (PhD or equivalent)
• Graduate Diplomas (in specific cases)
• Degrees from Australian universities

Duration by Qualification Level

Your visa duration depends on your highest qualification:

Key Advantages

No Occupation Restrictions: Unlike vocational streams, you can work in any field regardless of your study area.

Extended Durations: Recent reforms provide longer stays, especially for research degrees and special nationalities.

Family Inclusion: Partners and children receive the same visa duration with full work rights.

Core Eligibility Requirements

1. Qualification Requirements

Eligible Degrees:

• Bachelor degree (AQF Level 7)
• Bachelor Honours (AQF Level 8)
• Masters Coursework (AQF Level 9)
• Masters Research (AQF Level 9)
• Doctoral Degree (AQF Level 10)

Key Conditions:

• Must be from an Australian university
• CRICOS registered course
• Completed in Australia (onshore)
• At least 92 weeks (2 academic years) duration
• Completed in minimum 16 calendar months

2. Timing Requirements

6-Month Rule: You must apply within 6 months of:

• Course completion date (on completion letter)
• Results notification date
• Graduation ceremony date (Whichever is earliest)

3. Age Requirement

• Must be under 35 years at time of application
• Exceptions - can be under 50 years if:
  • Hold Hong Kong passport
  • Hold British National Overseas (BNO) passport
  • Using Masters (Research) degree to meet study requirement
  • Using Doctoral degree (PhD) to meet study requirement
• Age calculated at application lodgement

4. English Language Requirements

Minimum Scores Required:

English Exemptions:

• UK, USA, Canada, NZ, Ireland passport holders
• Completed degree entirely in English in Australia
• Secondary education in English (5 years)

5. Australian Study Requirement

• Minimum 92 weeks of CRICOS registered study
• At least 16 calendar months in Australia
• All study in English language
• Cannot include online study (except COVID period)

6. Health and Character Requirements

Health:

• Adequate health insurance (OVHC) required
• Medical examinations as directed
• TB screening if from high-risk country
• No condition requiring significant healthcare

Character:

• Police clearances from all countries (12+ months)
• No substantial criminal record
• Pass character test requirements
• May need Form 80 or Form 1221

Special Pathways and Extensions

Hong Kong Passport Holders:

• 5-year visa for all degree levels
• Same application process
• Pathway to permanent residence after 4 years

India STEM Graduates:

• Additional 2 years for select STEM fields
• Applies to Bachelor and Masters degrees
• Must be Indian citizen
• STEM fields include: Engineering, IT, Science, Mathematics

Regional Study Benefits:

• Studied in regional area: +1 year
• Lived in regional area: +2 years
• Applies to all degree levels
• Must meet regional area definitions

What Counts as Regional?

Category 2 Regional Areas (+1 year):

• Perth
• Adelaide
• Gold Coast
• Sunshine Coast
• Canberra
• Newcastle
• Lake Macquarie
• Wollongong
• Illawarra
• Geelong
• Hobart

Category 3 Regional Areas (+2 years):

• All other areas outside major cities
• Includes all of Northern Territory
• Regional NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA, TAS

Maximizing Your Visa Value

Strategic Planning:

1. Apply as soon as eligible (don’t wait)
2. Include family from start (can’t add later)
3. Maintain health insurance continuously
4. Plan your PR pathway early
5. Use full duration strategically

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Waiting too long - 6-month deadline is strict ❌ Wrong stream selection - Check your degree level ❌ Incomplete documents - Delays processing ❌ English test expired - Must be within 3 years ❌ Insurance gaps - Must be continuous

Career Development Strategy

Years 1-2: Foundation

• Gain Australian work experience
• Build professional network
• Improve English if needed
• Understand workplace culture
• Explore career options

Years 2-3: Growth

• Specialize in your field
• Seek promotions/responsibilities
• Build references for PR
• Consider professional year
• Achieve skilled employment

Years 3-4: Transition

• Apply for permanent residency
• Secure employer sponsorship
• Maximize points for skilled visa
• Consider state nomination

Working Rights Explained

What You Can Do:

• Work full-time (38+ hours)
• Multiple employers allowed
• Self-employment/business permitted
• Work in any occupation
• Change jobs freely
• Freelance or contract work

What You Cannot Do:

• Work before visa grant
• Extend this visa
• Access Centrelink benefits
• Vote in elections

Family Member Benefits

Partner Rights:

• Full work rights (any job)
• Study permitted (fees apply)
• Same visa duration
• Can apply for PR together

Children’s Rights:

• Attend school (fees may apply)
• Full Medicare (if eligible)
• Included at no extra visa cost
• Must be under 23 and dependent

Health Insurance Guide

Choosing OVHC:

• Hospital and medical coverage
• Extras optional but recommended
• Family policies available
• Compare waiting periods
• Check preferred providers

Top Providers 2025:

1. Bupa - Comprehensive coverage
2. Medibank - Wide network
3. nib - Budget options
4. ahm - Young person focus
5. Allianz - International coverage

Regional Living Benefits

Why Consider Regional Areas:

• Qualify for visa extension
• Lower living costs
• Less job competition
• State nomination opportunities
• Better work-life balance
• Community support

Popular Regional Cities:

• Adelaide: Tech and defense hub
• Perth: Mining and healthcare
• Gold Coast: Tourism and education
• Canberra: Government and IT
• Newcastle: Healthcare and engineering
• Geelong: Manufacturing and logistics

Permanent Residency Pathways

Option 1: Skilled Independent (189)

• Points tested (65 minimum)
• No sponsorship needed
• High competition (85+ usually needed)
• Best for: High scorers

Option 2: Skilled Nominated (190)

• State nomination (5 bonus points)
• Broader occupation lists
• 2-year state commitment
• Best for: Strategic planners

Option 3: Employer Nomination (186)

• Requires job offer
• 2-3 years with employer
• Direct permanent residency
• Best for: Established professionals

Option 4: Global Talent (858)

• High achievers in target sectors
• Fast-track processing
• No points test
• Best for: Exceptional graduates

Special Considerations

STEM Graduates (India): If eligible for 2-year extension:

• Total 4 years for Bachelor/Masters
• More time for career establishment
• Better PR preparation opportunity
• Must be in approved STEM field

Hong Kong Graduates: With 5-year visa:

• Eligible for PR after 4 years
• Special permanent residence pathway
• No points test required
• Must maintain residence

Post-Grant Checklist

Week 1: ✓ Apply for Tax File Number ✓ Open Australian bank account ✓ Register with Medicare (if eligible) ✓ Update address with Department ✓ Join professional associations

Month 1: ✓ Start job applications ✓ Network in your industry ✓ Set up LinkedIn profile ✓ Attend career events ✓ Consider further training

Year 1: ✓ Build Australian experience ✓ Establish credit history ✓ Plan PR pathway ✓ Improve English if needed ✓ Save for PR application