Temporary Graduate Visa | Subclass 485
Post-Higher Education Work Stream (PHEW)
Temporary Graduate Visa (PHEW Stream)
The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) – Post-Higher Education Work (PHEW) stream is a vital bridge for international students who have completed a degree in Australia. This visa allows you to live, work, and study in Australia temporarily after your studies, providing the perfect opportunity to gain local work experience and transition toward a permanent migration pathway.
The Post-Higher Education Work stream is specifically designed for graduates of Australian Bachelor, Masters, and Doctoral degrees. In 2026, this stream continues to offer full work rights, allowing you to maximise your career potential in Australia immediately after graduation.
Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa (PHEW) – At a Glance
| FEATURE | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| Visa Type | Temporary (Graduate Work Rights) |
| Stay | 2 to 4 years (varies by qualification) |
| Cost | From $5,750 AUD1 |
| Processing Time | The Visa Application timeframe is Approx. 6 – 52 days2 |
| Key Requirement | Recent completion of a Higher Education degree |
Fees are subject to change by the Department and other concession fees may apply.
To view our professional services fees click here.
Key Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the 485 Post-Higher Education Work stream, you must meet strict age, study, and English language requirements mandated by the Department of Home Affairs. In 2026 the Australian government introduced a number of key changes to the Subclass 485 Graduate visa – not least the increase visa application fee. The other most pertinent amendments are mentioned here.
1. Age Limit Restrictions
As of 2026, the maximum age for the Post-Higher Education Work stream is 35 years or under at the time of application. However, exceptions apply for specific groups who may still apply up to the age of 50:
- Masters by Research graduates.
- Doctoral degree (PhD) graduates.
- Hong Kong SAR and British National (Overseas) passport holders.
2. The Australian Study Requirement (ASR)
You must have completed a degree that is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). Your course must have been at least 92 CRICOS weeks (typically 2 academic years) and completed in no less than 16 calendar months while physically in Australia. You must apply for this visa within 6 months of your official course completion date.
3. Stricter English Proficiency Standards
The English language requirement for the 485 visa has significantly increased. You must demonstrate a valid result from a test taken within 12 months of your application date (reduced from the previous 3-year validity).
- IELTS: Overall 6.5 (minimum 5.5 in each component).
- PTE Academic: Overall 55 (Listening 40, Reading 42, Writing 41, Speaking 39).
- Note: Online or “at-home” tests are not accepted.
4. Health and Character
Applicants must maintain Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) for the duration of the visa and provide an Australian Federal Police (AFP) check. A common mistake is that Students applying for the 485 Graduate visa don’t realise that the type of health insurance cover required is different to that of their student visa. You must also meet Australia’s health standards via a medical examination if required.
How to Apply for the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa (PHEW)
A Step-by-Step Guide
The application process for the Temporary Graduate visa is time-sensitive. Missing the 6-month window or lodging with an invalid English test can lead to an irreversible refusal.
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility & Document Audit
We verify your course completion date, age, and CRICOS registration. It is critical to ensure your English test was taken within the last 12 months and meets the 2026 minimum scores.
Step 2: Organise OVHC and Police Checks
You must apply for an AFP check and secure appropriate health insurance before you lodge your application. Crucially, these are what the Migration Act 1958 (Cth) terms “time of application” requirements, meaning they must be submitted at the time you submit your visa application – not left until later.
Step 3: Lodge Your Online Application
Once you receive your official completion letter, certificate and final transcripts, we lodge your application via ImmiAccount. If you are onshore (which we advise you be), then you will receive a Bridging Visa A, allowing you to work full-time while your application is processed.
Step 4: Complete Health Examinations
After lodgement, you will be issued a HAP ID to complete your medicals. We monitor your ImmiAccount for any Section 56 requests for further information to ensure a decision-ready file.
Step 5: Visa Grant and Career Planning
Once granted, your visa will be valid for 2, 3, or 4 years depending on your degree level. This is the time to start gathering skilled work experience for your future General Skilled Migration points tests.
Being on a Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa (PHEW) means…
Stay Duration by Qualification
Your visa duration depends on the highest qualification used to meet the Australian study requirement:
- Bachelor Degree: 2 years.
- Masters (Coursework): 2 years.
- Masters (Research): 3 years.
- Doctoral Degree (PhD): 3 years.
- Indian Nationals (AI-ECTA): Bachelor (2 years), STEM 1st Class Honours (3 years), Masters (3 years), PhD (4 years).
- HK/BNO Passport Holders: 5 years.
Your Visa Obligations
The subclass 485 is a full-work-rights visa. You must find your own employment and maintain health insurance. There is no requirement to work in a specific field, though skilled employment is highly recommended for those seeking to apply for an Australian visa on the basis of their occupation and experience.
The Pathway to Permanent Residency
While the 485 is temporary, it is the foundation for PR. Most graduates use this time to secure a Skills Assessment and accumulate points for the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa, Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa or the Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional Visa.
There are a range of other pathways to Australian permanent residency. Subclass 482 Skills-in-Demand Visa is one visa we never turn a blind-eye-to. As pathways generally take years, the applicant’s age is a factor that often needs to be pre-emptively managed in their pathway plan. We find legally strategic avenues through Designated Area Migration Agreements.
Your Best Chance of Success with Visa Advisory Australia
The 485 visa rules were overhauled in mid-2024 and tightened further in early 2026. A simple mistake like using an English test that is 13 months old will highly likely lead to an immediate refusal without a refund.
Our Subclass 485 Services include:
Comprehensive Eligibility Audit to ensure your qualification, age, and English meet the strict 2026 criteria.
Strategic Timing Advice to lodge within the 6-month window while maximising your Bridging Visa stay.
Decision-Ready Application management to ensure the fastest possible grant and avoid RFI delays.
Regional Extension Strategy to advise on whether you qualify for a Second Post-Higher Education Work stream visa.
Long-Term PR Planning to ensure your 485 work experience counts toward your future Skills Assessments and your chosen visa pathway to permanent residency and beyond.
And much, much more.
Don’t risk your graduate future. Talk to an expert today.
Related Visas
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for the
Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa (PHEW)
Q: Can I apply if I have turned 35?
A: For most applicants, no. If you turn 35 before you lodge, you are ineligible. However, if you are a PhD or Masters by Research graduate, or hold a HK/BNO passport, the age limit is 50.
Q: Is the “2-year extension” for select degrees still available?
A: No. In 2026, the automatic 2-year extension for specific degrees has been abolished. All stay periods are now standard based on the level of your degree.
Q: Can I change streams after I have applied?
A: No. You must choose between the Post-Higher Education and Post-Vocational Education streams at the time of lodgement. Choosing the wrong stream is a common cause of visa refusal.
Q: What if I miss the 6-month deadline by one day?
A: Your application will be invalid. The 6-month window starts from the date your results were officially available, not your graduation ceremony.
Q: What happens if my visa is refused?
A: If your visa is refused, you may have rights to appeal the decision to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART). Our firm is highly experienced in representing clients at the ART for partner visa matters. Our firm specialises in ART appeals for family visas – click here for further details.
- Base application charge only. Prices are subject to change. Source: Department of Home Affairs. ↩︎
- Visa processing time current as of 17 April 2026. For the latest processing time click here. ↩︎
