The Complete Guide to the 485 Visa in Australia: 2025 Rules

Just finished your Australian studies and want time to work, build experience, or plan your next visa? The Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa lets eligible international graduates stay in Australia after completing a CRICOS-registered course. Depending on what you studied, you may qualify under the Post‑Higher Education Work stream, the Post‑Vocational Education Work stream, or a second post‑higher education stay if you lived and studied in a regional area. It’s a flexible, full‑work‑rights visa designed to bridge study and skilled pathways—without needing employer sponsorship or points testing.

This guide explains the 2025 rules in clear terms: who the 485 is for, what changed this year (including age caps, streams, and English requirements), how long you can stay, and which stream fits your qualification. You’ll find a simple checklist, fees and processing times, an application timeline from completion letter to grant, common pitfalls to avoid, and practical pathways to permanent residency. If you need the official references and where to get expert help, we’ll point you there too. Let’s get you set up for a strong start after graduation.

Who the 485 visa is for in 2025

The 485 visa in Australia suits international students who’ve recently completed an eligible CRICOS-registered course and want temporary time to live, work, and plan next steps. It covers two main graduate profiles: higher‑education degree holders (Post‑Higher Education Work) and vocational graduates with qualifications tied to an occupation on the MLTSSL and a skills assessment lodged (Post‑Vocational Education Work). You’ll generally be 18–35 (Hong Kong/BNO up to 50; Masters research/PhD exception in PHEWS), apply onshore within six months of final results, and use this visa to gain experience toward skilled pathways.

What changed in 2025: streams, age limits and policy updates

If you last looked at the 485 visa before mid‑2024, the current 2025 settings are tighter and more targeted. The streams were renamed, the age cap reduced, English rules stiffened, and vocational vs higher‑education pathways were clearly separated to align with skills needs.

• Streams renamed (from 1 Jul 2024): Post‑Vocational Education Work, Post‑Higher Education Work, and Second Post‑Higher Education Work.
• Age cap: 18–35 for most; Hong Kong/BNO up to 50; in PHEWS, Masters (research) and PhD graduates are also exempt up to 50.
• Qualification split: Post‑Vocational is now strictly for associate/diploma/trade tied to an occupation on the MLTSSL with a skills assessment lodged; degree‑holders aren’t eligible for this stream.
• Stay periods: Post‑Vocational up to 18 months; Post‑Higher 2–3 years by level; HK/BNO up to 5 years; Indian nationals have tailored stays under ECTA.
• English tests: higher minimums and 12‑month test validity window now apply.

Streams at a glance: which one fits your qualification

Choosing your 485 stream depends on your highest completed Australian qualification, whether it aligns to a skilled occupation, and if you qualify for the regional bonus. Match the stream to your award level and evidence requirements to avoid processing delays or refusals. Use this quick guide when planning your 485 visa in Australia.

• Degree-level (Bachelor, Honors, Masters, PhD) → Post‑Higher Education Work (PHEWS): Degree holders aren’t eligible for the Post‑Vocational stream.
• Vocational/trade (associate degree, diploma, trade such as Cert III) tied to an MLTSSL occupation + skills assessment lodged → Post‑Vocational Education Work (PVEWS): Vocational‑only grads aren’t eligible for PHEWS.
• Held a first 485 in PHEWS and lived/studied in a designated regional area → Second Post‑Higher Education Work: Extra 1–2 years depending on location.

Post-higher education work stream: eligibility and stay periods

The Post‑Higher Education Work stream (PHEWS) is for Australian degree graduates only: Bachelor, Bachelor (Honors), Masters (Coursework/Extended/Research), and Doctoral degrees. Vocational‑level qualifications aren’t eligible. You must meet the Australian study requirement, apply within six months of final results, and be 18–35. Age exemptions apply for Masters (research) and PhD graduates, and for Hong Kong/BNO passport holders (up to 50).

• Bachelor (including honors): up to 2 years
• Masters (coursework or extended): up to 2 years
• Masters (research) and PhD: up to 3 years

For Indian nationals (ECTA settings): Bachelor 2 years; Bachelor first‑class honors in STEM (incl. ICT) 3 years; Masters 3 years; PhD 4 years.

Post-vocational education work stream: eligibility and stay periods

The Post‑Vocational Education Work stream targets non‑degree graduates with job‑ready trade or vocational skills. Your Australian qualification must align to a skilled occupation—e.g., a Cert III in Carpentry for the occupation “Carpenter”—making this the hands‑on pathway within the 485 visa in Australia to convert recent training into paid experience.

• Qualification: associate degree, diploma, or trade aligned to an MLTSSL occupation; degree‑holders aren’t eligible.

• Skills: lodge the relevant skills assessment; evidence of lodgment is acceptable at application.

• Study: CRICOS‑registered, 92 weeks/16 months total, taught in English, completed in Australia.

• Timing/age: apply onshore within 6 months of final results; 18–35 (Hong Kong/BNO up to 50).

• Stay: up to 18 months; Hong Kong/BNO passport holders up to 5 years.

Second post-higher education work stream: regional study bonus

If you held your first 485 under the Post‑Higher Education Work stream and your degree was from a designated regional institution, you may qualify for a second 485—an extra 1–2 years—based on where you studied and where you lived while holding your first 485. It’s the clearest way to extend your time without changing visa type.

• Who qualifies: First 485 was PHEWS; degree from a regional campus; lived in a designated regional area on your first 485.
• How long: 1 year if your study/living fell in “Cities & Major Regional Centres”; 2 years for “Regional Centres & Other Regional Areas.”
• Proof to keep: Leases, utility bills, bank statements showing residence in the regional postcode list.

Special stay periods for Indian, Hong Kong and BNO passport holders

Some passport holders get extended stays on the 485 visa in Australia. Hong Kong and British National (Overseas) citizens benefit from the longest options, while Indian nationals have tailored periods under ECTA—but only for the Post‑Higher Education Work stream.

• Hong Kong/BNO: up to 5 years (both PHEWS and PVEWS).
• Indian nationals (PHEWS only): Bachelor 2 years; Bachelor first‑class honors in STEM/ICT 3 years; Masters 3 years; PhD 4 years.
• For others, PVEWS remains up to 18 months; standard PHEWS stays apply by degree level.

English language requirements and test validity

English settings for the 485 visa in Australia are tighter in 2025. You must lodge with valid results from an approved test taken within 12 months before application. For most applicants, the benchmark is IELTS 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each band (or equivalent). Hong Kong and BNO passport holders have a lower threshold (e.g., IELTS 6.0 overall, 5.0 each).

• Accepted tests: IELTS (Academic/General), PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT (valid again for tests from 5 May 2024), OET, and others.
• Retakes: IELTS One Skill Retake and MET Single Section Retake are accepted if completed before lodgment.
• Passport exemption: UK, USA, NZ, Ireland, and Canada passport holders are typically exempt from testing.
• Tip: Scores and accepted tests differ for exams taken on/before 6 Aug 2025 vs on/after 7 Aug 2025—check your test date.

The Australian study requirement: 92 CRICOS weeks explained

To qualify for a 485 visa in Australia, your study must meet the Australian study requirement. That means completing one or more CRICOS‑registered courses totaling at least 2 academic years (92 CRICOS weeks), delivered entirely in English, undertaken in Australia on a visa that allowed you to study, and finished over a minimum of 16 calendar months. You can have breaks in between courses as long as the total meets these thresholds.

• CRICOS + English: Registered courses, taught in English, completed in Australia.
• Duration: At least 92 CRICOS weeks over ≥16 calendar months.
• Packaging: Allowed. For Post‑Vocational, packages must be closely related to the nominated MLTSSL occupation; Post‑Higher Education doesn’t require occupation relevance.
• Proof: Keep your completion letter and academic transcript ready.

Timing and age rules: deadlines, age caps and exemptions

Timing is strict on the 485 visa in Australia. You must align course completion, English testing, and onshore lodgment within tight windows—or risk refusal. Use these checkpoints to confirm you meet the deadline and age settings before you apply.

• Lodge onshore and within 6 months of receiving your final results.
• Your eligible study must be completed in the 6 months immediately before lodgment.
• Age cap: generally 18–35. Hong Kong/BNO: up to 50. In PHEWS, Masters (research) and PhD graduates: up to 50.
• Completion first: you cannot apply before finishing your course.
• English test must be taken within 12 months before application.
• PVEWS skills assessment: evidence of lodgment is acceptable at application.

What you can do on a 485: work rights, study and travel

On a 485 visa in Australia, you have broad flexibility. You can work in any job with no cap on hours, study again if you choose, and travel overseas and return while your visa remains valid. You can also apply for other visas at any time during your 485.

• Full work rights, no hour limits.
• Study further if you wish.
• Travel in and out while valid.

Including family members and subsequent entrants

You can include immediate family on your 485 visa or have them join later as a subsequent entrant. “Members of the family unit” is tightly defined, and each person must meet eligibility on their own. Done correctly, your partner can work full‑time from day one while you build local experience.

• Who you can include: Spouse/de facto partner and dependent children only.
• When they can apply: With your application or later as a 485 subsequent entrant.
• What they must show: Relationship evidence, OVHC, and health/character checks.
• Rights and stay: Full work/study rights; their visa end date mirrors yours; school fees for children vary by state.

Costs, processing times and other expected expenses

Budget for the government Visa Application Charge (VAC) plus add‑ons. As of 2025, expect about A$2,300 for the main applicant, A$1,150 for a partner, and A$480–A$580 per child (stream‑dependent), plus any card surcharge. Processing typically starts from around 3 months, but varies by stream and document completeness—build in buffer time.

• OVHC health insurance: for the full visa duration.
• AFP police check: mandatory; overseas checks may also apply.
• Health exams: if required by Home Affairs.
• Skills assessment fee (PVEWS): payable to the assessing authority.
• English test fee: if you need to evidence scores.
• Possible public school fees for dependents: differ by state.

Documents checklist to prepare before you apply

Gather your documents before you lodge to keep processing smooth. You must apply onshore within six months of final results, use an English test taken in the last 12 months, and hold OVHC for your intended 485 stay. Label files clearly to avoid RFIs.

• Passport bio page.
• Course completion letter: final results date.
• Academic transcript and testamur/diploma.
• English test report: meets 485 scores (or exempt passport).
• Australian Federal Police (AFP) check; health exams if requested.
• OVHC: policy covering the full visa period; stream extras—PVEWS: skills assessment lodgment; Second PHEWS: regional study/residence evidence.

Step-by-step application timeline (from completion letter to grant)

Once your completion letter lands, a six‑month clock starts. Map your actions so you meet the Australian study requirement, the tighter English window, and stream‑specific evidence. Keep your health insurance active for the whole intended stay and front‑load quality documents to reduce back‑and‑forth with the Department.

1. Confirm your stream fit (PHEWS, PVEWS, or Second PHEWS) and age/passport concessions.
2. Verify study meets 92 CRICOS weeks over ≥16 months, in English, in Australia.
3. Book or submit an approved English test taken within the last 12 months (e.g., IELTS 6.5/5.5 each; HK/BNO 6.0/5.0).
4. Arrange OVHC for the full visa duration; apply for an AFP check; do health exams if requested.
5. Gather stream extras: PVEWS skills assessment lodgment; Second PHEWS regional study and residence proof.
6. Compile core docs (completion letter, transcript, testamur, passport) and add eligible family or plan subsequent entrants.
7. Lodge your onshore online application within six months of final results, pay the VAC, then monitor messages and respond to any departmental requests on time while keeping OVHC active.

Common mistakes and how to avoid a refusal

Most 485 refusals come from timing, stream fit, and missing evidence. Use this quick pre‑lodgment check to stop refusals or long RFIs. Confirm dates, age, English, study length, and insurance before you upload, and ensure stream‑specific requirements are already in place.

• Timing errors: before completion, after 6 months, offshore.
• English not valid: test older than 12 months/low scores.
• Wrong stream/skills: degree in PVEWS; vocational lacks MLTSSL or assessment.
• Study unmet: not CRICOS, <92 weeks/<16 months, not in‑English/Australia.
• No OVHC: covering the whole visa period.
• Age cap ignored: most 18–35; HK/BNO, Masters‑research/PhD up to 50.

Pathways to permanent residency after a 485

Think of the 485 visa in Australia as your springboard: it buys time to gain skilled work, meet points thresholds, and secure sponsorship. The smartest move is to plan your PR route from day one of your 485, aligning your job, location, and skills assessment with the visa you’ll target next.

• Points-tested skilled visas (189/190/491): Complete a skills assessment, lift English, and stack points with Australian work experience and (for 190/491) state nomination.
• Employer sponsorship (start with TSS 482): Many roles need 2 years’ experience—time on a 485 can meet this, positioning you for sponsorship.
• Regional strategy (491 and beyond): Work and live in designated regional areas to strengthen nomination prospects; your Second PHEWS can extend time to qualify.
• Partner pathway: In a genuine relationship with an Australian citizen/PR or eligible NZ citizen? A partner visa may be the most direct PR route.
• Always evidence-first: Keep contracts, payslips, position descriptions, and reference letters—PR pathways hinge on verifiable, closely related skilled experience.

Where to check official updates and get professional help

Rules for the 485 visa in Australia change, and the only source that matters for eligibility, English scores/validity, age caps, VACs, and stream settings is the Australian Government. Before you book tests or lodge, verify the latest requirements and any transitional notes published for your stream and passport group.

• Check the official guide: Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485).
• Confirm stream fit, English test windows, and regional criteria just before you apply.
• If your case is complex (course packaging, skills assessment, dependents, timing), consult a MARA‑registered migration agent for a pre‑lodgment review.

Key takeaways

If you’ve just finished an eligible Australian course, the 485 can buy you crucial time to work, plan, and position for PR. Pick the right stream by your qualification level, watch the 6‑month and 12‑month timing traps, and keep evidence tight—most refusals are avoidable with clean documents and dates.

• Streams: Degrees → PHEWS; Vocational/trade tied to MLTSSL + skills assessment → PVEWS; Regional bonus → Second PHEWS.
• Stays: PVEWS up to 18 months; PHEWS 2–3 years; HK/BNO up to 5; India (PHEWS) tailored by degree.
• Age: Generally 18–35; HK/BNO and PHEWS Masters (research)/PhD up to 50.
• English: Approved test within 12 months; typical floor IELTS 6.5 (HK/BNO 6.0).
• Study rule: 92 CRICOS weeks over ≥16 months, in Australia, in English.
• Lodge: Onshore, within 6 months of final results, with OVHC.

Need a second set of eyes before you lodge? Talk to a MARA‑registered team at Simon Mander Consulting for a quick eligibility check.