Your Post-Study Future: Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) Streams Explained
For international students who have successfully completed their studies in Australia, the Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) Visa offers a valuable pathway to extend their stay and gain work experience to develop their skills without needing a sponsor or an additional nomination stage initially.
What is a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)?
The Subclass 485 visa allows eligible international graduates to stay in Australia temporarily for up to 4 years (depending on stream). It is designed to help graduates gain valuable Australian work experience and can sometimes be a stepping stone to permanent residency (PR).
What are the Streams of the Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) Visa?
There are typically two main streams:
Post-Vocational Education Work (PVEW) Stream (formerly Graduate Work Stream)
Post-Higher Education Work (PHEW) Stream (formerly Post-Study Work Stream)
Post-Vocational Education Work (PVEW) Stream
The Post-Vocational Education Work (PVEW) Stream is available to recent graduates with an eligible qualification and skills that relate to an occupation listed on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List.
PVEW Eligibility
You must have satisfied the Australian study requirement in the 6 months immediately before and including the day on which the application was made (completion date is important).
Your nominated occupation must be on the Skilled Occupation List, and your study must be closely related to it.
You must have applied for a skills assessment for the purpose of this visa at the time of application and obtained a positive result at the time of decision.
This visa is generally granted for 18 months, but can be extended in specific circumstances.
This stream is broader in terms of eligible qualifications, including diplomas and trade qualifications.
Post-Higher Education Work (PHEW) Stream
The Post-Higher Education Work (PHEW) Stream is open to recent overseas students who have completed an eligible higher education degree from an Australian educational institution, regardless of their field of study.
PHEW Eligibility
You must have satisfied the Australian study requirement in the 6 months immediately before and including the day on which the application was made (completion date is important).
Eligible qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree, a Bachelor’s (Honours) degree, a Master’s degree (by Coursework or Extended), a Master’s by Research, and/or a Doctoral degree.
The visa duration varies based on the level of the qualification obtained:
Bachelor’s or Master’s by Coursework: 2 years
Master’s by Research or Doctoral Degree: 3 years
For specific Qualifications: May be granted for longer periods.
This visa focuses on the level of qualification, offering greater flexibility in occupation because it does not require a skills assessment.
What Are the Other Common Requirements for All SC 485 Streams?
Regardless of the stream, all applicants for the Subclass 485 visa must satisfy the following:
Must be satisfied in the 6 months immediately before applying.
Must provide evidence of competent English unless eligible for exemption.
Must have adequate arrangements for health insurance.
Must not have an outstanding debt to the Australian Government.
All public interest criteria, particularly health and character requirements, are met.
Why We Like the Temporary Graduate (SC485) Visa?
This visa allows holders to live, work, and stay in Australia. The visa holder can travel to and from Australia multiple times while the visa is valid. It is a stepping stone to other visas/or permanent residency, if eligible. The visa applicant does not initially require an employer sponsor, an eligible Australian relative sponsor, or a nominating state/territory government.
Related: Why Many Graduates Fail to Secure a Subclass 485 Visa - Common Mistakes to Avoid
Read our clients’ testimonials on Agape Henry Crux and Accredited Specialist in Immigration Law, Jason Ling.
Related:
Does Work Experience on a Graduate Visa (SC 485) Count Towards GSM program?
Will A Relationship Breakdown with My Partner Cancel My Australian Visa?
The End of Visa Hopping: What It Means for Travelers and Migrants
How Can Agape Henry Crux Help
By understanding the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), you can make an informed decision that aligns with your visa goals. Consider contacting Agape Henry Crux and speak with one of our immigration lawyers who work closely with two of our Accredited Specialists in Immigration Law for tailored advice and assistance is your best way forward. The team of immigration lawyers specialise in handling highly complex matters. You can schedule an appointment with one of our lawyers to seek professional advice by calling 02-8310 5230 or emailing us at info@ahclawyers.com.
We speak fluent English and Mandarin. If this isn’t your language, we can also help you arrange an interpreter.
Our founder and principal lawyer, Jason Ling, has been recognised in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in Australia™. Agape Henry Crux is named as Best Immigration Law Firm 2025 - Sydney by APAC Insider Awards.
This article/presentation (“publication”) does not deal extensively with important topics or changes in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you find this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances, please contact our office.
Client Testimonials
….we call it Support Network
Navigating the immigration law process may be difficult, and our former clients have agreed to share their experiences through telephone chats, emails, and in-person meetings.
These are their stories…
