If you’ve recently graduated in Australia or are planning to study there soon, you’ve probably heard whispers about the 485 visa changes. The Subclass 485, or as most students call it, the “Temporary Graduate Visa,” has always been that golden bridge between student life and professional life in Australia.
But lately, that bridge has started to look a little different. The Australian Government has rolled out some major updates that every graduate and future applicant needs to understand, from changes in eligibility and age limits to shorter stay durations and new English test requirements.
Understanding what’s new with the 485 visa could make all the difference in how you shape your post-study journey in Australia.
Let’s break it all down, in simple terms, without the jargon, so you know exactly what’s changed, what it means for you, and how you can make the most of this new visa landscape.
Key Highlights
- The new 485 visa updates have shortened post-study work rights for international graduates, depending on qualification level and location.
- The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) now includes updated eligibility across the Graduate Work Stream and Post-Study Work Stream.
- Graduates can still use the Australia Graduate Visa as a stepping stone toward permanent residence through skilled migration or employer sponsorship.
What is the 485 Visa?
The 485 Visa Australia, officially known as the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485), is one of the most popular pathways for international students who’ve recently completed their studies in Australia.
Often called the Post Study Work Visa Australia, it gives you the freedom to live, work, and study temporarily after completing your course, helping you build professional connections and explore permanent residency options.
There are two main streams:
- Post-Higher Education Work stream – for students who’ve completed a Bachelor’s degree or higher.
- Post-Vocational Education Work stream – for those with trade or diploma qualifications.
Key Changes in the 485 Visa (2024–2025)
If you’re planning to apply for the 485 Visa in Australia, the government has introduced several important 485 visa updates that impact eligibility, stay duration, and post-study work rights. Here’s a quick breakdown of what’s new for the Temporary Graduate Visa Australia:
1. Age Limit Reduced
One of the biggest 485 visa updates is the reduction of the age limit.
- Applicants must now be under 35 years old when applying for the Temporary Graduate Visa Australia (previously under 50).
- Exceptions apply for citizens of Hong Kong and British National (Overseas) passport holders, who can still apply up to age 50, as well as those completing a Master’s by research or PhD.
2. New Stream Names and Structure
The visa streams have been renamed and restructured for clarity:
- The Graduate Work Stream is now called the Post-Vocational Education Work Stream, for those holding trade or diploma qualifications.
- The Post-Study Work Stream is now the Post-Higher Education Work Stream, for Bachelor’s degree and higher qualifications.
- The temporary Replacement Stream (introduced during COVID-19) has been discontinued.
This means your Post Study Work Visa Australia pathway now depends more specifically on the level of qualification you complete.
3. Shorter Stay Durations
The new 485 visa updates have also reduced how long graduates can stay in Australia:
- Post-Vocational Education Work Stream: Up to 18 months.
- Post-Higher Education Work Stream:
- Bachelor’s (including Honours): Up to 2 years.
- Master’s (coursework or extended): Up to 2 years.
- PhD: Up to 3 years.
Previously, many international graduates enjoyed longer post-study work rights in Australia, but those extensions have now been scaled back.
4. Higher English Language Requirements
To qualify for the Australia Graduate Visa, applicants now need to meet stricter English test scores:
- The minimum IELTS requirement has increased from an overall 6.0 to 6.5, with no band below a specific minimum.
- The English test result must be taken within one year before lodging the visa application (earlier it was valid for three years).
Acceptable Minimum Scores — Test taken on or after 7 August 2025
Test Sub-skill | C1 Advanced | CELPIP General | IELTS Academic | IELTS General Training | LanguageCert Academic | MET | OET | PTE Academic | TOEFL iBT |
Overall | Not accepted | 8 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 67 | 58 | 1310 | 55 | 81 |
Listening | Not accepted | 6 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 49 | 53 | 260 | 40 | 12 |
Reading | Not accepted | 6 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 54 | 51 | 280 | 42 | 12 |
Writing | Not accepted | 6 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 56 | 51 | 260 | 41 | 14 |
Speaking | Not accepted | 6 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 62 | 43 | 310 | 39 | 17 |
These new language standards are part of Australia’s efforts to ensure stronger workforce readiness for graduates staying under the Temporary Graduate Visa Australia.
5. Increased Visa Application Fee
Starting early 2025, the 485 visa application charge has increased to AUD 2,235 (up from around AUD 1,895–1,945 previously). It’s important for graduates to factor this into their budget when planning to apply for the Post Study Work Visa Australia.
Read More: Living Costs in Australia for International Students
6. Tightened Qualification and Study Criteria
The 485 visa for Australia now has stricter rules about what courses and qualifications count.
- Certain shorter programs, such as graduate certificates, may no longer be eligible.
- The course must be closely related to your nominated occupation and meet the Australian study requirements.
This change ensures that only students completing eligible Australian qualifications can benefit from post-study work rights in Australia.
If you’re unsure how these changes affect your eligibility, it’s best to speak with a professional. The team at Visafast Migration Consultancy, a registered migration agent in Adelaide, can guide you through every step of the process, ensuring your application is accurate, compliant, and well-prepared under the new rules.
485 Visa Streams under Current Rules
The Temporary Graduate Visa Australia (subclass 485) has two main streams, designed to suit graduates at different levels of study. Both streams allow you to live, work, and gain post-study work rights in Australia, but eligibility and duration depend on your qualification.
Read More: Can I Stay in Australia After My Visa Expires? Know the Rules
1. Post-Higher Education Work Stream
This stream is for graduates who have completed Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD qualifications in Australia. It is often referred to as the Post Study Work Visa Australia, which allows you to gain work experience in your field of study.
Duration of stay:
- Bachelor’s (including Honours): Up to 2 years
- Master’s coursework: Up to 2 years
- Master’s by research: Up to 3 years
- PhD: Up to 4 years
This stream is ideal for students looking to transition from study to the workforce or explore pathways to permanent residency.
2. Post-Vocational Education Work Stream
Previously called the “Graduate Work Stream,” this is for graduates with diplomas, trade qualifications, or other eligible vocational courses.
It’s designed for those whose qualification is closely related to an occupation on the skilled occupation list.
Duration of stay: Up to 18 months.
This stream gives international students the chance to gain practical work experience in Australia after completing shorter vocational programs.
Read More: Student Visa Extension Australia: 2025 Guide & Tips
Final Thoughts
The new 485 visa updates may have changed a few rules, but the goal remains the same: giving international graduates a chance to turn their Australian education into real-world experience.
If you’re unsure how these changes affect your next step, speaking with a professional can make things clearer.
At Visafast Migration Consultancy, our expert migration agents in Adelaide can help you understand your options and guide you through the process with care and accuracy.
Every visa journey is personal, and with the right guidance, your post-study years in Australia can become the start of something extraordinary.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
What’s the 485 visa stay duration for a Master’s degree in Australia?
Under the current 485 visa Australia rules, graduates with a Master’s coursework degree can stay for up to 2 years on the Temporary Graduate Visa Australia. Those completing a Master’s by research can stay up to 3 years. This is part of the Post Study Work rights in Australia.
Does a 485 visa allow work rights after study in Australia?
Yes! The 485 visa Australia is also called the Post Study Work Visa Australia because it allows international graduates to live and work in Australia temporarily after completing their studies. You can work full-time in any job or in your field, depending on your career goals.
What is the difference between a 485 visa and a post-study work visa?
The Temporary Graduate Visa Australia (subclass 485) is essentially the official Post Study Work Visa Australia. The terms are often used interchangeably, but a post-study work visa usually refers to the Post-Higher Education Work Stream for degree holders. Both provide post-study work rights in Australia.
How long can I stay on a 485 visa under the new rules?
Stay duration depends on the stream and your qualification:
- Post-Higher Education Work Stream: Bachelor’s – 2 years; Master’s coursework – 2 years; Master’s research – 3 years; PhD – 4 years.
- Post-Vocational Education Work Stream: Up to 18 months. These are the updated 485 visa Australia durations under the latest 485 visa updates.
What pathways to permanent residence exist after a 485 visa?
Graduates on the 485 visa in Australia can explore several pathways to permanent residency, such as:
- Employer-sponsored visas (subclass 186 or 187)
- Skilled migration via General Skilled Migration (GSM) visas
- State nomination in regional areas
