Find out whether you qualify for the Post-Higher Education Work or Post-Vocational Education Work stream of the Subclass 485 visa — and how long your visa could be.
Your eligibility result will appear here as you answer
1. Which passport do you hold?
Some passports change the age limit, English level or visa length
2. How old will you be when you apply?
3. Have you met the Temporary Graduate visa study requirement?
At least 2 academic years (92 weeks) of study in Australia in a CRICOS-registered course, completed in the 6 months before you apply
4. Have you held a Student visa in the last 6 months?
You must also be in Australia when you apply
5. What is your highest Australian qualification?
This decides which stream you can apply under and the length of your visa
6. Is your qualification closely related to an occupation on the MLTSSL, and have you applied for a skills assessment?
Required only for the Post-Vocational Education Work stream (Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List)
7. What is your English test result (taken in the last 12 months)?
8. Have you held a Subclass 485 (or 476) visa before as the main applicant?
The Two Main Streams Explained
Post-Vocational Education Work
Associate degree, diploma or trade qualification
Closely related to an occupation on the MLTSSL, with a skills assessment (or proof you applied)
Must meet the Temporary Graduate visa study requirement
Must be 35 or under (under 50 for Hong Kong / BNO passports)
IELTS 6.5 overall, 5.5 each band (or equivalent)
Visa length: up to 18 months (5 years for Hong Kong / BNO)
Post-Higher Education Work
Bachelor, Masters or Doctoral degree (any field) from an Australian provider
Held a Student visa in the last 6 months
Must meet the Temporary Graduate visa study requirement
Must be 35 or under (under 50 with a research Masters, PhD, or Hong Kong / BNO passport)
IELTS 6.5 overall, 5.5 each band (or equivalent)
Visa: 2–3 yrs by qualification (up to 4 for Indian nationals, 5 for Hong Kong / BNO)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for both streams at the same time?+
No. You apply for one stream only, and you cannot change streams after you apply. Degree holders (bachelor or higher) use the Post-Higher Education Work stream. Associate degree, diploma and trade graduates use the Post-Vocational Education Work stream, which also needs an occupation on the MLTSSL and a skills assessment.
Does a two-year diploma count for the Post-Higher Education Work stream?+
No. The Post-Higher Education Work stream needs at least a bachelor degree from an Australian provider. A diploma or trade qualification can qualify for the Post-Vocational Education Work stream instead, if it is closely related to an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and you have a skills assessment or have applied for one.
What is the Temporary Graduate visa study requirement?+
You must have completed at least two academic years (92 weeks) of study in Australia in one or more CRICOS-registered courses, and been awarded your qualification in the 6 months before you apply. Online study done outside Australia generally does not count, except study during the COVID concession period (1 February 2020 to 25 November 2023).
What happens after the 485 visa expires?+
The Subclass 485 visa cannot be extended. Some graduates who studied and lived in regional Australia can apply for a Second Post-Higher Education Work stream visa (1 or 2 extra years). Otherwise you need another visa to stay. Many 485 holders use the time to build Australian work experience, improve their points score, and apply for a skilled visa (subclass 189, 190 or 491) or employer sponsorship (Subclass 482 Skills in Demand or 186).
Disclaimer: This eligibility checker is based on publicly available Department of Home Affairs requirements and is intended for general guidance only. Eligibility criteria can change without notice. Always verify your eligibility on the official DoHA website or consult a Registered Migration Agent (MARA).
