Find out whether you qualify for the Graduate Work or Post-Study Work stream of the Subclass 485 visa — and how long your visa could be.
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Complete the questions below
Your eligibility result will appear here as you answer
1. How old are you?
2. Have you met the Australian Study Requirement?
Did you complete at least 2 academic years (92 weeks) of full-time equivalent study in Australia?
3. Were you on a student visa while studying in Australia?
4. What is your highest Australian qualification?
This affects which stream you can apply under and the length of your visa
5. Does your qualification relate to an occupation on a skilled occupation list?
This is required for the Graduate Work stream (Stream 1)
6. What is your English language level?
The Two Streams Explained
Stream 1 — Graduate Work
Qualification must relate to a skilled occupation
Occupation must be on a relevant skilled list
Must meet Australian Study Requirement
Must be under 50
Must have Competent English
Visa length: 18 months
Stream 2 — Post-Study Work
Bachelor, Honours, Masters, or PhD from Australian institution
Must have held a student visa while studying
Must meet Australian Study Requirement
Must be under 50
Competent (or functional) English
Visa: 2–4 yrs based on qualification
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for both Stream 1 and Stream 2 at the same time?+
No. You can only hold one Subclass 485 visa at a time, and you must apply under a single stream. However, you may be eligible for both — if so, you would typically choose Stream 2 (Post-Study Work) because it offers a longer visa duration. If your qualification relates to a listed skilled occupation, Stream 1 may grant a faster pathway to skills assessment. Discuss this with a migration agent.
Does a two-year diploma count for the Post-Study Work stream?+
No. The Post-Study Work stream requires at least a bachelor-level degree from an Australian institution. A diploma or trade qualification does not qualify for Stream 2. You may, however, qualify for Stream 1 (Graduate Work) if your diploma relates to a listed skilled occupation and you meet all other requirements.
What is the Australian Study Requirement (ASR)?+
The Australian Study Requirement means completing at least two academic years (equivalent to 92 weeks) of full-time study in Australia. The study must have taken place on a student visa (or other eligible visa) at an Australian institution. Part-time study can count toward the requirement if it is equivalent to at least two years of full-time study. Online study done outside Australia generally does not count.
What happens after the 485 visa expires?+
The Subclass 485 visa is temporary. After it expires, you must have another visa to remain in Australia. Many 485 holders use the time to build Australian work experience, improve their points score, and apply for a skilled permanent visa (subclass 189, 190, or 491) or be sponsored by an employer (Subclass 482 or 186). Some people also use the 485 period to meet the requirements for other visa categories such as the Business Innovation visa.
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).
