Post-Study Work & PR Pathway in Australia
Subclass 485 Guide
Explore your stay-back options, Subclass 485 visa benefits, eligibility, PR transition strategies, and high-demand occupations after completing your studies in Australia.
What Happens After You Graduate in Australia?
After completing your studies in Australia, international students may be eligible to stay and work full-time through the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485).
This visa serves as the bridge between student life and Australian permanent residency (PR).
What is the Subclass 485 Visa?
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) allows international graduates to remain in Australia temporarily to work full-time and gain local experience.
🔹 Streams Under Subclass 485:
| Stream | Who It’s For | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Post-Study Work Stream | University graduates (Bachelor’s/Master’s) | 2–4 years |
| Graduate Work Stream | VET graduates in occupations on MLTSSL | 18 months |
| Second Post-Study Work Stream | Graduates from regional campuses | +1–2 additional years |
Subclass 485 Eligibility Criteria
You may apply if you:
- Hold a valid Subclass 500 visa and completed an eligible CRICOS-registered course
- Completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate, or VET program (min. 92 weeks)
- Apply within 6 months of course completion
- Achieve a competent English test score (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent)
- Have adequate health insurance (OSHC)
- Provide health check and police clearance certificate (PCC)
Documents Required to Apply
- Passport
- CoE + Academic Transcript + Completion Letter
- IELTS/PTE Scorecard
- OSHC/Health Insurance Certificate
- AFP Clearance Certificate
- Visa application fee receipt
- Resume (for skills assessment if required)
Visa Fee & Processing Time
| Application Type | Visa Fee (AUD) | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Applicant | $1,895 | 7 – 10 months |
| Spouse (Dependent) | $950 | N/A |
| Child (Dependent) | $475 | N/A |
Duration of Stay Based on Qualification & Location
| Qualification | Major City Stay | Regional Stay |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 2 Years | 3 – 4 Years |
| Master’s by Coursework | 2 Years | 3 – 4 Years |
| Master’s by Research | 3 Years | 4 – 5 Years |
| PhD | 4 Years | 5 Years |
What Can You Do on a Subclass 485 Visa?
- Work full-time for any employer in any field
- Gain industry-specific experience
- Explore PR-eligible roles and secure employer sponsorship
- Bring your spouse and children as dependents
- Enrol in further studies (optional)
- Transition to a skilled visa like Subclass 189, 190, or 491
Pathways from 485 to Permanent Residency (PR)
| PR Visa | When to Apply | Typical Route |
|---|---|---|
| Subclass 189 | After gaining local experience | Points-tested independent PR |
| Subclass 190 | With state nomination | Skilled nominated PR |
| Subclass 491 | With regional work & nomination | Provisional to PR (via Subclass 191) |
| Subclass 186 | Employer Nomination | Direct PR through employer sponsorship |
How to Improve Your PR Chances While on 485
- Gain at least 1–2 years of skilled work experience
- Apply for skills assessment through ACS, VETASSESS, Engineers Australia, etc.
- Choose jobs listed on the MLTSSL (Medium & Long-Term Skills Shortage List)
- Live and work in designated regional areas
- Improve English test scores (IELTS/PTE)
High-Demand Occupations for PR Pathways
| Industry | Popular PR-Linked Roles |
|---|---|
| Healthcare | Registered Nurse, Aged Care Worker, Paramedic |
| IT & Technology | Software Engineer, Business Analyst, Cybersecurity Expert |
| Engineering | Civil, Mechanical, Electrical Engineers |
| Education | Early Childhood Educator, Secondary School Teacher |
| Trades & VET | Chef, Carpenter, Electrician, Plumber |
| Finance | Accountant (General), Auditor, Financial Analyst |
Benefits of Choosing Regional Study Locations
- +5 PR points for regional qualification
- +1–2 extra years of 485 stay
- Easier to find employer sponsorship
- Lower cost of living and rent
- Better chances of Subclass 491 nomination
Salary Expectations After Graduation
| Qualification | Average Salary Range (AUD/year) |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | $55,000 – $70,000 |
| Master’s by Coursework | $65,000 – $85,000 |
| PhD / Research Graduates | $80,000 – $100,000+ |
| VET/Trade Skills | $50,000 – $65,000 |
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