Subclass 485 provides temporary work and study rights to eligible recent graduates. The correct stream depends on the qualification and circumstances, and the application is time-sensitive because age, recent Student visa history and Australian study requirements can be critical.
Who this pathway is generally for
- You recently completed eligible Australian study.
- You satisfy the age and recent visa-history requirements for the relevant stream, subject to any exceptions.
- You meet English, health and other criteria.
How the process usually works
- Identify the Post-Higher Education Work or Post-Vocational Education Work stream.
- Check timing against course completion and recent Student visa history.
- Prepare qualification, English, health insurance and other evidence.
- Consider how the 485 period fits into future skilled or employer-sponsored planning.
Issues that commonly need closer analysis
- applying too late after study or Student visa history
- wrong 485 stream
- age exceptions and passport-specific rules
- skills assessment requirements for vocational pathways
- assuming a 485 automatically leads to permanent residence
Why the details matter
Visa criteria often operate together with application-validity rules, location requirements, previous immigration history and evidence requirements. Two people applying for the same subclass can therefore face very different legal and evidentiary issues.
Last reviewed: 6 October 2026. Migration law and policy can change. This page provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice.