Pathway to Australian Work Experience After Higher Education

Q: How long is the Subclass 485 visa valid for?

The visa is valid for up to 4 years , depending on your qualification.

Q: Can I apply for permanent residency after the Subclass 485 visa?

Yes, you may transition to permanent residency through the Skilled Migration Program ( Subclass 189 , 190 ) or Employer Nomination Scheme ( Subclass 186 ).

Q: Can I work in any job on the Subclass 485 visa?

Yes, you have full work rights and can work in any job related to your qualification.

Q: Can I include my family members in my Subclass 485 visa application?

Yes, you can include your spouse , de facto partner , and dependent children.

The Subclass 485 Visa (Post-Higher Education Work Stream) is designed for international students who’ve completed higher education qualifications in Australia, allowing them to gain valuable work experience.

🔎 Visa Snapshot

Visa Type: Temporary Visa

PR Pathway: Pathway to Permanent Residency (Subclass 189, Subclass 190, Subclass 186)

Processing Time: 4-5 months

Work Rights: Full work rights in any job

Post-Study Pathways: Eligible for skilled migration to PR

English Proficiency: Must meet English test requirements (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, PTE)

Health & Character: Must meet health and character standards

Eligibility: Completed CRICOS-registered higher education course

Apply within 6 months of completing qualification

Must have been on a student visa for at least 2 years

🧭 Visa Overview:

Allows international students who have completed higher education in Australia to stay and gain work experience.

Duration: Stay for up to 4 years, depending on qualification level.

Eligibility: Available to those who have completed a CRICOS-registered higher education qualification in Australia.

Work Rights: Full-time work rights in any field

Pathway to Permanent Residency: Eligible for transition to skilled migration visas (Subclass 189, 190) or Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) if eligible.

Why Apply for the Post-Higher Education Work Stream?

Gain Valuable Work Experience: Work in your field of study to enhance your career prospects.

Full Work Rights: Enjoy unrestricted work rights in any job related to your qualification.

Pathway to Permanent Residency: Potential to transition to permanent residency through skilled migration visas (Subclass 189, 190).

Stay Longer in Australia: Stay in Australia for up to 4 years after completing your qualification.

Build Career in Australia: Take advantage of Australia’s world-class job market to gain practical experience.

Live Anywhere in Australia: Flexibility to work and live in any location across Australia.

Eligibility Criteria: Post-Higher Education Work Stream

Completed a CRICOS-registered higher education qualification in Australia.

Apply within 6 months of completing your qualification.

Held a student visa for at least 2 years.

Meet English language proficiency requirements.

Meet health and character requirements.

🔍 Application Steps: Post-Higher Education Work Stream

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Common Mistakes ✅ Tips to Strengthen Your Application

Common Mistakes:

Incorrect or incomplete documentation

Missing or outdated qualification evidence

Failing to meet English language requirements

Delayed submission of health or character checks

Not applying within 6 months of course completion

Tips to Strengthen Your Application

Double-check all documents for accuracy and completeness

Ensure your qualifications are recognized and listed correctly

Meet English proficiency requirements early

Complete health and character checks before applying

Apply promptly within the 6-month window after course completion

Family Members You Can Include

Family Member You can Inlcude is one side and After Visa Grant is another side- Left and Right- so the header also align accordingly- remember this for all visa pages

Family Members You Can Include:

Spouse or de facto partner

Dependent children under 18 years

Children over 18 (if financially dependent)

After Visa Grant Benefits:

Spouse or partner can work and stay in Australia for the same visa duration

Dependent children can access education and healthcare in Australia

Full work rights for the visa holder in any job related to their qualification

All family members must meet health and character requirements for inclusion in the visa application.

Required Documents – What You’ll Need

Primary Applicant

Passport Copy

Evidence of qualification completion

English proficiency test results

Health Examination Results

Police Clearance

Partner / Dependents

Proof of Relationship to Applicant (e.g., Birth Certificate, Adoption Papers)

Health and character documents for dependents

Visa Fees & Processing Time

Type	Details & Fee (AUD)
🧾 Government Visa Fee	Approx. AUD 2,300 (base)
👥 Addtional Applicant 18+	AUD 1,150
👥 Addtional Applicant below 18	AUD 580
⏳ Processing Time	2 to 3 Months (90% of Application)

🧰 Tools & Downloads

❓Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Subclass 485 visa valid for?

The visa is valid for up to 4 years, depending on your qualification.

Can I apply for permanent residency after the Subclass 485 visa?

Yes, you may transition to permanent residency through the Skilled Migration Program (Subclass 189, 190) or Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186).

Can I work in any job on the Subclass 485 visa?

Yes, you have full work rights and can work in any job related to your qualification.

Can I apply for the Subclass 485 visa from offshore?

No, you must apply for the visa while in Australia.

Can I include my family members in my Subclass 485 visa application?

Yes, you can include your spouse, de facto partner, and dependent children.

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Disclaimer
The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not guarantee visa approval. All visa applications are subject to the discretion of the Australian Department of Home Affairs. For personalized guidance, please contact a registered migration agent at Visa Advisor.