How International Students Can Stay in Australia After Graduation


Your Step-by-Step Guide to the Subclass 485 Graduate Visa

Every year, hundreds of thousands of international students fly to Australia to pursue their academic dreams. But what happens when the course ends? For many, the journey doesn't stop at graduation — it continues with a pathway to work, grow, and even settle permanently in the country they've come to call home.

If you're currently on a Subclass 500 Student Visa, Australia gives you a genuine opportunity to extend your stay through the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa. This visa allows you to live and work in Australia in an occupation relevant to your degree for up to 2–3 years.
Who Can Apply for the 485 Graduate Visa?

To transition from your Student Visa to a Graduate Visa, you must meet these key criteria:

Age limit: Under 35 years old at the time of application (exceptions apply for Hong Kong/BNO passport holders and postgraduate degree holders, who can apply up to age 50)

Valid visa: You must hold a valid and eligible visa at the time of application

Recent student: You must have held a Student Visa in the last 6 months

CRICOS-registered course: Your degree must be from a CRICOS-registered Australian institution

Health insurance: Adequate coverage is mandatory

Two Key Streams to Know

The Graduate Visa has two primary streams:

Post-Vocational Education Work Stream – For graduates of trade or vocational qualifications, allowing up to 18 months of stay in Australia


Post-Higher Education Work Stream – For bachelor's, master's, and doctoral graduates, allowing 2–3 years of stay

Documents You'll Need

A smooth 485 Visa application starts with thorough documentation, including your valid passport, degree completion letter, academic transcripts, CRICOS course code, English proficiency results (minimum 6.5 IELTS overall), AFP police clearance, and health insurance proof.

Start Your Journey Today

The transition from a Student Visa to a Graduate Visa is your first step toward a long-term future in Australia, including potential permanent residency pathways like the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) or Employer Sponsorship (Subclass 190).

For a comprehensive guide on everything you need to know, read the full article: From Student Visa to Graduate Visa: How to Stay in Australia After Your Course Ends

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