The Subclass 485 Post-Study Work (PSW) visa is Australia’s primary post-graduation work pathway for international students. On 1 July 2024, the Department of Home Affairs implemented substantial changes to age limits, course requirements, and work duration. This guide covers the 2026 rules in full.
Two Streams of the 485 Visa
Post-Higher Education Work Stream
Designed for graduates who completed bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees at Australian universities.
Post-Vocational Education Work Stream
Designed for graduates who completed TAFE or VET (Vocational Education and Training) qualifications.
Core Eligibility (2026)
- Age: You must be under 35 years old at the time of application (some master’s and doctoral degrees allow up to age 50)
- Course duration: You completed at least 2 academic years (92 weeks minimum) of a CRICOS-registered course
- Language: IELTS 6.0 overall with no band below 5.0 (or PTE/TOEFL equivalent)
- Location of study: You must have completed your course while physically in Australia on a valid student visa
- First-time application: Generally, you can apply for 485 only once (limited exceptions for certain master’s and doctoral combinations)
Work Visa Duration (2026 Schedule)
| Qualification | Standard Duration | Regional Australia Bonus |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 2 years | +1–2 years in designated regions |
| Master’s (taught) | 2 years | +1–2 years in designated regions |
| Master’s (research) | 3 years | +1–2 years in designated regions |
| Doctorate (PhD) | 4 years | +1–2 years in designated regions |
| TAFE/VET | 18 months | +1 year in designated regions |
Regional Australia: Designated areas include everything outside Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth. Cities like the Gold Coast, Adelaide, Hobart, and Canberra qualify for regional bonuses.
Application Timeline
Step 1: Obtain Your Completion Letter
Once you finish your course, your university will issue a Completion Letter or official academic transcript.
Step 2: File Online
Submit your 485 application through ImmiAccount with:
- Passport biographical page
- Completion Letter and official transcript
- IELTS/PTE/TOEFL score
- Federal Police clearance (AFP) + home country police clearance
- Overseas health insurance (OVHC—note: different from OSHC)
- Medical examination report (if required)
- Family relationship documents (if applicable)
Step 3: Automatic Bridging Visa
Upon submission, you’re automatically granted a Bridging Visa A, allowing you to remain in Australia and work lawfully whilst the Department assesses your 485 application.
Step 4: Wait for Processing
Processing typically takes 3–9 months. You may be asked for additional documents or interviews.
What Comes After 485?
Once you hold a 485 work visa, your options include:
- Skilled Independent Migration (189): If you score 85+ points under the points-based system, you’re typically eligible for an invitation.
- State Sponsorship (190 or 491): Each state maintains its own priority occupations list; regional states (South Australia, Northern Territory, Western Australia, Tasmania) tend to have more accessible pathways.
- Employer Sponsorship (482 or 186): Secure an employer willing to sponsor you.
- Return home: Let your 485 lapse and leverage your Australian work experience in your home job market.
- Further study: Use your 485 period to pursue a second master’s or PhD on a new student visa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work full-time on 485?
Yes. The 485 visa carries no work hour restrictions, matching Australian permanent resident employment rights.
Can I leave and re-enter Australia on 485?
Yes. The 485 is a multiple re-entry visa.
I’ll be over 35 when I graduate. Can I still apply?
Doctoral and certain postgraduate research degrees allow extensions to age 50. Most master’s taught programmes cap out at 35. If you’ll exceed the age limit, consult a MARA-registered agent about your specific circumstances.
Are there any COVID-related extension visas still available?
No. As of 1 July 2023, these temporary extensions were withdrawn. Only the standard 485 duration and regional bonuses apply.
UNILINK’s 485 Support
- MARA-registered agents + Sydney office: We can assist with in-person document lodgement at our CBD office
- Application service: Zero fees for 485 lodgement, including document preparation, medical referrals, and police clearance coordination
- Migration planning: Before you file, we map out your next steps (189, 190, employer sponsorship) so your 485 work experience aligns with your long-term migration strategy
Ready to Apply?
Contact UNILINK:
- Email: enquiry@unilink.co
- WeChat: UNILINK Consultant
A MARA-registered agent will assess your 485 eligibility free of charge. Consultations are always free.
Last updated April 2026 · Prepared by MARA-registered migration agents · Registration numbers 1687552, 1576954