Overview
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) – Post-Higher Education Work Stream (formerly the Post-Study Work Stream) is a critical pathway for international students who have recently graduated from an Australian educational institution. This visa allows you to live, work, and study in Australia temporarily after completing your degree.
Effective from 1 March 2026, the Australian Government has implemented significant structural changes to this stream, including updated age limits, higher application charges, and a rebrand of the stream name to reflect the "Post-Higher Education" focus.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the Post-Higher Education Work stream in 2026, you must meet the following criteria at the time of your application:
- Age Limit: You must be 35 years of age or younger.
- Exceptions: Masters by research, Doctoral (PhD) graduates, and Hong Kong/British National Overseas (BNO) passport holders may apply if they are under 50 years of age.
- Study Requirement: You must have completed a CRICOS-registered course (Bachelor, Masters, or Doctoral degree) within the last 6 months.
- English Language: You must provide evidence of a minimum overall score of 6.5 in IELTS (with at least 5.5 in each component) or an equivalent score in an approved test like PTE Academic. The test must have been taken within 1 year of your application date.
- Health and Character: You and any family members included in the application must meet Australia’s health and character requirements, including providing a recent Australian Federal Police (AFP) check.
- Insurance: You must hold adequate health insurance (Overseas Visitor Health Cover - OVHC) at the time of lodgement.
2026 Costs and Fees
The Australian Department of Home Affairs increased the Visa Application Charge (VAC) significantly on 1 March 2026.
| Applicant Type | Base Application Charge (AUD) |
| Main Applicant | $4,600 |
| Additional Applicant (18 and over) | $2,300 |
| Additional Applicant (under 18) | $1,160 |
Note: Citizens of eligible Pacific Island nations and Timor-Leste may be eligible for a lower concessional rate. Additional costs for health examinations, biometrics, and police certificates are not included in the base charge.
Processing Times
Processing times are subject to change based on application volume and complexity. As of March 2026, the Department of Home Affairs benchmarks for the Subclass 485 (Post-Higher Education Work Stream) are:
- 50% of applications: Processed within 4 months.
- 90% of applications: Processed within 6 months.
To ensure the fastest processing, applicants should ensure their Mobile contact details are correct in ImmiAccount and all documents are front-loaded at the time of submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for this visa if I am 36 years old?
Generally, no. Under the 2026 regulations, the age limit is 35. However, if you have completed a Masters by research or a PhD, or if you hold a Hong Kong or BNO passport, the age limit remains 50.
How long can I stay on a Subclass 485 visa in 2026?
- Bachelor Degree: 2 years.
- Masters (Coursework): 2 years.
- Masters (Research) or PhD: 3 years.
- Hong Kong/BNO Passport Holders: 5 years.
Is the application fee refundable if my visa is refused?
No. The $4,600 application fee is a non-refundable processing charge. Because the financial risk is now higher, Aussie Immigration Services® recommends a professional review of your documents before lodgement.
Do I need a Skills Assessment for this stream?
No. The Post-Higher Education Work stream does not require a skills assessment or a nominated occupation on the skilled occupation list.
Can I include my partner in my application?
Yes, you can include your partner and dependent children. Each additional applicant will incur an extra charge ($2,300 for adults, $1,160 for minors).
