Post Study Work Visa Eligibility: How the 485 Streams Differ and Which One You Qualify For
Post-Higher Education Work and Post-Vocational Education Work differ in qualification type, nominated occupation, age and stay length. Here is how to tell them apart.
If you have not sorted this out yet, our guide to the 92-week study requirement in practice is the place to start; one student's route through the 485 streams covers the related groundwork.
Qualification requirements
The Post-Higher Education Work stream requires an eligible Australian degree awarded within the previous 6 months. The field does not matter. You must also meet the Temporary Graduate visa study requirement.
The Post-Vocational Education Work stream requires a relevant associate degree, diploma or trade qualification. Your occupation must appear on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List, and you must obtain a suitable skills assessment.
Age requirements
You must be 35 years of age or under when you apply. You may be under 50 if you are using a Masters (research) or Doctoral Degree (PhD) to meet the Temporary Graduate visa study requirement, or if you hold a Hong Kong or British National Overseas passport.
Length of stay
Post-Higher Education Work stays are usually 2 to 3 years. Bachelor degrees, including honours, and coursework or extended Masters degrees receive 2 years. Research Masters and doctoral degrees receive 3 years. Graduate diplomas default to 2 years.
Post-Higher Education Work visas cannot be extended. Post-Vocational Education Work stays are up to 18 months. Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders may stay up to 5 years.
Conditions for every applicant
You must be in Australia when applying and hold an eligible visa. You must have held a Student visa within the previous 6 months.
Provide adequate health insurance and evidence of the required English level. Every applicant must provide evidence of having applied for an Australian Federal Police check.
Post-Vocational Education Work applicants must also provide course-completion evidence. Within the previous 12 months, English results must include IELTS 6.5, OET B, PTE Academic 57 or TOEFL iBT 83.
FAQ
Does the field of my degree matter for Post-Higher Education Work?
No. The qualification must be an eligible degree, but its field does not affect that requirement.
When is a Graduate Diploma eligible?
A Graduate Diploma qualifies when completed with, or immediately after, a successfully completed qualification. Its study must relate to that qualification.
Which qualifications permit the under-50 age exception?
Masters (research) and Doctoral Degree (PhD) qualifications can support the exception. The Hong Kong or British National Overseas passport condition is an alternative basis.
Can English evidence include online study?
Online study from 1 February 2020 to 25 November 2023 continues to count. Other study follows the applicable study requirement stated by the Department of Home Affairs.
Can I change streams after applying?
No. Choose the stream carefully because changes are not possible after application. Late applications cannot be accepted.