| Streams | Post-Vocational Education Work and Post-Higher Education Work. |
|---|---|
| Age | 35 or under when you apply, with some exceptions, including some research graduates. |
| Deadline | Within 6 months of completing your course. |
| English | A test taken within 12 months before you apply, at the required score. |
| Where you apply from | In Australia. You must have held a Student visa in the last 6 months. |
| Study requirement | A qualification from a CRICOS-registered course that meets the Australian study requirement. |
Start planning before your course ends
The 6-month window starts from your course completion date, which is usually the date on your completion letter, not your graduation ceremony. That window passes quickly, especially if you also need English test results, a skills assessment or police certificates.
Which stream fits you?
The Post-Higher Education Work stream is for graduates with a bachelor degree or higher. The Post-Vocational Education Work stream is for graduates with a diploma or trade qualification closely related to an occupation on the relevant list, and usually needs a skills assessment. You choose your stream when you apply and cannot change it later.
A 6-month plan
- 6 months before completion: check your stream, age and the study requirement. Book an English test if needed.
- 3 months before: start collecting police certificates and, for the vocational stream, lodge your skills assessment.
- On completion: get your completion letter and academic transcript.
- Within 6 months of completion: lodge your 485 application with all evidence attached.
Thinking beyond the 485
The 485 is a temporary visa. Many graduates use it to gain Australian work experience that counts towards a skilled or employer-sponsored visa later. If permanent residence is your goal, plan your occupation, skills assessment and work experience early.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for a 485 after my Student visa expires?
You must be in Australia and have held a Student visa in the last 6 months. If your Student visa has expired, talk to us before lodging.
Can I include my partner?
Yes. Your partner and dependent children can usually be included in your application.
What if I miss the 6-month deadline?
The deadline is strict. You would need to consider a different visa, so talk to us as early as possible.
Do I need a skills assessment?
Usually yes for the Post-Vocational Education Work stream, and usually no for the Post-Higher Education Work stream.
Official sources
Updated October 2026. Visa rules, fees and processing times change often, so always check the official sources before you act.