Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485): Post-Study Work Rights in Australia
Published in 2026 • By Inphase Editorial Team
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485): Post-Study Work Rights in Australia 2026
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) is the primary reason thousands of international students flock to Australia every year. It allows international students to live, study, and work full-time in Australia temporarily after they have finished their studies. As the best education consultant in Chandigarh, Inphase Global is committed to ensuring you understand the latest 2026 updates to post-study work rights to maximize your global career trajectory.
Key Changes to the Subclass 485 Visa in 2026
The Australian government has recently recalibrated the Subclass 485 visa to better align with the nation’s skills shortages. Notably, the maximum eligible age for the Post-Study Work stream has been reduced from 50 to 35 years of age (with exceptions for Masters by Research and PhD graduates, who remain eligible up to age 50). Additionally, the English language requirements have been increased.
Duration of Post-Study Work Rights
The duration of your visa heavily depends on your highest level of qualification completed in Australia:
- Bachelor Degree (including Honours): Up to 2 years.
- Masters (Coursework or Extended): Up to 2 years.
- Masters (Research) and PhD: Up to 3 years.
Pro Tip from Inphase Global
If you choose to study and live in a designated "Regional Area" (like Adelaide, Perth, Hobart, or Gold Coast), you can be eligible for a Second Post-Study Work stream visa, giving you an additional 1 to 2 years of work rights!
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the Subclass 485 visa in 2026, you must:
- Be under 35 years of age (unless undertaking a Research degree).
- Have completed a CRICOS-registered course that took at least 2 academic years (92 weeks) of study.
- Meet the English proficiency threshold (e.g., IELTS overall 6.5 with no band less than 5.5, taken within the last year).
- Apply within 6 months of completing your course.
- Hold adequate health insurance for the duration of the visa.
Pathway to Permanent Residency
The 485 visa is not a Permanent Residency (PR) visa, but it is the strongest stepping stone. It provides you the critical time needed to gain local Australian work experience, clear professional year programs (if applicable), and rack up points for skilled migration visas (like Subclass 189, 190, or 491).
Plan Your Career with the Best Education Consultant in Chandigarh
Strategizing your course selection today dictates your PR and work visa options tomorrow. Recognized as the best education consultant in Chandigarh, Inphase Global doesn't just process admissions; we map out your 5-year pathway from student visa to professional success in Australia.
Want to Maximize Your Post-Study Work Rights?
Speak to our experts to select regional universities that guarantee extended work visas and extra PR points.