If you’ve recently completed your studies in Australia, understanding your post-study visa options is essential. One of the most important pathways is the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)-now officially referred to as the Temporary Graduate Visa (TGV). This visa allows eligible international graduates to stay in...
If you’ve recently completed your studies in Australia, understanding your post-study visa options is essential. One of the most important pathways is the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)-now officially referred to as the Temporary Graduate Visa (TGV).
This visa allows eligible international graduates to stay in Australia temporarily to live, work and gain practical experience, helping build a pathway towards skilled migration or future permanent residency.
As part of the Australian Government’s Migration Strategy reforms, the TGV was restructured on 1 July 2024, moving from the old two-stream system into three new streams-each based on qualification level and location of study.
What Is the Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) Visa?
The TGV is designed for international students who have completed an eligible Australian qualification and want to stay temporarily to gain skilled experience.
To qualify, you must meet the core visa criteria:
- Have held a valid student visa in the last 6 months before applying
- Hold a qualification from a CRICOS-registered course
- Meet the TGV Australian study requirement
- Meet English, health and character requirements
- Be under 35 years of age for most applicants
- Exceptions (under 50): Master by research graduates, PhD graduates, Hong Kong or BNO passport holders
- Apply under the correct stream (you cannot change streams after lodging your application)
The Three Temporary Graduate Visa Streams (2024)
Below is the updated breakdown of all three visa streams, their requirements and stay periods.
Post-Vocational Education Work Stream
This stream is for graduates with vocational qualifications, such as:
- Certificate III/IV
- Diploma
- Advanced Diploma
- Associate Degree
- Trade qualifications
Eligibility Requirements:
- Qualification must be closely related to an occupation on Australia’s skilled occupation list for the Graduate stream
- A skills assessment in your nominated occupation is required
- Must have held a student visa in the last 6 months
- Must be under 35, unless you hold a Hong Kong or BNO passport (under 50)
Stay period:
- Up to 18 months for most applicants
- Up to 5 years for Hong Kong or BNO passport holders
This stream is ideal for graduates in trade and vocational fields such as cookery, carpentry, hospitality, automotive, or early childhood education.
2. Post-Higher Education Work Stream
This stream is for graduates who completed a Bachelor, Master’s, or Doctoral degree in Australia.
Eligibility Requirement:
- Must hold a Bachelor, Master’s or PhD from a CRICOS-registered provider
- No skills assessment or occupation nomination required
- Must be under 35, except:
- Master by research & PhD graduates → under 50
- Hong Kong & BNO passport holders → under 50
Stay period:
- Bachelor or Master (Coursework): up to 2 years
- Master (Research) or PhD: up to 3 years
- Hong Kong & BNO passport holders: up to 5 years
This is the most common pathway for university graduates seeking to gain skilled work experience, internships or progress toward state nomination or skilled migration.
3. Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream
This stream is for graduates who previously held a Post-Higher Education Work Stream visa and studied or lived in a designated regional area.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must have held a Post-Higher Education Work Stream (or former Post-Study Work Stream) visa
- Must have completed your qualification at a regional campus, or lived in a designated regional area for at least 2 years
- Not available to graduates who only held the Post-Vocational Education Work Stream
Stay period:
- 1 year for Category 2 regional areas
- 2 years for Category 3 regional areas
This stream is designed to support regional Australia by encouraging graduates to remain in or commit to living and working in regional communities after graduation.
Which 485 Visa Stream Should You Apply For?
Choosing the correct stream is critical because once you submit your visa application, you cannot change streams.
Quick guide:
- Diploma, trade certificate, associate degree
Post-Vocational Education Work Stream - Bachelor, Master’s, PhD
Post-Higher Education Work Stream - Previous higher-education stream visa + regional study/living
Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream
Here’s how to decide:
If you completed a diploma, trade certificate or associate degree and your qualification relates to a skilled occupation → you’ll be looking at the Post-Vocational Education Work stream.
If you completed a Bachelor or higher (Master’s or PhD) → you’ll be eligible for the Post-Higher Education Work stream.
If you already held a TGV under the higher-education stream and have studied/lived in a regional campus/area → consider the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream.
To ensure you choose the correct pathway, get professional guidance – especially if you completed multiple qualifications.
Why Apply with Global Consult?
With 10+ years of experience in Australian migration law and student visa pathways, Global Consult specialises in helping international graduates transition smoothly to skilled work visas.
- Stays up-to-date with all 2024 migration reform changes
- Ensures your application is accurate, complete and submitted correctly
- Assists with skills assessments, state nomination, and long-term migration planning
- Supports you in aligning your study background with skilled migration options
Final Thoughts
Australia’s restructured TR 485 Visa (Temporary Graduate Visa) is an important opportunity for international graduates seeking professional experience and long-term career options in Australia. Understanding the requirements for each stream and selecting the correct one at the beginning can make a significant difference to your future migration opportunities.
If you’re unsure which TGV stream fits your qualification or career goals, the Global Consult team is here to help.
