После выпуска: рабочая виза Австралии (Subclass 485) 2026

Finishing your degree in Australia opens a door that few other countries offer: a post-study work visa lasting two to four years, with no employer sponsorship required and no restriction on the type of work you can do. The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) is Australia's flagship post-study work pathway, and it is the foundation upon which tens of thousands of international graduates build their Australian careers each year. Whether you want to gain professional experience, explore the job market, or lay the groundwork for permanent residency, the Subclass 485 visa gives you the time and freedom to do it.

But the Subclass 485 is not the end of the road — it is the beginning. The real question for most graduates is: what comes after? Australia's skilled migration system offers multiple pathways from temporary graduate status to permanent residency, including the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189), the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190), the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491), and employer-sponsored visas (Subclass 482 and 494). Each has different requirements, processing times, and advantages.

This comprehensive guide walks you through the entire post-graduation journey: from applying for the Subclass 485 visa to understanding the skilled migration framework, salary thresholds, employer sponsorship, and the regional incentives that can give you a significant advantage. The information here is current for the 2026–2027 migration program year, including the latest changes to visa durations and occupation lists.

For context on studying in Australia, visit our Study in Australia country hub. If you are still a student and want to understand your work rights, see our working while studying guide. And for information on the application process that got you here, our university application guide has you covered.

The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485): Your Post-Study Foundation

The Subclass 485 visa is the primary post-study work visa for international graduates who have completed an eligible qualification at an Australian institution. It comes in two main streams:

Post-Study Work Stream

This is the stream that most international graduates use. The Post-Study Work stream is available to graduates who have completed a bachelor's degree or higher from an Australian institution on or after 5 November 2011. The key feature of this stream is that it is not occupation-specific — you can work in any job, in any industry, for any employer.

Duration depends on your qualification level and where you studied:

Qualification	Standard Duration	Regional Study Bonus	Maximum Duration
Bachelor's degree	2 years	+1 year (Category 2 regional) or +2 years (Category 3 regional)	4 years
Master's by coursework	3 years	+1 year (Category 2) or +2 years (Category 3)	5 years
Master's by research	3 years	+1 year (Category 2) or +2 years (Category 3)	5 years
Doctoral degree (PhD)	4 years	+1 year (Category 2) or +2 years (Category 3)	6 years

Regional study bonus explained: If you studied and lived in a designated regional area for at least two years, you receive an extended visa duration. Australia classifies regional areas into categories: Category 2 (cities and major regional centres like Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Newcastle, Wollongong, Sunshine Coast) and Category 3 (all other regional and remote areas). The bonus is 1 additional year for Category 2 areas and 2 additional years for Category 3 areas.

This regional incentive is a significant policy lever. A bachelor's graduate from James Cook University in Townsville (Category 3) receives a 4-year post-study work visa — double the duration of a graduate from the University of Sydney. For students who are flexible about location, this can be a strategic advantage in planning a path to permanent residency.

Graduate Work Stream

The Graduate Work stream is available to graduates who have completed a qualification that relates to an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). This stream requires a skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority. The visa duration is 18 months, and it is primarily used by graduates with trade or vocational qualifications (Certificate III/IV, Diploma, Advanced Diploma) rather than university degrees. Most university graduates use the Post-Study Work stream instead.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Subclass 485 visa (Post-Study Work stream), you must meet all of the following criteria:

• Age: Under 50 years old at the time of application.
• Visa status: You must hold a valid student visa (or a related bridging visa) at the time of application. You can apply while your student visa is still valid, even before your results are formally issued.
• Eligible qualification: A bachelor's degree, master's degree, or doctoral degree from a CRICOS-registered Australian institution, completed in English and as a result of at least two academic years of study (92 weeks of study on a CRICOS-registered course). This is called the "Australian Study Requirement."
• English language: You must demonstrate English proficiency. The minimum is an IELTS overall score of 6.0 (with no band below 5.0), or equivalent in TOEFL, PTE, or Cambridge. These are lower thresholds than most university entry requirements — if you passed your degree, you almost certainly meet this.
• Health and character: You must meet health requirements (medical examination) and character requirements (police clearance from every country where you have lived for 12 months or more since turning 16).
• Health insurance: You must hold adequate health insurance (OSHC) for the duration of the visa.
• Application timing: You must apply within 6 months of receiving your completion letter from the university, or within 6 months of your student visa expiry date, whichever comes first.

Fees and Costs

Expense	Cost (AUD)	Notes
Subclass 485 application fee (main applicant)	$1,895	2026 rate; indexed annually
Additional applicant (18+)	$950	Per additional adult applicant
Additional applicant (under 18)	$475	Per child
Health examination	$300–$500	Varies by provider
Police clearance (Australian Federal Police)	$42	Online application
Police clearance (home country)	$50–$200	Varies by country
OSHC or equivalent health insurance	$500–$700/year	Required for the full visa duration
Total (single applicant, 2-year visa)	$3,000–$3,500	Approximate total including all fees

Application Process

1. Obtain your completion letter: Request this from your university as soon as your results are confirmed. The letter must confirm that you have met all requirements for the award of your degree.
2. Arrange health insurance: Ensure you have OSHC or approved equivalent health insurance that covers the full duration of the Subclass 485 visa you are applying for.
3. Obtain police clearances: Apply for an Australian Federal Police (AFP) check online and police clearances from every country where you have lived for 12+ months since turning 16.
4. Take the English language test (if required): If you do not have a valid test result or cannot demonstrate English through other means.
5. Complete the health examination: Arrange a medical examination with a Bupa Medical Visa Services panel physician.
6. Submit the application online through ImmiAccount (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au). Upload all supporting documents.
7. Receive a Bridging Visa A (BVA): Once you submit your application, you are automatically granted a Bridging Visa A, which allows you to stay and work in Australia with full work rights while your application is processed.
8. Wait for processing: Current processing times range from 4 to 12 months. During this time, you can work unlimited hours on your Bridging Visa A.

After the 485: Pathways to Permanent Residency

The Subclass 485 visa is temporary — when it expires, you need another visa to remain in Australia. For many graduates, the goal is permanent residency (PR). Australia offers several pathways from temporary graduate status to PR, and understanding them is essential for making strategic career decisions during your 485 visa period.

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

The Subclass 189 is the gold standard of Australia's skilled migration program. It grants permanent residency with no conditions — you can live, work, and study anywhere in Australia, access Medicare, and eventually apply for citizenship. The 189 is points-tested, meaning you must score enough points on a matrix that considers your age, English proficiency, work experience, qualifications, and other factors.

Key requirements:

• Your occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list
• You must have a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority
• You must score at least 65 points on the points test (in practice, competitive scores are typically 80–90+)
• You must be under 45 years old
• You must meet English requirements (typically Competent English minimum, but Superior English — IELTS 8.0+ — gives additional points)
• You submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect and wait for an invitation to apply

Points breakdown for recent graduates:

Factor	Points	Typical Graduate Scenario
Age (25–32)	30	Most recent graduates
English (IELTS 7.0 each band — Proficient)	10	Achievable for most graduates
English (IELTS 8.0 each band — Superior)	20	Significant advantage if achievable
Australian bachelor's degree	15	Standard for bachelor's graduates
Australian master's or PhD	15–20	Master's: 15; PhD: 20
Australian study requirement (2+ years)	5	All 485 visa holders qualify
Regional study	5	If studied in a designated regional area
Australian work experience (1–3 years in skilled occupation)	5–10	Gained during 485 visa period
Professional Year program	5	Available for accounting, IT, and engineering
Partner skills / single applicant	10	10 points if single or partner has competent English + skills assessment

A typical recent graduate with a bachelor's degree, proficient English, and one year of Australian work experience can score around 70–80 points. To be competitive for an invitation, you may need to boost your score through superior English, additional work experience, or a Professional Year program.

Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

The Subclass 190 is similar to the 189 but requires state or territory government nomination. The nominating state adds 5 points to your points score, which can be the difference between receiving and not receiving an invitation. In exchange, you commit to living and working in the nominating state for at least two years after your visa is granted.

Each state has its own nomination criteria, occupation lists, and priority areas. States with smaller international student populations — such as South Australia, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory — often have more accessible nomination pathways than NSW or Victoria. This is another reason why studying in a regional area can provide long-term migration advantages.

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)

The Subclass 491 is a 5-year provisional visa for skilled workers who are nominated by a state/territory government or sponsored by an eligible family member to live and work in a designated regional area. It adds 15 points to your points score — a massive boost. After holding a 491 visa for 3 years and earning a minimum income of AUD$53,900 per year (2026 threshold), you can apply for the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa, which grants full permanent residency.

The 491 pathway is increasingly popular with international graduates because the 15-point bonus makes it achievable even for applicants with lower base scores. The trade-off is the regional requirement — you must live and work in a regional area for three years.

Employer-Sponsored Pathways

If you secure employment with an approved sponsor, employer-sponsored visas offer a direct route to staying in Australia:

• Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482): A temporary work visa sponsored by your employer. Duration is 2–4 years depending on your occupation. After working for the same employer for 2–3 years, you can transition to the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) for permanent residency.
• Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186): Grants permanent residency when sponsored by an Australian employer. Requires a minimum salary of AUD$73,150 per year (the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold, or TSMIT, as of 2026). Your employer must demonstrate a genuine need for the role and that they were unable to fill it with an Australian worker.
• Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494): Similar to the 482 but for employers in regional areas. After 3 years, you can transition to the Subclass 191 for permanent residency.

Salary Thresholds

Salary thresholds are critical in the Australian migration system. As of 2026:

Threshold	Amount (AUD/year)	Relevance
Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT)	$73,150	Minimum salary for employer-sponsored visas (482, 494)
Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT)	$73,150	Replaces former TSMIT for some pathways
Subclass 491 → 191 income requirement	$53,900	Minimum taxable income for 3 years to qualify for PR
Fair Work high-income threshold	$175,000	Employees above this are exempt from unfair dismissal

Strategic Decisions During Your 485 Visa

The 2–4 years on your Subclass 485 visa are among the most consequential of your Australian journey. How you use this time shapes your migration options, career trajectory, and long-term prospects. Here are the key strategic considerations:

1. Work in Your Skilled Occupation

If your long-term goal is permanent residency through the points-tested system (189, 190, or 491), you need to accumulate Australian work experience in a skilled occupation. This means working in a role that aligns with your skills assessment — not just any job. One year of Australian skilled work experience is worth 5 points; three years is worth 10 points. Plan your career moves with this in mind.

2. Improve Your English Score

English proficiency is one of the highest-leverage factors in the points test. The difference between "Proficient" English (IELTS 7.0 — 10 points) and "Superior" English (IELTS 8.0 — 20 points) is 10 points, which is enormous. If your English is strong, investing in preparation for a higher IELTS or PTE score can be more impactful than almost any other action.

3. Consider a Professional Year Program

Professional Year (PY) programs are 44-week structured professional development programs available in accounting, IT, and engineering. They include formal training and an internship with an Australian company. Completing a PY earns you 5 points toward the skilled migration points test and gives you valuable Australian work experience. PY programs cost approximately AUD$12,000–$18,000.

4. Get Your Skills Assessment Early

A skills assessment — an evaluation by the relevant assessing authority confirming that your qualifications and experience meet Australian standards for your occupation — is required for most permanent residency pathways. Assessments can take 2–6 months to process. Start early so that your assessment is ready when you want to submit your Expression of Interest.

5. Consider Regional Relocation

If you are finding it difficult to accumulate enough points for a 189 visa, consider relocating to a regional area and pursuing the Subclass 491 pathway. The 15-point bonus for state nomination, combined with regional work experience points and lower cost of living, can make permanent residency achievable for candidates who would not score high enough for the 189.

The Job Market for International Graduates

Australia's graduate job market is robust, with a national graduate employment rate of approximately 78% for bachelor's graduates within four months of completing their degree. However, employment outcomes vary significantly by field:

• Highest demand: Nursing and healthcare, IT and cybersecurity, engineering (civil, mechanical, electrical), accounting and finance, teaching, and construction management.
• Strong demand: Data science and analytics, human resources, marketing (digital), social work, and environmental science.
• Competitive markets: Law, media and communications, arts and humanities, and general business degrees face higher competition and longer job-search periods.

International graduates face additional challenges, including the need for employer familiarity with the 485 visa's work rights and potential visa sponsorship down the line. Proactive networking, Australian work experience (even part-time during your studies), and a well-prepared LinkedIn profile are essential. University careers services remain your best resource for employer connections and job-search support.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can I stay in Australia after graduation?

With the Subclass 485 Post-Study Work stream, bachelor's graduates get 2 years, master's graduates get 3 years, and PhD graduates get 4 years. Regional study bonuses can add 1–2 additional years. The maximum possible duration is 6 years (PhD + Category 3 regional bonus).

Can I work for any employer on a 485 visa?

Yes. The Subclass 485 visa grants full, unrestricted work rights. You can work for any employer, in any industry, in any role. There is no restriction on the number of hours you can work.

What happens if I cannot find a skilled job during my 485 visa?

If your 485 visa expires without securing a pathway to another visa, you must leave Australia (or apply for a different visa if eligible). This is why using the 485 period strategically — gaining skilled work experience, improving English, and building toward a points-tested or employer-sponsored visa — is so important. Do not wait until the last year of your 485 to start planning.

Can my partner work on a 485 visa?

Yes. If you include your partner (spouse or de facto) in your 485 visa application, they receive full work rights — no hour limit. Your partner can work in any job while your 485 visa is valid.

What is the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT)?

The TSMIT is the minimum annual salary that an employer must offer when sponsoring a worker for a Subclass 482 or 494 visa. As of 2026, the TSMIT is AUD$73,150 per year. This threshold ensures that sponsored workers are not being underpaid relative to the Australian labour market.

Is it easier to get permanent residency from a regional area?

Generally, yes. Regional areas offer several advantages: extended 485 visa duration, 5 additional points for regional study, access to the Subclass 491 pathway (with its 15-point state nomination bonus), and state nomination programs that are often more accessible in regional states. The trade-off is a smaller job market and fewer lifestyle amenities compared to Sydney or Melbourne.

How long does it take to get permanent residency?

Timelines vary significantly by pathway. Through the points-tested system (189/190), it typically takes 3–5 years from graduation: 1–2 years gaining work experience and building points, 6–12 months for skills assessment and EOI processing, and 6–18 months for visa processing. Through employer sponsorship (482 to 186), it takes approximately 2–4 years. Through the regional pathway (491 to 191), it takes at least 3 years in a regional area plus processing time.

Can I apply for the 485 visa if I studied online during COVID-19?

COVID-19 concessions that allowed online study to count toward the Australian Study Requirement have largely been phased out. For courses completed after 1 July 2024, you must have physically studied in Australia for at least two academic years. Check the Department of Home Affairs website for any remaining transitional arrangements.

What is a Professional Year program and is it worth it?

A Professional Year is a 44-week structured program combining formal learning with a 12-week internship, available for accounting, IT, and engineering graduates. It earns 5 migration points, provides Australian work experience, and significantly improves employment outcomes. At AUD$12,000–$18,000, it is a substantial investment, but for graduates who need additional points or struggle to find their first professional role, it can be transformative.

Can I travel in and out of Australia on a 485 visa?

Yes. The Subclass 485 visa is a multi-entry visa, meaning you can travel freely in and out of Australia for the duration of the visa. However, time spent outside Australia does not extend the visa — the expiry date is fixed regardless of travel.