Discover the 2024–25 post-study work visa Australia update: eligibility changes, new requirements, and essential tips for your subclass 485 application.

Post‑Study Work Visa

Over 800,000 international students studied in Australia in 2024. For many, the Subclass 485 Post‑Study Work Visa is the crucial next step toward skilled employment or permanent residency. Following sweeping post-study work visa Australia updates in 2024–25, eligibility and conditions have changed significantly. Here’s what you need to know to maximise your post-study visa Australia pathway.

New Streams, Names, and Stay Periods: Subclass 485 Reforms

The Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa has been overhauled to streamline streams and harmonise post-graduate migration. Key changes introduced in July 2024 include:

  • Streamlined Visa Names: The previous Graduate Work and Post-Study Work streams have been renamed:

    • Post-Vocational Education Work Stream: replacing Graduate Work.

    • Post-Higher Education Work Stream: replacing Post-Study Work.

    • Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream: for a further stay after living and studying in regional Australia.

  • Stay Duration Reduced: Maximum stay periods have been shortened:

    • Bachelor’s (including Honours): 2 years

    • Master’s (coursework & extended): 2 years

    • Master’s (research): 3 years

    • Doctoral (PhD): 3 years

    • Stay durations have generally reverted to pre-pandemic settings.

  • End of Extension Policy: As of mid-2024, the two‑year extension for post-study work rights in select fields is no longer available. Graduates finishing after this date cannot apply for the extra two years previously offered in areas of skills shortage.

  • Age Cap Lowered: Applicants must now be 35 years old or under at the time of application (with some exceptions for research graduates or citizens of Hong Kong/BNO).

Tighter 485 Visa Eligibility and New English Requirements

In line with the government’s migration reset, 485 visa eligibility criteria have become stricter in 2024–25:

  • Higher English Language Requirements: The minimum required English score has been raised to an overall IELTS 6.5 (with no band below 5.5), or equivalent in PTE or TOEFL, for most applicants. This is a significant increase and is now rigorously enforced at visa assessment.

  • Mandatory Australian Study Requirement: You must have completed an eligible Australian qualification (minimum two academic years, 16 months duration, in English, CRICOS‑registered course) within the previous 6 months before applying.

  • Valid Visa Holder: At application, you must be holding or have held an eligible student visa within the last 6 months.

  • First­‑Time Applicants Only for Some Streams: Most applicants can only be granted one Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa in their lifetime, except for those who become eligible for a Second Post‑Higher Education Work Stream visa by having studied and lived in a designated regional area.

  • No More Replacement Stream: The Replacement stream—introduced briefly for students affected by pandemic border closures—ceased completely from July 2024.

  • Health and Character Requirements: Police clearance, medical checks, and evidence of health insurance remain compulsory for all applicants.

How to Navigate the New Post-Study Visa Australia Pathway

With reduced access and more stringent checks, your visa strategy matters more than ever:

  • Plan Early: Check 485 visa eligibility before the final semester, particularly age, English, and CRICOS course registration requirements.

  • Maximise Regional Benefits: Completing your degree in a designated regional area still offers access to a one-year Second Post-Higher Education Work visa. This prolongs your legal stay and boosts points for PR.

  • Prepare Documentation Thoroughly: Common pitfalls include inconsistencies in study transcripts, lack of clarity in financial or living arrangements, or missing English language proof.

  • Consider Your Long-Term Pathway: While the post‑study visa is temporary, it’s still the most direct bridge to skilled or employer-sponsored permanent residency.

  • Monitor Policy Updates: Graduate visa rules—and skilled migration targets—are subject to yearly review. Check for changes before applying.

Conclusion

The 2024–25 overhaul of the post‑study work visa Australia program has made planning, clarity, and compliance more important than ever. While the pathway to skilled work and permanent residency remains open, fewer extensions, stricter English, and a lower age cap mean students must act quickly and be proactive. Master these updates to position yourself for a successful future in Australia.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What are the main changes to the post-study visa Australia in 2024–25?
Downgraded maximum stay periods, a lowered age cap, an end to the two‑year extension, and higher English requirements.

2. What is the new age limit for the 485 visa?
Applicants must be 35 years or younger at the time of application (except PhD, research Master’s, and some nationalities).

3. Can I apply for a second post‑study work visa?
Yes, but only if you’ve studied, lived, and/or worked in a designated regional area on your first 485 visa.

4. Are English requirements higher for the new 485 visa?
Yes, a minimum of IELTS 6.5 overall (or equivalent) is now required for most Temporary Graduate stream applicants.

5. Is the extension for post‑study work rights still available?
No, the two-year extension policy ended in mid-2024; stay periods are now capped by qualification level.