Australia · Skilled Worker Visa

Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) — Post-Higher Education Work stream

By António Mira, Founder · Member, Arab-Portuguese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CCIAP) & Portuguese-Saudi Business Council (PSBC)
✓ Verified against the official government source · Last verified 2026-06-22 · Our methodology
4.8/10 diff
Moderate

Post-study work visa for graduates of Australian higher education. Renamed Post-Higher Education Work (PHEW) from 1 July…

Min income
Processing
Path to PR
No
Job offer
Not required
Direct answer

Post-study work visa for graduates of Australian higher education. Renamed Post-Higher Education Work (PHEW) from 1 July 2024. Age max 35 (50 for Hong Kong BNO + research masters/PhD). Duration depends on qualification: Bachelor 2yr, Masters coursework 3yr, Masters research/Doctoral 4yr. Regional extension may apply. VAC DOUBLED to AUD 4,600 on 1 March 2026.

At a Glance

Visa Duration
36 months
Processing Time
Min Income
Path to PR
No
Difficulty
4/10 — Moderate

Eligibility Requirements

RequirementDetails
Age Range18+
Education Requiredbachelor
Job Offer RequiredNo
Sponsorship RequiredNo
Health Insurance RequiredYes

Family & Rights

RightDetails
Family AllowedYes
Spouse Can WorkYes
Path to Permanent ResidencyNo

Related Pathways

Cost of Living

Sydney
Single (monthly)€3,140
Family (monthly)€5,650
Rent 1BR (center)€2,072
Groceries€785
Transport pass€188
Melbourne
Single (monthly)€2,503
Family (monthly)€4,800
Rent 1BR (center)€1,475
Groceries€626
Transport pass€150
Brisbane
Single (monthly)€2,448
Family (monthly)€4,550
Rent 1BR (center)€1,565
Groceries€612
Transport pass€147

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) — Post-Higher Education Work stream?

Post-study work visa for graduates of Australian higher education. Renamed Post-Higher Education Work (PHEW) from 1 July 2024. Age max 35 (50 for Hong Kong BNO + research masters/PhD). Duration depends on qualification: Bachelor 2yr, Masters coursework 3yr, Masters research/Doctoral 4yr. Regional extension may apply. VAC DOUBLED to AUD 4,600 on 1 March 2026.

Can I bring my family on the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) — Post-Higher Education Work stream?

Yes, this pathway allows family members including dependents. Your spouse may also be eligible to work.

Can the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) — Post-Higher Education Work stream lead to permanent residency?

No — this is a temporary pathway and does not itself lead to permanent residence. Holders often switch to a different route to pursue settlement.

Are there alternative pathways to Australia?

Yes. Australia offers 24 other immigration pathways. Compare all options on our Australia country page.

What is the cost of living in Australia?

Monthly costs for a single person in city center: Sydney: €3,140/mo; Melbourne: €2,503/mo; Brisbane: €2,448/mo. These include rent, groceries, transport, and utilities.

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Official source

Requirements on this page are based on this official/primary source:

Data last verified: 2026-06-22 · See our methodology

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