Post Study Work Visa Australia: Easy Application Guide with Latest Rules 2025

Did you know Indian graduates can now work in Australia for up to 8 years without sponsorship through their post-study work visa?

The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) gives international students this amazing chance. Students get 2 to 4 years of work rights based on their qualifications. Your education level determines how long you can stay. Bachelor’s graduates get 2 years in metropolitan areas and up to 3 years in regional areas. Students with doctoral degrees can extend their stay for up to 4 years.

Australia’s post-study work permit has become more appealing lately. The July 2023 extension now lets graduates in skill shortage areas add two more years to their visa. This makes Australia’s post-study work visa stand out as one of the best options worldwide for international students who want to gain work experience after graduation.

This piece will tell you everything about PSW in Australia. You’ll learn about eligibility requirements, how to apply, visa durations, and ways to get permanent residency. The information here will help you plan your journey confidently, whether you’re thinking about studying in Australia or finishing your degree there.

The Post Study Work Visa in Australia

The Temporary Graduate Visa is the life-blood of Australia’s appeal to international students who want to work after graduation. This visa gives graduates a practical way to get professional experience in their field after finishing their Australian education.

What is the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)?

The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) lets international students stay in Australia to live, work, and get professional experience after completing their studies. The Australian government introduced this visa on July 1, 2024, to keep talented international graduates and help meet Australia’s workforce needs.

The Subclass 485 visa has three different streams:

1. Post-Higher Education Work Stream (previously called Post-Study Work stream): This stream helps international graduates with a bachelor’s degree or higher qualification from an Australian institution. Students can stay 2 to 3 years based on their qualification level.

2. Post-Vocational Education Work Stream (previously called Graduate Work stream): Graduates with associate degrees, diplomas, or trade qualifications needed in Australia can apply. They usually get to stay for 18 months.

3. Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream: Current Temporary Graduate visa holders who finished their degree at an Australian institution in a regional area can apply. They can stay 1-2 years depending on where they studied and lived.

Graduates with this visa can work full-time anywhere without limits. They can build professional networks and boost their career prospects. On top of that, they can bring their family members, including partners and children, to Australia.

Why international students choose PSW in Australia

Australia’s Post Study Work visa has many benefits that attract international students. Students can work full-time in any sector without needing an employer to sponsor them. This freedom helps graduates get valuable Australian work experience that boosts their global job prospects.

The PSW visa is a vital step toward permanent residency. Many graduates make use of information from their work experience to get points for skilled migration. Getting permanent residency becomes much harder without this visa.

The visa brings financial benefits too. Students can earn money to support themselves instead of going home right after graduation. They can pay back student loans and save money for future plans. This financial flexibility helps a lot during the shift from student to professional life.

Students also get lifestyle benefits beyond their career growth. They can explore Australia’s variety of cultures and landscapes while building their careers. This mix of career chances and personal growth creates an exceptional post-graduation experience.

Some graduates get extra benefits based on their nationality. Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders can stay up to 5 years. Then they have more time to establish their careers. Indian nationals also get special treatment for stay periods under the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement.

The PSW visa helps students move smoothly from university to work life. International graduates can build on their Australian education with hands-on work experience in a supportive setting.

Types of Post Study Work Visas Available

Australia welcomes international students with multiple visa options after graduation. Students can choose pathways that match their qualifications and career goals to work and stay in the country.

Graduate Work Stream

The Graduate Work Stream (officially renamed Post-Vocational Education Work stream) helps international graduates with associate degrees, diplomas, or trade qualifications find work in Australia. This stream supports graduates whose skills match Australia’s workforce needs.

The visa lets graduates stay up to 18 months when their qualifications line up with the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). Students must choose an occupation that matches their qualification and submit applications within six months after completing their course. Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders can stay longer – up to 5 years.

Eligible candidates should be 35 years or younger when they apply. They need a student visa from the last six months and should meet health and character requirements.

Post-Study Work Stream

The Post-Study Work Stream (now called Post-Higher Education Work stream) gives bachelor’s degree holders and higher qualification graduates more time to stay. Students love this option because it lets them work in any occupation.

Your qualification level determines how long you can stay:

• Bachelor’s degree or Master’s (coursework): 2 years
• Master’s (research): 3 years
• Doctoral degree: 3 years

Indian students get extra benefits through the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement. Bachelor’s graduates can stay 2 years (or 3 years with first-class honors in STEM). Master’s graduates get 3 years, while doctoral graduates receive 4 years. Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders qualify for 5 years.

This visa stands out because you don’t need to pick an occupation from a skills list.

Second Post-Study Work Stream

The Second Post-Higher Education Work stream rewards Temporary Graduate visa holders who studied in regional Australia. This extension recognizes how international students help regional communities grow.

Qualifying students must have a Temporary Graduate visa in Post-Higher Education Work, Post-Study Work, or Replacement stream. They should live in a designated regional area for at least 2 years before applying. Stay duration varies by region:

• Category 2 areas (designated cities/major regional centers): 1 additional year
• Category 3 areas (regional centers/other regional areas): 2 additional years

Students must be 35 years or younger and complete a CRICOS-registered course from an education provider in a designated regional area.

Skilled Recognized Graduate Visa (Subclass 476)

This visa program ended on July 1, 2024. Before closing, engineering graduates from recognized institutions could gain 18 months of Australian work experience. Recent engineering graduates who finished their studies within two years could apply.

Current visa holders can continue working in Australia until their visa expires.

Eligibility Criteria for PSW in Australia

Getting a post-study work visa in Australia starts with meeting the eligibility requirements. The Department of Home Affairs will assess your application against specific criteria to determine if you qualify for this chance.

Australian study requirement

The life-blood of PSW eligibility lies in completing the Australian study requirement. You must meet these criteria:

• Complete either a single qualification that needs at least 2 academic years (92 weeks) of study or multiple qualifications totaling 2 academic years
• Study for no less than 16 calendar months while physically present in Australia
• Pass all course requirements (failed subjects don’t count toward the requirement)

The official CRICOS registration determines your study duration’s standard length, not your actual completion time. To cite an instance, if a 78-week CRICOS registered course takes you 92 weeks, you’ll only get credit for 78 weeks.

Age and English language requirements

The age limit stands at 35 years or under at the time you apply for the Temporary Graduate visa. But these applicants can be under 50 years of age:

• Masters degree (research) graduates
• Doctoral degree (PhD) graduates
• Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders

Your English skills must meet competency standards through recognized tests like:

• IELTS: Overall score of 6.5 minimum (no band below 5.5)
• PTE Academic: 57 overall minimum (tests on or before August 6, 2025) or 55 overall (tests after August 7, 2025)

Test results must be less than 12 months old when you apply.

Health, character, and insurance conditions

The Department of Home Affairs sets strict standards for health, character, and insurance:

• Health: Medical examinations are needed for you and your family members
• Character: You need proof of applying for an Australian Federal Police check
• Insurance: Adequate health coverage is mandatory for you and your family throughout your Australian stay

Character requirements demand special attention. The character test may show failure if you have a major criminal record, conviction for immigration detention escape, or reasonable suspicion of criminal activity involvement.

CRICOS-registered course completion

Your course must meet these requirements:

• Registration with CRICOS
• Completion at an Australian education provider
• English as the teaching medium
• Qualification as a bachelor’s degree or higher, diploma, advanced diploma, or trade qualification

English language proficiency courses and enabling programs don’t count toward the Australian study requirement. You must submit your visa application within six months after course completion.

Special COVID-19 rules allowed online study outside Australia between February 1, 2020, and November 24, 2023, to count toward the Australian study requirement for current student visa holders. Regular rules don’t accept online or correspondence studies completed outside Australia.

How to Apply for Post Study Work Visa Australia

Applying for a post-study work visa in Australia is a straightforward online process. Good preparation and attention to detail will make your application journey smoother.

Step 1: Gather required documents

You’ll need these important documents before starting your application:

• A valid passport (get a new one if yours expires soon)
• Academic documents that show you completed your course
• Proof that you meet English language requirements
• Australian Federal Police check (apply for this before you submit)
• Proof of health insurance coverage
• Health examination results (getting these early speeds up decisions)

Graduate Work Stream applicants need to show a successful skills assessment for their nominated occupation or proof they’ve applied for one.

Step 2: Create an ImmiAccount

The Department of Home Affairs wants all applications through their online portal:

1. Go to the official Department of Home Affairs website
2. Click “Create an ImmiAccount”
3. Type your email address and verify it with the sent code
4. Pick “Individual” as your account type
5. Fill in your personal details like name and phone number
6. Set up secure login details with a strong password
7. Complete Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) setup when asked

Your ImmiAccount becomes your hub to manage everything about your visa application.

Step 3: Submit your application online

Once your ImmiAccount is ready:

1. Log in and pick the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) application
2. Select your eligible stream carefully (Graduate Work Stream or Post-Study Work Stream) because you can’t change it later
3. Fill out all sections of the online form correctly
4. Upload digital copies of all required documents
5. Check everything carefully before you submit

Note that you must submit applications within six months of finishing your course. The system uses Australian Eastern Standard Time to record applications.

Step 4: Pay the visa fee

Your application starts only after you pay:

1. The basic charge for the Temporary Graduate visa starts at AUD2,300
2. You can pay using accepted online methods
3. Extra fees apply if you include family members
4. Some visa types need second installment payments

Make sure you have enough money ready before you start. The Department won’t look at your application until they receive payment.

Step 5: Wait for visa outcome

After you submit:

1. You’ll get confirmation that the Department received your application and documents
2. You usually get a Bridging Visa A if you apply while your student visa is still valid
3. This bridging visa lets you stay legally in Australia during processing
4. Processing times change based on many factors

Keep your health insurance valid during this time and quickly respond to any extra information requests from the Department of Home Affairs.

The Department’s website shows current processing times for 485 visas, which change based on how many applications they receive.

Visa Duration and Regional Benefits

Your Australian post-study work visa duration depends on your qualification level, where you study, and your nationality. These factors will help you plan your career path in Australia.

Duration based on qualification level

The time you can work in Australia after graduation directly links to your qualification. The visa duration follows this structure:

• Bachelor’s degree (including honors): 2 years
• Masters by coursework or extended: 2 years
• Masters by research: 3 years
• Doctoral degree (PhD): 3 years

Most international graduates get these standard durations, though they might change. The Graduate Diploma usually lets you stay for 2 years, and you might get more time based on your previous studies.

Extra years for regional study locations

Studying in regional Australia is a chance to stay longer. The Second Post-Higher Education Work stream gives you:

• Category 2 regions (major regional centers): 1 additional year
• Category 3 regions (more remote areas): 2 additional years

You need to finish your degree at a regional institution and live in a designated regional area with your first Temporary Graduate visa to get these extensions. This means you could stay between 3 and 5 years total, based on your qualification and regional status.

Regional graduates also get five extra points for skilled migration visa applications, which helps their chances for permanent residency. This matters because skilled migration visas need at least 65 points.

Special provisions for Indian and Hong Kong nationals

Indian nationals get longer stays under the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA):

• Bachelor’s degree: 2 years
• Bachelor’s with first-class honors in STEM/ICT: 3 years
• Masters (all types): 3 years
• Doctoral degrees: 4 years

Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders get the best deal with a 5-year stay, whatever their qualification level.

These country-specific rules stay in place despite changes to the Temporary Graduate visa program. The extended post-study work rights for graduates in skill shortage areas will end in mid-2024, but the standard duration system gives you enough time to get valuable professional experience across Australia.

What Happens After Your PSW Visa Ends?

Your next steps deserve careful thought when your post study work visa nears its end. Australia offers several paths to permanent residency that could help you build your future here.

Pathways to permanent residency

The Australian skilled migration system opens multiple doors to permanent residency after your PSW visa ends. You’ll need at least 65 points to be eligible through the points-based system. Your age, English skills, education, and work experience all add up to your total score.

Success depends on early planning. Your time on the Temporary Graduate visa is perfect to gain work experience. You can also boost your English skills and add qualifications to get more points.

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

A Skilled Independent Visa lets you live and work anywhere in Australia without needing a sponsor. This permanent visa gives you the power to:

• Work and study in any part of Australia
• Help eligible family members become permanent residents
• Take steps toward Australian citizenship when eligible

Your occupation must be on the skilled occupation list to qualify. You’ll also need an invitation after submitting an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect. While 65 points is the minimum, you’ll likely need 85-90+ points because competition is fierce.

Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

The Subclass 190 visa needs support from a state or territory government. Their nomination adds five points to your score. This visa lets you:

• Make Australia your permanent home
• Get Medicare benefits
• Study at Australian schools

The deal includes living in your nominating state or territory for at least two years after getting your visa. Each state has its own occupation list based on local skill needs. Your chances improve when your skills match what these regions want.

Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)

The Subclass 491 creates a path to permanent residency through regional Australia. This temporary visa includes:

• Five years to live in regional areas
• Freedom to work and study in these regions
• A chance at permanent residency after three years

This option adds 15 points to your total score – the biggest boost available. After three years on this visa and meeting all requirements, you can apply for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (Subclass 191).

How BMC can Help You Secure a Post-Study Work Visa in Australia

Professional help makes the post study work visa Australia application process easier. BMC provides detailed support that is tailored to international graduates who want to stay longer in Australia.

BMC’s expert immigration consultants guide you through your visa trip. They give free eligibility checks to find your best visa options based on your qualifications. Their consultants do more than paperwork – they find ways to help you stay longer in Australia.

Getting a Temporary Graduate visa involves many complex steps that can be challenging for first-time applicants. BMC makes this easier by helping prepare documents and meeting all requirements. Their team knows the latest immigration rules, which helps avoid mistakes that could slow down your application.

BMC also helps graduates who want to become permanent residents. You’ll get advice about skilled occupation requirements and how to get the points you need.

BMC consultants help with:

• Getting ready for English tests needed for visas
• Setting up bank accounts and insurance
• Finding jobs in the Australian market
• Online meetings if you can’t visit their offices

Most visa applications with professional help get results within five months. BMC’s expertise lets you focus on your career while they handle your immigration paperwork confidently.

Conclusion

Australia’s post-study work visa gives international graduates a great chance to build valuable professional experience. You now know about the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) and its three unique streams that match different qualification levels and career goals. Your work rights can last anywhere from 18 months to 4 years based on your qualification level, where you studied, and your nationality.

Your qualification determines how long you can stay. Bachelor’s graduates get 2 years, master’s research graduates receive 3 years, and doctoral graduates can work for up to 4 years. Studying in regional Australia comes with major perks – you might get up to 2 extra years. Indian nationals and Hong Kong passport holders also get special benefits that improve their chances.

After your post-study work visa ends, you can explore several paths to permanent residency. The Skilled Independent Visa (189), Skilled Nominated Visa (190), and Skilled Work Regional Visa (491) are options that depend on your points score, occupation, and if you want to live in specific regions. Good planning during your PSW period will boost your chances of getting permanent status.

Expert help from services like BMC can make your visa experience much smoother. Their knowledge will help your application meet all requirements and avoid delays that might slow down processing.

Australia’s post-study work visa program makes the country stand out as a top choice for international students. This generous system lets you develop your career, get Australian work experience, and possibly build a long-term future here. Start planning your post-graduation experience now to tap into the full potential of these amazing opportunities.

FAQs

Q1. What is the duration of a post-study work visa in Australia? The duration varies based on your qualification level. Bachelor’s graduates typically receive 2 years, Master’s by research graduates get 3 years, and Doctoral graduates can stay for up to 4 years. Additional time may be granted for studying in regional areas or based on nationality.

Q2. When should I apply for a post-study work visa in Australia? You must apply within six months of completing your course. To be eligible, you need to meet the Australian Study Requirement, which involves studying in Australia for at least two academic years in a registered course.

Q3. What are the different streams of the Temporary Graduate visa? The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) has three streams: the Post-Higher Education Work stream for bachelor’s degree or higher graduates, the Post-Vocational Education Work stream for diploma or trade qualification holders, and the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream for those who studied in regional Australia.

Q4. Can I extend my post-study work visa in Australia? While extensions were previously available, the Australian government has announced that from mid-2024, international higher education graduates will no longer be able to apply for extensions to their post-study work visas due to changes in economic conditions.

Q5. What are the pathways to permanent residency after a post-study work visa? After your post-study work visa, you can pursue permanent residency through skilled migration pathways such as the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190), or Skilled Work Regional Visa (subclass 491). These options depend on factors like your occupation, points score, and willingness to live in specific regions.