Which Temporary Graduate Visa Stream Matches Your Qualification?
- 7 hours ago
- 5 min read
Last Updated: 14 August 2026
Your highest eligible Australian qualification can determine which TR-485 visa stream you may be eligible for and how long you may be able to stay in Australia.
This guide breaks down the TR-485 visa options by qualification level, from Certificate and Diploma qualifications to Bachelor’s, Master’s, and research degrees.
Need the full eligibility, fee, and requirement breakdown? Read RACC’s complete 485 Visa Australia guide.
Quick Summary Temporary Graduate Visa Stream by Qualification
Certificate III, Certificate IV, Diploma, or Advanced Diploma may lead to the Post-Vocational Education Work Stream
Graduate Diploma, Bachelor’s Degree, Bachelor Honours, Master’s by Coursework, or Master’s Extended may lead to the Post-Higher Education Work Stream
Master’s by Research or Doctoral Degree may allow a longer stay under the Post-Higher Education Work Stream
Eligible graduates who studied and lived in designated regional areas may be able to apply for the Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream
Which TR-485 Stream Matches Your Qualification?
The TR-485 stream you apply for depends on the qualification you use to meet the visa study requirement. In general, vocational qualifications and higher education qualifications fall under different streams.
Below is a simple breakdown based on your highest eligible qualification.
Certificate or Diploma: Which TR-485 Visa Can You Get?
If your highest eligible qualification is a vocational or trade qualification, you may be eligible for the Post-Vocational Education Work Stream.
This may apply if your qualification is:
Certificate III
Certificate IV
Diploma
Advanced Diploma
The stay period for this stream is up to 18 months.
This pathway is generally relevant for graduates who completed vocational education and training in Australia and want to stay temporarily after finishing their studies.
Post-Vocational applicants may also need a skills assessment and stream-specific documents. Before lodging, check RACC’s TR 485 Visa Document Checklist.
Bachelor’s, Graduate Diploma, or Master’s: Which TR-485 Visa Can You Get?
If your highest eligible qualification is at degree level or above, you may be eligible for the Post-Higher Education Work Stream.
This may apply if your qualification is:
Graduate Diploma
Bachelor’s Degree, including Honours
Master’s Degree by Coursework
Master’s Degree Extended
The stay period for these qualifications is generally up to 2 years.
This pathway is commonly relevant for international students who completed higher education qualifications in Australia and want to continue living, working, or studying temporarily after graduation.
Research Degree: Which TR-485 Visa Can You Get?
If your highest eligible qualification is a research degree, you may also be eligible for the Post-Higher Education Work Stream.
This may apply if your qualification is:
Master’s Degree by Research
Doctoral Degree or PhD
The stay period for these qualifications is generally up to 3 years.
This is different from Master’s by Coursework or Master’s Extended qualifications, which generally fall under the 2-year stay period.
TR-485 Visa Qualification Guide
Highest Eligible Qualification | Possible TR-485 Stream | Possible Stay Period |
Certificate III | Post-Vocational Education Work Stream | Up to 18 months |
Certificate IV | Post-Vocational Education Work Stream | Up to 18 months |
Diploma | Post-Vocational Education Work Stream | Up to 18 months |
Advanced Diploma | Post-Vocational Education Work Stream | Up to 18 months |
Graduate Diploma | Post-Higher Education Work Stream | Generally up to 2 years |
Bachelor’s Degree, including Honours | Post-Higher Education Work Stream | Up to 2 years |
Master’s Degree by Coursework | Post-Higher Education Work Stream | Up to 2 years |
Master’s Degree Extended | Post-Higher Education Work Stream | Up to 2 years |
Master’s Degree by Research | Post-Higher Education Work Stream | Up to 3 years |
Doctoral Degree or PhD | Post-Higher Education Work Stream | Up to 3 years |
Once you know which stream may apply, the next step is preparing your application. See RACC’s step-by-step guide on how to apply for the 485 visa.
Can You Extend Your TR-485 Visa?
You may be eligible for the Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream if you previously held an eligible TR-485 Post-Higher Education Work stream or former Post-Study Work stream visa.
You may also need to have studied and lived in a designated regional area.
The extension available may depend on the regional category:
Category 2, including cities and major regional centres: 1 additional year
Category 3, including regional centres and other regional areas: 2 additional years
This means some graduates may be able to stay longer in Australia if they meet the regional study and residence requirements.
For a detailed breakdown of second 485 eligibility, duration, and regional requirements, read RACC’s Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream guide.
Quick Answer: Which TR-485 Visa Can I Get?
If your highest eligible Australian qualification is Certificate III, Certificate IV, Diploma, or Advanced Diploma, you may be eligible for the Post-Vocational Education Work Stream and may be able to stay up to 18 months.
If your highest eligible qualification is a Graduate Diploma, Bachelor’s Degree, Bachelor Honours, Master’s by Coursework, or Master’s Extended, you may be eligible for the Post-Higher Education Work Stream and may be able to stay up to 2 years.
If your highest eligible qualification is a Master’s by Research or Doctoral Degree, you may be eligible for the Post-Higher Education Work Stream and may be able to stay up to 3 years.
If you previously held an eligible TR-485 Post-Higher Education Work stream or former Post-Study Work stream visa and studied and lived in a designated regional area, you may be eligible for the Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream.
Frequently Asked Questions About TR-485 Visa Qualifications
What TR-485 visa can I get with a Certificate III or Certificate IV?
If your Certificate III or Certificate IV is an eligible vocational or trade qualification, you may be eligible for the Post-Vocational Education Work Stream. This stream may allow you to stay in Australia for up to 18 months.
What TR-485 visa can I get with a Diploma?
If your highest eligible qualification is a Diploma, you may be eligible for the Post-Vocational Education Work Stream. The stay period may be up to 18 months.
What TR-485 visa can I get with an Advanced Diploma?
If your highest eligible qualification is an Advanced Diploma, you may be eligible for the Post-Vocational Education Work Stream. The stay period may be up to 18 months.
What TR-485 visa can I get with a Bachelor’s Degree?
If your highest eligible qualification is a Bachelor’s Degree, including Honours, you may be eligible for the Post-Higher Education Work Stream. The stay period may be up to 2 years.
What TR-485 visa can I get with a Graduate Diploma?
A Graduate Diploma may fall under the Post-Higher Education Work Stream. The default stay period is generally up to 2 years, depending on your qualification and situation.
What TR-485 visa can I get with a Master’s Degree?
If your highest eligible qualification is a Master’s by Coursework or Master’s Extended, you may be eligible for the Post-Higher Education Work Stream and may be able to stay up to 2 years.
If your highest eligible qualification is a Master’s by Research, you may be eligible for the Post-Higher Education Work Stream and may be able to stay up to 3 years.
What TR-485 visa can I get with a PhD?
If your highest eligible qualification is a Doctoral Degree or PhD, you may be eligible for the Post-Higher Education Work Stream and may be able to stay up to 3 years.
Can I extend my TR-485 visa?
You may be eligible for the Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream if you previously held an eligible TR-485 Post-Higher Education Work stream or former Post-Study Work stream visa and studied and lived in a designated regional area.
For more details, see RACC’s guide to the Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream.
How long is the TR-485 regional extension?
The regional extension may be 1 additional year for eligible Category 2 areas or 2 additional years for eligible Category 3 areas.
Not Sure Which TR-485 Stream You Qualify For?
Every qualification and situation is different. Your TR-485 stream may depend on your qualification level, study history, and whether you meet the relevant visa requirements.
RACC can help assess which TR-485 stream may apply to your situation and guide you through your next steps.
Need help working out where your application sits in the queue? Book a free consultation with RACC's registered migration agents (MARN1572961, MARN1172003).
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