Understanding the Different TR 485 Visa Streams in Australia

If you are an international student who recently graduated in Australia, understanding the available TR 485 visa streams is essential. This temporary visa allows eligible graduates to stay in Australia to live, work, and gain skilled experience after their studies. From 1 July 2024, the Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa has been restructured into three main streams, each tailored to your level of qualification and study location.

What Is the TR 485 Visa?

The Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa is designed for international students who have completed an eligible qualification in Australia. It provides the opportunity to remain in Australia for a limited time to work and gain practical experience, potentially contributing to future permanent residency pathways.

You must apply within 6 months of holding a valid student visa and cannot change streams once your application is submitted. English proficiency, health insurance, character checks, and age requirements (35 or under) apply across all streams, with some exceptions.

Overview of TR 485 Visa Streams

Australia's migration framework now offers three distinct TR 485 visa streams, based on your level of study and regional location. Each stream has its own eligibility requirements and visa length.

Post-Vocational Education Work Stream

This stream is for graduates who have completed a trade qualification, diploma, or associate degree from a CRICOS-registered course.

Key Features:

• Qualification must be closely related to an occupation on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)

• Skills assessment is required in your nominated occupation

• Must have held a student visa in the past 6 months

• You must be 35 or under, unless you hold a Hong Kong or BNO passport

• Course must meet the Temporary Graduate visa study requirement

Stay Period:

• Up to 18 months

• Up to 5 years for Hong Kong and BNO passport holders

This stream suits graduates from trade-based programs such as cookery, carpentry, automotive, community services, and early childhood education.

Post-Higher Education Work Stream

This stream is available to graduates who completed a Bachelor, Masters, or Doctoral degree in Australia.

Key Features:

• No occupation nomination or skills assessment required

• Must hold a degree from a CRICOS-registered course

• Graduate Diploma only accepted if studied in the same or next academic year as a related higher-level qualification

• English and health insurance requirements apply

• Applicant must be 35 or under, with exceptions for research degree holders and Hong Kong/BNO passport holders

Stay Period:

• Bachelor / Masters (Coursework): up to 2 years

• Masters (Research) / PhD: up to 3 years

• Graduate Diploma: up to 2 years, depending on pathway

• Hong Kong / BNO passport holders: up to 5 years

• Indian nationals under AI-ECTA may receive an extended stay (e.g. 3 years for certain STEM qualifications)

This stream is ideal for university graduates pursuing skilled employment, internships, or state nomination pathways.

Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream

This stream is for applicants who previously held a Post-Higher Education Work or Post-Study Work stream and studied in a regional area.

Key Features:

• Must have lived in a designated regional area for at least 2 years

• Must have completed a CRICOS-registered degree at a campus located in a regional area

• Not available to holders of only the Post-Vocational Education Work stream

• Must apply while holding a valid Temporary Graduate visa (Post-Higher Education or Replacement)

Stay Period:

• 1 year for graduates who lived/studied in Category 2 areas (e.g. Adelaide, Perth)

• 2 years for graduates from Category 3 areas (e.g. Darwin, Ballarat)

• If you lived in both regions, the shorter stay applies

This stream supports regional retention strategies and rewards students who commit to study and live in areas outside major cities.

Which TR 485 Visa Stream Is Right for You?

The stream you apply for depends entirely on the qualification you use to meet the study requirement. For example, if you completed both a diploma and a Bachelor degree, but want to apply using your Bachelor degree, you must apply under the Post-Higher Education Work stream.

You cannot switch streams after applying, so it is crucial to identify the correct one from the outset. Book a free consultation with one of our migration professionals today to find the right TR 485 pathway for your situation and secure your future in Australia.

Book Consultation