What Visas Can You Apply for After a Student Visa in Australia?
- RACC Australia - Education and Migration Services
- 5 hours ago
- 2 min read
What visas can you apply for after a Student Visa in Australia is one of the most common questions international students ask as they approach graduation. Once you complete your studies in Australia, there are several temporary and permanent visa pathways available, depending on your qualification, work experience, occupation, and personal circumstances.
This article explains the main visa options you may be eligible for after holding a Student Visa (subclass 500).
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
Purpose: Gain work experience after graduation
The Temporary Graduate Visa (TR 485) allows international graduates to stay in Australia temporarily after completing eligible studies.
This visa is commonly used to:
Gain relevant Australian work experience
Improve English proficiency
Prepare for skilled migration or employer-sponsored pathways
Eligibility and length of stay depend on your qualification level and stream, such as the Post-Higher Education Work stream or Graduate Work stream.
Another Student Visa (Subclass 500)
Purpose: Continue studying in Australia
If you wish to undertake further study, you may apply for another Student Visa (subclass 500).
This option may be suitable if:
Your current qualification does not align with your long-term migration goals
You need additional qualifications for skills assessment or registration
You plan to change or upgrade your field of study
Course choice must demonstrate genuine academic progression and align with your background.
Employer Sponsored Visas
Purpose: Work with employer support in Australia
If you have gained relevant work experience during or after your studies, and an employer is willing to support you, employer sponsored visas may be an option.
These pathways may suit graduates who:
Have skills relevant to their occupation
Are working in a role aligned with their qualification
Are employed by a business open to sponsorship
Employer sponsored visas can offer temporary or permanent residence options, depending on the visa type and eligibility criteria.
Skilled Migration Visas
Purpose: Permanent or provisional residence based on skills
Skilled migration visas are points-tested pathways that do not require employer sponsorship.
These visas assess factors such as:
Occupation on the skilled occupation list
Age, English level, and qualifications
Skilled employment experience
State or regional nomination (where applicable)
Skilled migration can lead to permanent residence or provisional visas with pathways to PR.
Partner Visas
Purpose: Apply based on a genuine relationship
If you are in a genuine relationship with an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, you may be eligible for a Partner Visa.
This pathway requires evidence of:
A genuine and ongoing relationship
Shared financial, household, and social commitments
Long-term intention to remain together
Partner visas can be applied for onshore or offshore, depending on your situation.
What Visas Can You Apply for After a Student Visa in Australia? Book a Consultation
Your student visa is just the beginning. What visas you can apply for after a Student Visa in Australia depends on your qualification, work experience, occupation, and personal circumstances.
Book a consultation with a registered migration professional for personalised advice if you need help understanding which visa option suits your situation.
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