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Post-Study Work Options

Exploring your visa options after you graduate.

NN
Nilesh Nandan
Immigration Lawyer · BBus(Accy) LLB MBA · Last updated March 2026
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Overview

Graduating from your course in Australia is a significant achievement, and it opens up a range of opportunities for you to stay, work, and potentially live in Australia permanently. The most common pathway for recent graduates is the Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) visa. I can help you understand your post-study work options and guide you through the next steps in your migration journey.

The Subclass 485 visa has two main streams: the Post-Study Work stream and the Graduate Work stream. The Post-Study Work stream is for students who have completed a Bachelor, Masters, or Doctoral degree, and it allows you to live and work in Australia for two to four years. The Graduate Work stream is for students who have qualifications and skills that are relevant to specific occupations in Australia. I will assess your eligibility for both streams and advise you on the best option for you.

Beyond the Subclass 485 visa, there are other potential pathways to permanent residency, including skilled migration and employer sponsorship. Your Australian qualification and work experience can significantly improve your prospects for these visas. I can provide you with a comprehensive migration plan, outlining your long-term options and the steps you need to take to achieve your goals.

Key Facts

Main Post-Study VisaTemporary Graduate (Subclass 485) visa.
Two StreamsPost-Study Work stream and Graduate Work stream.
DurationVaries from 18 months to 4 years, depending on the stream and your qualification.
Key to PRA 485 visa provides a valuable opportunity to gain Australian work experience, which can lead to permanent residency.

How I Work — Step by Step

1

Post-Study Visa Assessment

I will review your qualifications and study history to determine your eligibility for the Subclass 485 visa and other potential visa options.

2

Application Preparation

I will guide you in preparing a complete and decision-ready application, ensuring all time-sensitive requirements like the AFP check are met.

3

Lodgement and Bridging Visa

I will lodge your application and advise you on the conditions of your bridging visa, which will allow you to remain in Australia while your application is processed.

4

Long-Term Migration Planning

Once your 485 visa is granted, we can work together on a long-term strategy for permanent residency, if that is your goal.

What I Do

  • Assess your eligibility for the Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) visa.
  • Advise you on the requirements for both the Post-Study Work and Graduate Work streams.
  • Assist you in gathering the necessary documents, including your Australian Federal Police check and health insurance.
  • Prepare and lodge your Subclass 485 visa application.
  • Provide you with a long-term migration plan, outlining your pathways to permanent residency.

Who Is This For?

  • International students who are about to graduate from an Australian institution.
  • Recent graduates who want to stay and work in Australia.
  • Students who are planning their long-term migration goals.
  • Anyone seeking to understand their visa options after completing their studies.

Common questions about

When should I apply for the Subclass 485 visa?+
You must apply for the Subclass 485 visa within six months of completing your course. It is crucial to start preparing your application early to ensure you meet this deadline. I can help you manage the timing of your application.
Do I need a skills assessment for the Subclass 485 visa?+
A skills assessment is required for the Graduate Work stream, but not for the Post-Study Work stream. I will advise you on whether you need a skills assessment and guide you through the process if required.
Can my family be included in my Subclass 485 visa application?+
Yes, you can include your partner and dependent children in your Subclass 485 visa application. They will have the same work and study rights as you. I can assist you with including your family members in your application.

Your Visa Was Refused — What Now?

I wrote a free guide covering the 5 most common refusal reasons, your appeal options, and the deadlines you cannot miss. It is the same advice I give clients in their first meeting.

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The information on this page is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. Thoughts only — not legal advice.

Important: The information on this website is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration law in Australia is complex, fact-specific, and subject to frequent change under the Migration Act 1958 (Cth), the Migration Regulations 1994, and departmental policy. You must seek independent, qualified legal advice tailored to your specific circumstances before making any immigration decision or taking any action. Viewing this website does not create a solicitor-client relationship. Terms of Use | Full Disclaimer

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MyVisa Australia Pty Ltd ABN 65 092 524 359 (service entity for MyVisa Lawyers Pty Ltd ABN 54 607 960 547). Nilesh Nandan is an admitted solicitor and Australian legal practitioner admitted to the High Court of Australia, authorised to provide immigration assistance under the Migration Act 1958. As a legal practitioner regulated by the New South Wales Law Society, Nilesh is not required to be registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA). Nilesh Nandan BBus(Accy), LLB, MBA, MMIA — Head of Practice. Member: Law Council of Australia · Migration Institute of Australia (MMIA) · MIA Character & Cancellation Advisory Board · MIA Disciplinary Committee 2026 · New South Wales Law Society · Australian Asian Lawyers Association · Ku-ring-gai Chamber of Commerce. *Based on publicly available Google reviews. No other individual immigration lawyer in Australia has more reviews, across more locations, sustained over a longer period, with a comparable satisfaction rating.

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