Australia Post Study Work Visa Process October 2025, Australia remains among the top choices for international students who wish to study & then work in a welcoming environment. The Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) — often referred to as the “post-study work visa” — is the key to unlocking that pathway. As of October 2025, updated rules and requirements are in effect. This article explains, step by step, how you can apply for the Subclass 485 visa, what streams exist, eligibility, processing times, fees, and critical tips to improve your chances. Australia Post Study Work Visa Process October 2025
What is the Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate) Visa?
The Subclass 485 visa is designed for international students who have recently completed an Australian qualification. It allows them to live, study, and work in Australia temporarily after graduation. Australia Post Study Work Visa Process October 2025
There are distinct streams under Subclass 485:
- Post-Vocational Education Work stream (replaces the older “Graduate Work” stream)
- Post-Higher Education Work stream (for degrees such as Bachelor, Master, Doctorate)
- Second Post-Higher Education Work stream (for eligible previous visa holders who studied in a regional area)
Each stream has unique eligibility criteria, visa durations, and constraints. Australia Post Study Work Visa Process October 2025
Key Changes & Updates as of 2025
Before diving into the application steps, it’s vital to note the major policy changes affecting Subclass 485 in 2025:
- Age limit reduced to 35 years for both streams (except for British and Hong Kong National (Overseas) holders, who may retain the 50-year age cap)
- Stricter English test requirements under the new Migration (English Language Requirements for Subclass 485 Visas) Instrument 2025 (LIN 25/089), coming into effect 7 August 2025
- Elimination of the two-year post-study work extension previously available for certain degrees from mid-2024 onward
- Adjusted stay durations depending on qualification and whether study was done in a regional area
Because of these changes, many recent and prospective graduates are re-evaluating their plans. Be sure your application is aligned with the new rules. Australia Post Study Work Visa Process October 2025
Eligibility Criteria (October 2025)
To qualify for Subclass 485, you must satisfy a number of conditions. Below is a consolidated checklist, along with important nuances for 2025:
| Criteria | Details / Notes |
|---|---|
| Age Limit | Under 35 years (except British / Hong Kong (Overseas)) |
| Hold / held a Student visa recently | You must have held a Student visa in the last 6 months before applying |
| Australian Study Requirement (ASR) | You must have completed, within the past 6 months, an eligible CRICOS-registered course, or enough study duration to meet the “two academic years” rule |
| First student visa date | For Post-Higher Education Work stream, your first student visa must have been approved on or after 5 November 2011 |
| English Language Requirements | Must meet the new test standards (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, OET, etc.) as per LIN 25/089, with test results valid within 1 year of application |
| Health & Character | Required medical examinations, police clearance / character checks |
| Be in Australia at time of application | Usually must apply while in Australia holding a valid visa |
Meeting all criteria does not guarantee a grant, but failing any single major requirement may lead to refusal. Australia Post Study Work Visa Process October 2025
Step-by-Step Application Process (October 2025)
Here’s a structured walkthrough of how to apply:
1. Prepare Documents & Evidence
Gather all required documents in advance:
- Valid passport(s) and identity documents
- Academic transcripts, completion letter, certificates
- English test scores (as per requirements)
- Health insurance evidence (such as OVHC)
- Police clearance / character documents
- Proof you held a Student visa recently
- Any additional documents specific to your stream (skills assessment, if required)
- Evidence of regional study (if applying under the Second Post-Higher stream)
2. Create / Log into Your ImmiAccount & Complete Application
All Subclass 485 applications are lodged online via the Department of Home Affairs’ ImmiAccount portal . Australia Post Study Work Visa Process October 2025
Select the correct stream (Post-Vocational, Post-Higher, or Second Post-Higher). Mistakes in selecting the wrong stream are common and may cause delays or rejections. > “Make sure you select the correct stream … people complete Bachelors degree / Masters and then apply for Post Vocational Work.”
Upload your documents, pay the visa fee (see below), and submit the application. Australia Post Study Work Visa Process October 2025
3. Medical Examination & Health Declaration
Once lodged, you’ll be asked to complete health examinations through My Health Declarations or approved providers. Submit results within the stipulated time. Failure to do so can stall or cancel your application. Australia Post Study Work Visa Process October 2025
4. Character Checks & Police Clearances
Australian and/or overseas police checks are required. If you lived in other countries for extended periods, additional documents may be needed.
5. Department Assessment & Possible Requests for More Information
The Department will review your application, verify documents, may ask clarifications or more evidence, and assess whether you meet all criteria. Delays often arise when documents are missing, poorly formatted, or ambiguous.
6. Visa Grant / Notification
If your application is successful, you’ll receive a visa grant letter with conditions and the visa’s validity period. Make sure you check the conditions (work, travel, family inclusion).
If unsuccessful, you’ll receive a refusal and reasons. You may have internal review rights in certain cases. Australia Post Study Work Visa Process October 2025
Processing Time & Visa Validity
Processing Time
As of 2025, Subclass 485 visa processing typically takes 2 to 6 months for complete, well-documented applications. Some sources cite averages around 83 days (≈ 3 months) for simpler cases.
For subsequent entrant (adding family members) applications, the processing time is also in the 3 to 6 months range.
Delays can arise due to incomplete applications, verification delays, or additional information requests.
Visa Duration / Validity
The length of stay granted under the Subclass 485 visa depends on your stream and qualification type:
- Post-Vocational Education Work stream: Typically shorter durations (e.g. 18 months to 2 years) depending on the qualification and how it aligns with occupations.
- Post-Higher Education Work stream: May grant 2 to 4 years (or more in select cases like PhD) depending on your degree, study location, and updated rules as of 2025
- Second Post-Higher Education Work stream: For eligible graduates from regional locations, visa durations are usually 1 to 2 years
Always verify the grant conditions in your visa grant letter; they detail the exact expiry and rights. Australia Post Study Work Visa Process October 2025
Application Fee & Costs
As of 2025, the application fee for Subclass 485 is AUD 2,235 per primary applicant. Australia Post Study Work Visa Process October 2025
Additional costs may include:
- Health examinations / medical tests
- Police certificates / character checks
- English test fees
- Translation / certification of documents
- Migration agent or lawyer fees (if you choose professional help)
Note: in some scenarios (e.g. subsequent 485 application), you may be exempt from paying the base application fee. Australia Post Study Work Visa Process October 2025
Common Mistakes to Avoid & Tips for Success
- Choosing the wrong stream: Ensure you select the stream that matches your qualification. Incorrect selection may lead to refusal.
- Late English test: The test must be valid (within one year) and meet the new standards under LIN 25/089.
- Incomplete documentation: Missing or ambiguous documents are a frequent cause of delays. Provide certified and translated versions when needed.
- Delaying health checks: Do them promptly as requested — procrastination can invalidate your application.
- Ignoring character requirements: Gaps in your history or missing police certificates may cause refusal.
- Not staying updated on policy changes: The rules around Subclass 485 have changed recently (age limits, English requirements, extension rights) — always refer to the latest guidance. Australia Post Study Work Visa Process October 2025
After Visa Grant – What You Can Do
Once you hold the Subclass 485 visa:
- You have full work rights — you can work in any job (not restricted to your field)
- You may apply for permanent residency via skilled migration pathways, subject to meeting the criteria (e.g. occupation lists, experience)
- You must comply with visa conditions (e.g. health insurance, obeying laws)
- If you studied or work in a regional area, you may be eligible to apply under certain regional migration streams
Conclusion
Navigating the Australia Post Study Work visa (Subclass 485) process in October 2025 requires careful planning. With the recent changes (age limit, English test rules, removal of certain extensions), it is more important than ever to ensure your application is solid and timely. Australia Post Study Work Visa Process October 2025
If you meet all eligibility requirements, follow the steps outlined above, and avoid common pitfalls, you stand a good chance of obtaining this visa — opening the door to valuable work experience and future migration pathways in Australia. Australia Post Study Work Visa Process October 2025