Post-Study Work Visa (Subclass 485) Changes: Age Limit, Duration, and PR Pathways

Post-Study Work Visa (Subclass 485) Changes: Age Limit, Duration, and PR Pathways

Introduction

The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) has long been a vital bridge between international study and skilled migration in Australia. It allows international students to remain in the country after completing their studies, gain work experience, and potentially transition to permanent residency (PR). However, in 2025, the Australian government introduced sweeping reforms to the 485 visa, reshaping its structure, eligibility, and long-term migration implications.

These changes are part of the broader Migration Strategy 2025, which aims to reduce net migration, improve labor market outcomes, and ensure that post-study work rights align with national priorities. For international students and recent graduates, understanding these changes is crucial for planning their future in Australia.

Background: Why the 485 Visa Was Reformed

In recent years, the 485 visa had become a default option for many international students, regardless of their long-term migration plans. While it provided valuable work rights, it also led to:

• Visa hopping and prolonged temporary stays.
• Underemployment in non-skilled sectors.
• Unrealistic expectations about PR eligibility.

The government’s migration review found that the 485 visa was being used by many graduates who had little chance of securing PR, especially those in low-demand fields. This created a backlog in the migration system and contributed to rising net migration figures.

Key Changes to the 485 Visa in 2025

1. New Age Limit Introduced

The maximum age for 485 visa applicants has been reduced from 50 to 35 years. This aligns with the age thresholds for most skilled migration visas and ensures that post-study work rights are targeted at younger, early-career professionals.

Exceptions apply for:

• PhD graduates (up to 50 years).
• Hong Kong and British National Overseas (BNO) passport holders (up to 50 years).

2. Visa Streams Reorganized

The 485 visa now has three distinct streams:

• Post-Study Work Stream: For graduates of Australian bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees.
• Graduate Work Stream: For vocational education and training (VET) graduates in occupations on the Core Skills Occupation List.
• Second Post-Study Work Stream: For those who studied and lived in regional areas.

Each stream has different durations, eligibility criteria, and PR implications.

3. Duration Based on Qualification and Location

Visa duration is now tied to the level of qualification and study location:

Qualification Level	Metropolitan	Regional
Bachelor’s Degree	2 years	3 years
Master’s Degree	3 years	4 years
PhD	4 years	5 years

This change incentivizes regional study and supports the government’s goal of decentralizing migration away from major cities.

English Language and Financial Requirements

To ensure that graduates are job-ready and self-sufficient, the government has raised the bar for English proficiency and financial capacity:To ensure that graduates are job-ready and self-sufficient, the government has raised the bar for English proficiency and financial capacity:

• English Requirement: IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0) or equivalent.
• Financial Proof: AUD 24,505 in savings or equivalent support.

These requirements aim to reduce exploitation, ensure better labor market integration, and discourage non-genuine applications.

Pathway to Permanent Residency (PR)

The 485 visa remains a key stepping stone to PR, but the pathway is now more structured and selective:

1. Occupation Alignment

Graduates must work in occupations listed on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) or Specialist Skills List to be eligible for employer-sponsored or points-tested PR visas.

2. Regional Advantage

Those who study and work in regional areas receive:

• Extra points under the General Skilled Migration (GSM) system.
• Priority processing for Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) visas.
• Longer post-study work rights.

3. Work Experience Requirement

To transition to PR, graduates must demonstrate:

• At least 12 months of full-time skilled work in their nominated occupation.
• A minimum salary of AUD 70,000–76,515, depending on the visa stream.

Crackdown on Visa Hopping

The government has introduced measures to prevent misuse of the 485 visa:

• No extensions beyond the maximum duration.
• Limited switching between visa subclasses.
• Stricter monitoring of employment and study records.

These changes are designed to ensure that the 485 visa is used as a genuine post-study work opportunity, not a loophole for indefinite temporary residence.

Sector Response and Concerns

Universities and migration agents have expressed mixed reactions:

• Support: Many welcome the focus on quality, regional development, and labor market alignment.
• Concerns: Some fear that the stricter rules may deter international students, especially those from lower-income backgrounds or non-English-speaking countries.

The education sector has called for:

• Clearer communication of the new rules.
• Support services for students navigating the migration system.
• Flexibility for high-performing graduates in non-priority fields.

Expert Opinions

“The 485 visa was never meant to be a backdoor to PR. These changes restore its original purpose—providing a genuine work experience opportunity for skilled graduates.”

However, others warn that the reforms could create unintended consequences. Dr. Alan Gamlen, a migration researcher at ANU, stated:

“We must ensure that we don’t lose talented graduates simply because they can’t meet arbitrary salary thresholds in their first year.”

Tips for Students and Graduates

To make the most of the new 485 visa framework, students should:

1. Choose courses aligned with the CSOL or Specialist Skills List.
2. Study in regional areas to gain extra points and longer work rights.
3. Secure internships and graduate roles during or immediately after study.
4. Maintain strong English proficiency and financial records.
5. Consult a registered migration agent to plan a clear PR pathway.

Conclusion: A More Strategic Post-Study Pathway

The 2025 changes to the Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) visa represent a shift toward a more strategic, skills-focused migration system. While the reforms may reduce the number of graduates eligible for PR, they aim to improve outcomes for those who are genuinely skilled, job-ready, and committed to contributing to Australia’s economy

For international students, the message is clear: plan early, choose wisely, and aim high. With the right strategy, the 485 visa can still be a powerful tool for building a future in Australia.