How Long Can I Stay in Australia After Graduation

How long can you stay in Australia after graduation? Learn about the Temporary Graduate visa 485, post-study work duration, streams, qualifications and eligibility.

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How Long Can I Stay in Australia After Graduation?

If you are asking how long you can stay in Australia after graduation, the answer depends on the visa you hold after completing your studies. For many international graduates, the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) provides a temporary pathway to remain in Australia, live and work after completing eligible Australian studies. The length of stay depends on the stream, qualification and other applicable requirements.

The Temporary Graduate visa has two main streams for new applicants: the Post-Higher Education Work stream for eligible degree-level graduates and the Post-Vocational Education Work stream for eligible graduates with an associate degree, diploma or trade qualification. The Department of Home Affairs states that Temporary Graduate visa holders can generally stay between 18 months and 3 years, depending on their qualification, with exceptions for certain passport holders and circumstances.

Your Student visa does not automatically continue for the full period after graduation. The expiry date depends on your course and visa conditions. The Department of Home Affairs explains that a Student visa may generally provide additional time after course completion, depending on the length and end date of the course. If you want to stay in Australia beyond your Student visa, you need to hold another valid visa or have another lawful basis for remaining in Australia.

Australia Post Study Work Visa Duration

The current Temporary Graduate visa arrangements changed from 1 July 2024. The former Post-Study Work stream was renamed the Post-Higher Education Work stream, while the former Graduate Work stream became the Post-Vocational Education Work stream. For eligible degree-level graduates, the standard stay period depends on the qualification completed.

Qualification	Typical Stay	Temporary Graduate Stream
Bachelor degree	2 years	Post-Higher Education Work
Masters by coursework	2 years	Post-Higher Education Work
Masters by research	3 years	Post-Higher Education Work
Doctoral degree	3 years	Post-Higher Education Work
Eligible diploma, associate degree or trade qualification	18 months	Post-Vocational Education Work

These are general standard periods and exceptions can apply. For example, certain Indian nationals may have different stay periods under the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement, while eligible Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders can have different arrangements. Always check the current visa requirements for your nationality and qualification.

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485 Visa Australia: What Can You Do After Graduation?

The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) allows eligible international graduates to temporarily remain in Australia after completing their studies. Holders can generally work without the work restrictions that applied to their Student visa, allowing them to gain professional experience after graduation. The visa can therefore provide time to work, build relevant experience and consider other eligible Australian visa pathways.

The Post-Higher Education Work stream is generally used by graduates who have completed an eligible degree-level qualification. The Post-Vocational Education Work stream is intended for eligible graduates whose qualification is an associate degree, diploma or trade qualification. The stream you may use depends on your qualification, study and other eligibility requirements.

Can I Stay Longer After My 485 Visa?

A Temporary Graduate visa does not automatically lead to permanent residence, and you cannot assume that it can simply be extended after it expires. However, eligible graduates may consider other visa pathways depending on their circumstances. These can include skilled migration, employer-sponsored visas, regional pathways or other visas for which they meet the relevant requirements.

Graduates who studied at an eligible regional educational institution and subsequently lived in a designated regional area may also have access to a second Temporary Graduate visa in certain circumstances. The Department of Home Affairs states that eligible graduates may receive an additional one or two years depending on the designated regional area requirements.

What Should You Do Before Your Student Visa Expires?

If you intend to stay in Australia after graduation, check your Student visa expiry date well before it ends. Review whether you qualify for a Temporary Graduate visa or another visa pathway, prepare the required evidence and make sure you understand the relevant application deadlines and conditions. You must maintain lawful immigration status while remaining in Australia.

Planning to Stay in Australia After Graduation?

Australian Immigration Consultants can help you understand your Temporary Graduate visa options and potential pathways after your studies.

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For current eligibility requirements, application rules and visa conditions, refer to the official Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) information provided by the Australian Government.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long can international students stay in Australia after graduation?

Eligible international graduates may be able to stay through the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). The standard period is generally between 18 months and 3 years depending on the qualification and stream, although exceptions apply.

2. How long can I stay in Australia after my Student visa expires?

You must hold a valid visa or otherwise have lawful status to remain in Australia. If you qualify for another visa, you should understand its application requirements and timing before your current Student visa expires.

3. How long is the 485 visa in Australia?

The duration depends on the Temporary Graduate visa stream and qualification. Standard periods include 2 years for eligible bachelor's and master's coursework graduates, 3 years for eligible master's research and doctoral graduates, and 18 months for eligible Post-Vocational Education Work stream applicants.

4. Can I stay in Australia after my Temporary Graduate visa expires?

You may be able to remain in Australia if you qualify for and obtain another visa. A Temporary Graduate visa does not automatically extend, so you should assess other available visa options before your current visa expires.

5. Can I get another Temporary Graduate visa after my first 485 visa?

A second Temporary Graduate visa may be available in specific circumstances for eligible graduates who studied at a regional educational institution and subsequently lived in a designated regional area. Eligibility and the additional stay period depend on the applicable regional requirements.