Stay-back guide
The Temporary Graduate visa is the bridge from graduation to skilled work, and to the experience, English and nomination that turn a student into a permanent resident. The 2026 settings are tighter than they were, so plan the visa before you finish, not after.
Checked against Department of Home Affairs and Study Australia sources · Last reviewed 21 September 2026
The subclass 485 Post-Higher Education Work stream gives bachelor and masters by coursework graduates two years in Australia with full work rights, and masters by research and PhD graduates three years. Graduates who studied and live in regional Australia can then apply for a one- or two-year extension. In 2026 you must be under 35 (except research graduates, who can be under 50), hold IELTS 6.5 or equivalent, have completed at least two academic years of CRICOS study, and apply within six months of your course completion.
| Stream | Who | Duration | Regional extension |
|---|---|---|---|
| Post-Higher Education Work | Bachelor (incl. honours) | 2 years | +1 year (Cat 2) or +2 years (Cat 3) |
| Post-Higher Education Work | Masters by coursework | 2 years | +1 or +2 years |
| Post-Higher Education Work | Masters by research, PhD | 3 years | +1 or +2 years |
| Post-Vocational Education Work | Diploma / trade qualification in a nominated occupation | 18 months | — |
| Second Post-Higher Education Work | Regional graduates on a first 485 | 1–2 years | — |
The former two-year extension for graduates in shortage-list degrees ended in 2024, and the 2023 arrangements for longer initial grants have been wound back to these standard periods. Older guides quoting four to six years are out of date.
The age cap of 35 is the setting that catches people. A 33-year-old starting a two-year masters must finish and apply before turning 35, which leaves no margin for a deferred semester. If you are over 30 and planning a masters, plan the dates before you enrol. See the requirements guide.
Graduates who completed their qualification at a regional campus and have lived in a regional area for at least two years on their first 485 can apply for a second 485. Graduates from Category 2 cities (Perth, Adelaide, the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Canberra, Newcastle, Wollongong, Geelong, Hobart) get one more year; those from Category 3 regional areas get two. Combined with the 5 regional PR points and the 491 pathway, this is why the universities guide weights regional study so heavily.
Two years is enough to add 5 points of Australian skilled experience (after 12 months in your occupation), sit for superior English, complete a Professional Year or NAATI credential, and secure a state or regional nomination. It is not enough to drift. The graduates who convert a 485 into permanent residence are the ones who lodge a skills assessment in month one and an EOI in month twelve. The full sequence is in the study to PR pathway; use the PSW Calculator to check your exact stay-back years.
Common questions
Two years for bachelor and masters by coursework graduates and three years for masters by research and PhD graduates. Regional graduates can apply for a further one or two years.
Under 35 at the time of application for most applicants. Masters by research and PhD graduates, and Hong Kong and BNO passport holders, can apply up to 50.
IELTS 6.5 overall with no band below 5.5, or equivalent, from a test taken within the 12 months before you apply.
Only under the Post-Vocational Education Work stream, which requires a diploma or trade qualification linked to a nominated occupation, a skills assessment, and 18 months of stay. Most VET pathways package two qualifications to reach two academic years.
Around AUD 2,300 for the main applicant in 2026, plus additional applicant charges for family members.
Not directly, but it is the standard bridge. Two to three years of work rights let graduates add experience, English, Professional Year and nomination points before applying for the 189, 190 or 491.
Study in Australia guide
Start with the complete Study in Australia guide, then go deeper:
The free PSW Calculator checks your course, campus and nationality. Then book a session to plan the two years so they end in PR, not another visa.
Book a free counselling session Search 1,200+ courses