After graduation
The Temporary Graduate visa gives eligible graduates additional time to live, study or work in Australia. If you are considering skilled migration, this may be a useful period for assessment, relevant employment and English preparation. We plan those steps around your circumstances, while recognising that a 485 does not guarantee a later permanent visa.
| Stream | Who it suits | Stay period |
|---|---|---|
| Post-Vocational Education Work | Eligible associate degree, diploma or trade qualification graduates with a relevant nominated occupation | Up to 18 months |
| Post-Higher Education Work | Bachelor, honours and coursework master's graduates | 2 years |
| Post-Higher Education Work | Research master's and doctoral graduates | 3 years |
| Second Post-Higher Education Work | Graduates meeting the regional qualification and residence requirements on an eligible first visa | 1 to 2 years, depending on location and eligibility |
Hong Kong and British National (Overseas) passport holders may stay for five years. The application charge from 1 July 2026 is from A$5,750 for both main streams (source: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au).
The six-month period is tied to meeting the course completion requirements, not the graduation ceremony. Obtain the provider's completion letter and confirm the date. English testing, the AFP application and any skills assessment must be planned around requirements that need to be met at lodgement.
Finding work and settling into life after university can take much of your attention. If permanent residence is a goal, set achievable milestones around assessment eligibility, English, relevant experience and employment records. Completing an assessment in the first six months suits some graduates; other occupations require a longer period of work. Keep the visa expiry date and relevant state criteria in view.
The Job Ready Program run by Trades Recognition Australia is a specific pathway for vocational graduates in trades such as cookery, automotive and construction, and it needs to be planned around the 485 dates.
An exception may apply, including for qualifying research master's or doctoral graduates and Hong Kong/BNO passport holders under 50. Under the usual limit of 35 or under, the application must be lodged before turning 36, with all other requirements met. We check your birth date, completion date and stream together.
There is no general extension available to every 485 holder. The Second Post-Higher Education Work stream has particular qualification, study-location and regional residence requirements. Do not plan around former pandemic arrangements; check the current rules against your visa and residence history.
Book a consultation to discuss the requirements that may apply to you, any concerns about your case and what needs to be prepared. You are welcome to speak in Vietnamese or English.
Next step
A 30-minute consultation gives us time to discuss your circumstances, consider initial options and identify the documents that need checking. Some matters require a further review of the records before I can give a complete assessment.
