- International students holding a 485 visa can work unlimited hours across any industry in Australia.
- The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) provides work rights for 2 to 4 years, depending on your qualification level and nationality.
- Australian graduates with recognised qualifications automatically receive unrestricted work authorisation under the 485 visa, with no employer sponsorship required.
Australia welcomes international graduates who wish to gain professional experience after completing their studies. The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) grants work rights that allow you to explore career opportunities across diverse industries in Australia. This visa pathway supports your transition from student life to professional employment in one of the world’s most dynamic job markets.
In this blog, we will explore the complete work rights associated with the Australian 485 visa for international students in 2026.
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) in Australia
Most Indian students utilise the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) to remain in Australia, gaining valuable work experience, enhancing English language proficiency scores, and strengthening their credentials for a competitive PR application.
How Long Can Indian Students Stay on the 485 Visa?
| Qualification Level | Visa Duration |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's Degree (including Honours) | Up to 2 years |
| Bachelor's degree (first-class honours in STEM, including ICT) | Up to 3 years |
| Master's (by Coursework or Research) | Up to 3 years |
| Doctoral Degree (PhD) | Up to 4 years |
Graduates who complete their studies at designated regional Australian universities may be eligible for extended post-study work rights, subject to current Department of Home Affairs (DHA) policies at the time of visa grant.
Understanding Right to Work in Australia Under 485 Visa
The 485 visa grants you the same employment freedom as Australian permanent residents, allowing you to pursue any career path without restrictions or limitations during your visa validity period.
Unrestricted Employment Authorisation:
- Unlimited working hours across all industries and sectors in Australia
- No occupation restrictions – work in any field regardless of your qualification
- Multiple employers permitted – hold several jobs simultaneously without approval
- Full-time, part-time, casual, or contract work – choose any employment type
- Freelance and self-employment opportunities – start your own business or consultancy
- Job changes without notification – switch employers freely during visa period
- No employer sponsorship required – complete independence in employment decisions
- Equal workplace rights and protections as Australian citizens under Fair Work Act
- Minimum wage guarantee of AUD 24.95 per hour (₹1,497) with 12% superannuation benefits
- Study rights included – pursue additional qualifications whilst working if desired
Eligibility Requirements for 485 Visa Work Rights
Meeting specific criteria determines your qualification for 485 visa work rights. Australian immigration authorities assess applications against clearly defined standards that international graduates must satisfy.
Academic Qualification Standards: Your Australian qualification must meet Australian Study Requirement specifications.Â
- You need completion of at least one qualification from the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) at bachelor level or higher.
- The qualification requires two academic years of study (minimum 92 weeks CRICOS-registered) completed in Australia, with all study conducted through a registered Australian educational institution whilst holding a valid student visa.
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English Language Proficiency Requirements:
| Test Type | Minimum Score Required |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | Overall band 6.5 (no band below 5.5) |
| TOEFL iBT | Total score 64 (Reading 13+, Listening 12+, Speaking 18+, Writing 21+) |
| PTE Academic | Overall score 50 (no skill below 36) |
| Cambridge English | Overall score 169 (no skill below 154) |
Key Takeaways
The 485 visa provides international graduates with unrestricted work rights throughout Australia, offering complete flexibility to explore professional opportunities across all industries. Understanding the two visa streams helps you select the pathway matching your qualifications and career objectives effectively.
Under the AI-ECTA agreement, eligible Indian graduates can access post-study stay periods of up to four years, with further extensions potentially available for those studying at designated regional universities, depending on policy conditions.. Application timing matters significantly, as you must submit within six months of course completion. Meeting English proficiency requirements (IELTS 6.5 with no band below 5.5, valid for 12 months only) and age limits (under 35 for most applicants, under 50 for research masters and PhD graduates) determines your eligibility for this valuable post-study work opportunity.
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FAQs
How long can I stay in Australia on a 485 visa with a bachelor's degree?
Bachelor’s degree holders receive up to 2 years, whilst master’s by research and PhD graduates receive up to 3 years.
Do I need employer sponsorship to work on a 485 visa?
No, the 485 visa provides complete employment independence without requiring any employer sponsorship or nomination.
Can I include my spouse or partner on my 485 visa application?
Yes, eligible family members including spouses, de facto partners and dependent children can be included as secondary applicants with full work rights.
Can I apply for a 485 visa whilst still in Australia on a bridging visa?
Yes, you can apply whilst on a Bridging Visa A or B provided you held a valid student visa within the past 6 months.
Do I need health insurance coverage whilst holding a 485 visa?
Yes, you must maintain Overseas Visitor Health Cover for the entire visa duration as Medicare does not cover temporary visa holders.
Can I travel in and out of Australia freely on a 485 visa?
Yes, the 485 visa grants multiple entry rights allowing unrestricted international travel throughout the entire visa validity period.
What happens if my 485 visa application is refused?
You may appeal the decision through the Administrative Appeals Tribunal or reapply with corrected documentation if time permits.
Can I apply for permanent residency whilst holding a 485 visa?
Yes, the 485 visa allows you to remain in Australia whilst preparing and lodging skilled migration or employer-sponsored permanent residency applications.
Can I study full-time while working on a 485 visa?
Yes, the 485 visa permits you to undertake any course of study without restrictions whilst maintaining unrestricted work rights.
Can I extend my 485 visa beyond the initial grant period?
No, the 485 visa cannot be extended except through the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream for eligible regional area graduates.
If you are an aspirant looking to study at your dream university, book an appointment with AdmitX today and start your applications early to avail yourself of all the benefits.
