Work visa in Australia after studies: complete guide 2025
Do you dream of studying in Australia and continuing to build your career there? The Temporary Undergraduate Visa (Subclass 485) is the gateway for those who wish to remain in the country after completing their studies. This complete guide provides all the essential information about this much desired visa, from requirements to the latest news for 2025.
What is the 485 Subclass Visa and how does it work
The Subclass 485 Visa is a temporary authorization that allows international students to remain in Australia after completing their courses. The main advantage of this visa is the possibility of working without time restrictions, unlike a student visa, which limits the workload.
With this visa, you can not only work fully, but also continue studying, traveling around the country, and include family members such as spouses and children, who also receive permission to work. The duration varies significantly - from 18 months to an impressive 6 years - depending on your qualification and the chosen modality, offering an excellent period to gain valuable professional experience in the Australian market.
Available 485 Visa modalities
The 485 Visa offers different modalities to meet different international student profiles. Learn about the main options:
• Post-Study Work Stream: aimed at bachelor's, master's or doctorate graduates from Australian institutions. The duration is 2 years for a bachelor's degree (up to 4 years in priority areas), 3 years for a master's degree and 4 years for a doctorate.
• Graduate Work Stream (Workflow for Graduates): ideal for graduates of vocational courses in MLTSSL areas (list of professions in demand). It lasts 18 months, with an extension to 24 months in 2025 for some specific professions.
• Second Post-Study Work Stream (Regional Extension): an extension available to those who already hold a 485 visa and have studied in regional areas such as Adelaide or Perth, offering 1 to 2 additional years of stay.
Choosing the right program for your studies in Australia is the first step on that journey. O Study and Work in Australia program from Be Easy offers complete guidance so you can make the right choice right from the start.
Key requirements for obtaining a visa in 2025
To obtain the Subclass 485 Visa in 2025, you will need to meet some fundamental requirements. The maximum age allowed is 35 for most applicants, with the exception of Hong Kong citizens, who can be up to 50 years old.
The application must be made within 6 months after completing the course, which is a non-extendable deadline. Therefore, it is essential to start preparing the documentation in advance to avoid last-minute problems or missed deadlines.
As for the necessary documentation, you will need to present the certificate of completion of the course (CoE), proof of proficiency in English (such as IELTS or PTE), and a criminal record certificate (AFP). The fees to apply for this visa are approximately AUD 1,730, which is equivalent to about R$ 6,500, varying according to the current exchange rate.
What's new for 2025 and how to prepare
The Australian government implemented important changes to Visa 485 for 2025, aimed at attracting and retaining talent in priority areas. Keep an eye out for these updates:
- Extension to priority areas: graduate students in sectors such as IT, health, engineering and education can receive 2 additional years on the visa, significantly extending their stay in the country.
- End of the “Replacement Stream”: replacement visas created during the COVID-19 pandemic will no longer be available after July 2024.
- Nomenclature change: the “Graduate Work Stream” is renamed “Post-Vocational Education Work Stream”, while the “Post-Study Work Stream” will be renamed “Post-Higher Education Work Stream”.
- Optimized preparation process: choose CRICOS courses with a minimum duration of 2 years in strategic areas, keep your student visa valid until the time of application and apply for a 485 visa within the established deadline.
- Specialized consulting: errors in the documentation may result in a visa being refused, so consider seeking professional advice, such as Be Easy, to maximize your chances of approval.
Advantages and paths to permanent residence
The Subclass 485 Visa offers benefits that go far beyond the simple temporary work permit. It represents a strategic path for those seeking permanent residence in Australia.
Professional experience gained during the 485 visa period may qualify you for permanent residence visas such as 189 (Skilled Independent) Or the 190 (State Nominated). These visas are highly coveted and open the door to permanent life in Australia, with all the benefits that this entails.
Another significant advantage is the flexibility offered by this visa. Unlike other types of work authorization, the 485 visa allows you to work in any area, even if it's not directly related to your education. This provides freedom to explore different sectors of the Australian labor market and discover new career opportunities.
Tips for Maximizing Your 485 Visa Experience
To make the most of your 485 visa period, we recommend some essential strategies:
• Professional networking: start building your network of contacts as early as your study period. Attend industry events, connect with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn, and keep in touch with classmates.
• Continuous improvement of English: even if you already have the necessary visa proficiency, continuing to improve your English will open more doors in the Australian labor market.
• Proactive search for opportunities: don't wait for vacancies to come to you. Research companies that interest you, send personalized resumes, and demonstrate proactivity.
• Consider complementary qualifications: short courses can add valuable skills to your curriculum and increase your employability.
• Explore different regions: consider opportunities outside large urban centers, where competition may be lower and there are government incentives for qualified professionals.
Be Easy
A Be Easy is ready to guide you through every step of this Australian journey. Our specialized team offers personalized guidance from choosing the ideal course to the process of obtaining a 485 visa. Don't let red tape and uncertainty get in the way of your dream of studying and working in Australia. Contact us today and discover how we can make this project a reality with safety and peace of mind. Your future in the land of kangaroos is closer than you think!
