What is the difference between PHEW and PVEW after the 2024 reforms?

The Post-Higher Education Work stream (PHEW, renamed from Post-Study Work) is for graduates of an Australian Bachelor, Masters or PhD — duration is 2 years for Bachelor / Masters by coursework and 3 years for Masters by research / PhD. The Post-Vocational Education Work stream (PVEW, renamed from Graduate Work) is for graduates of CRICOS-registered vocational (VET) qualifications whose field is closely related to an occupation on the skilled occupation list — duration is 18 months.

I'm over 35 — am I still eligible for the 485?

Since 1 July 2024 the age cap has been 35 (reduced from 50). Exceptions remain for Hong Kong BN(O) and British National (Overseas) passport holders, and for graduates of Masters by research and PhD programs, who can apply up to age 50 under concessional settings. We can confirm which category applies to you in a free assessment.

What English test scores do I need in 2026?

From March 2024 the standard is IELTS 6.5 overall with no individual band below 5.5 (or equivalent PTE / TOEFL / OET / Cambridge). The previous IELTS 6.0 threshold no longer applies. Test results must be no more than 3 years old at lodgement.

What work rights does the 485 give me?

Both PHEW and PVEW carry unrestricted work rights — you can work full-time for any employer in any occupation, and your dependants on the same visa share those rights. Medicare access is available for the visa duration.

Can I include my partner and children?

Yes. You can include your spouse / de facto partner and dependent children as secondary applicants. They must meet health and character requirements; partners over 18 generally need to meet a lower English threshold or pay the additional charge. Family members granted with you receive the same work and study rights for the visa period.

Can I apply for a second 485 visa?

Generally, no — you cannot hold the Temporary Graduate visa twice from the same Australian qualification. However, the Replacement stream may grant a further short period in specific circumstances (for example, time lost to COVID-19 border closures, or where the original visa was disrupted). Eligibility is narrow; speak with a registered migration agent before relying on it.

Post-Study Work Specialists

Graduate Visa

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Career & PR Pathways

MARA No. 1569835

Eligibility Check

Temporary Graduate Visa Overview

The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) allows international students who have recently graduated from an Australian educational institution to live, study, and work in Australia temporarily. This visa provides valuable Australian work experience and can be a pathway to permanent residency.

We help graduates understand their options and navigate the application process to maximize their time in Australia.

Authored by R. Weng — MARA-registered migration agent (MARN 1569835). LLM (Australian National University), LLB (Deakin), admitted to practice law in Victoria.

Visa Streams

Post-Vocational Education Work stream (PVEW)

Duration: 18 months

For graduates of an eligible CRICOS-registered vocational qualification (renamed from Graduate Work in the 1 Jul 2024 reforms). Skills assessment is no longer required for most applicants under the post-2024 settings, but the qualification must be closely related to an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list.

Closely related skilled occupation required
Vocational (Diploma / Trade) qualifications
Work in any occupation during the visa

Post-Higher Education Work stream (PHEW)

Duration: 2 years (Bachelor / Masters by coursework); 3 years (Masters by research / PhD)

For graduates of an eligible Australian higher-education qualification (renamed from Post-Study Work in the 1 Jul 2024 reforms), regardless of field of study.

No skills assessment required
Work in any occupation
Longer visa duration for research-level qualifications

Replacement stream — a narrow second-chance pathway

Generally you cannot hold a second Temporary Graduate visa based on the same Australian qualification. The Replacement stream, however, may grant a further short period in specific circumstances — most commonly where time on the original 485 was lost due to COVID-19 border closures. Eligibility windows are narrow and well-defined; speak with a registered migration agent before relying on this pathway.

Key Requirements

Recent Graduate (Under 35)

Must have completed an eligible CRICOS qualification in Australia within the last 6 months and be under 35 at the time of application (cap reduced from 50 in 2024). Hong Kong BN(O) and British National (Overseas) passport holders, as well as Masters by research and PhD graduates, remain eligible to age 50 under concessional settings.

Study Requirements

Must have studied for at least 2 academic years (92 weeks) in Australia with a CRICOS-registered provider.

English Proficiency

Meet English language requirements (IELTS 6.5 overall with no band below 5.5, or equivalent — threshold lifted from 6.0 in March 2024).

Health Insurance

Maintain adequate health insurance for the duration of your stay.

Benefits of the Graduate Visa

Gain valuable Australian work experience

Build your professional resume with local experience that can support future permanent residency applications.

Continue developing your skills

Take advantage of further study pathways and professional development opportunities while you live in Australia.

Enjoy flexible travel options

Enter and leave Australia multiple times while your visa is valid, giving you freedom to visit family and pursue opportunities abroad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about the Temporary Graduate visa (485) after the 2024 reforms

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