Apply for

Temporary Graduate Visa - PHEWS

Live, work, and gain valuable experience in Australia after completing an eligible Higher Education Qualification from an Australian institution.

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Subclass 485(PHEWS)
Overview

Post-Higher Education Work stream Subclass - 485 Visa

Cost: From AUD 4600

Work Full-Time After Completing Your Degree

The PHEWS stream allows you to work in Australia with unrestricted, full-time work rights once you finish an eligible Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD qualification from a CRICOS-registered institution.

Bring Your Eligible Family Members

You may include your partner and dependent children in your application, and they will also receive full work rights in Australia.

Flexible Visa Duration Based on Your Qualification Level

Your stay period depends on the degree you completed —
Bachelor degree (including honours) – 2 years
Masters (coursework and extended) – 2 years
Masters (research) – 3 years
Doctoral degree – 3 years.
Graduate Diploma stay period is 2 years, but may be longer where previous study would have attracted a longer stay period.

Flexible Visa Duration Based on Your Qualification Level

Your stay period depends on the degree you completed —
Bachelor degree (including honours) – 2 years
Masters (coursework and extended) – 2 years
Masters (research) – 3 years
Doctoral degree – 3 years.
Graduate Diploma stay period is 2 years, but may be longer where previous study would have attracted a longer stay period.

Indian nationals

Bachelor degree (with first class honours in STEM, including ICT) – 3 years
Masters (coursework, extended and research) – 3 years
Doctoral degrees (PhD) – 4 years.

giving you time to work, settle, and build a long-term migration pathway.

Designed for Higher-Education Graduates

This stream is specifically created for students who completed AQF 7–10 qualifications such as Bachelor, Honours, Master’s coursework, Master’s research, or Doctoral degrees.

Your PR Strategy Starts Here

The PHEWS visa gives you the space, stability, and legal status to plan your permanent residency journey with confidence while building your Australian career.

Eligibility

Post-Higher Education Work stream Subclass - 485 Visa

Criteria
Description
Citizenship

Open to applicants from ANY country

Age Requirement

You must be aged 35 years or under at the time of application.*Exceptions apply.

Location at Time of Application

You must be in Australia when you apply.

Minimum Study Requirement

You must have completed CRICOS-registered higher-education courses that:

  • Are registered for at least 92 weeks
  • Were completed over a minimum of 16 calendar months
  • Meet the 2 academic years Australian Study Requirement

Your qualification must have been completed within the last 6 months before lodging your 485 PHEWS visa application.

Education

The courses must be registered with CRICOS (92 weeks or more) and completed in at least 16 calendar months over 2 academic years.

Qualification

Eligible AQF qualifications include: Bachelor Degree, Bachelor Honours, Graduate Diploma, Masters Coursework, Masters Extended, Masters Research, Doctoral Degree.

A graduate diploma course is considered an eligible degree if it meets the following criteria:

  • you completed it in the same or next academic year as your successfully completed qualification (listed above) and
  • the study is related to that qualification.

Visa

You held a student visa within the past 6 months before you applied and you now have a BRIDGING VISA A, BRIDGING VISA B, or any other substantive visa granted on the basis of a valid visa application.

Health

Provide evidence of Adequate Health Insurance for all applicants when you apply.

Character

Provide evidence you have applied for an AUSTRALIAN FEDERAL POLICE CHECK when you apply.

English Language

The applicant achieved the specified test scores within 1 year before the day on which the visa application was made.For more information CLICK HERE

Location at the Time of Grant

The applicant may be in or outside Australia when the visa is granted, but not in immigration clearance.

Testimonials

We’re in Our Clients’ Hearts

Excellence speaks for itself—our clients’ emotions tell the story.

Knowbal Migration and Education delivered an excellent TR 485 visa experience, with Chakshu standing out for her exceptional professionalism and patient guidance at every stage. Supported by Rishav and the team, all documents were prepared accurately and submitted on time, making the process smooth and stress-free.

Manisha Kumari

Nilesh Bhai, Trushen Bhai, and Pragat Bhai delivered exceptional support across the 485 visa, skill assessment, state nomination, and 491 visa grant. Knowbal truly embodies its name — their knowledge is optimal and their dedication is noble. An unreserved and enthusiastic recommendation.

Vikram Chaudhary
Marketing Specialist

Kunal Bhai and the Knowbal team provided exceptional support throughout both the primary 485 visa and a husband's subsequent 485 application, both successfully approved. Their patience, honesty, and genuine care during stressful moments made the family feel truly safe in experienced, capable hands.

Masum Chaudhary
Lab Technician

Knowbal Migration and Education played a key role in getting the 485 visa approved. Don and Dhruv handled the application with great care and professionalism, making the entire process straightforward and easy to navigate. Their helpfulness and efficiency come very highly recommended.

Kavindu De Alwis
Primary School Teacher
How to apply

The Knowbal Visa Application Process

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for the PHEWS visa if my graduation ceremony hasn’t happened yet?

Yes. You only need your completion letter and final transcript — not the ceremony.This helps you lodge earlier and secure your Bridging Visa while planning your PR pathway.

What if my student visa expires before my completion letter arrives?

This is common. As long as you lodge the 485 within 6 months of course completion and you currently hold a valid bridging visa from another application, you may still be eligible.Because timing can become messy, students usually book a consultation to avoid losing eligibility

Will failing or repeating units affect my eligibility?

Not usually.
Repeating subjects won’t impact your PHEWS eligibility as long as your overall study still meets:

CRICOS 92-week requirement

16-month study rule

2 academic years
We confirm this by checking your CoE + transcript.

Can I enroll in a Professional Year (PY) or take my NAATI test while on my PHEWS visa?

Yes, you can enroll in a Professional Year (PY) or take your NAATI test while on your PHEWS visa, and many students do. While both PY and NAATI are optional, completing them can significantly increase your PR points, making your 485 visa period the perfect time to do so

an I travel while on the Bridging Visa A after lodging my 485?

No — BVA does not allow travel.You must apply for a Bridging Visa B (BVB) before leaving Australia.Most refusals and delays happen because students travel without one.

Do unpaid university fees affect my PHEWS application?

The visa itself doesn’t require fees to be cleared.However, many universities won’t issue your completion letter unless your payments are finalised — which can affect your 6-month lodgement deadline.

Can I study further or change employers while holding the PHEWS visa?

Yes. The PHEWS visa gives unrestricted work rights, and you can:

study any course (short or long),

change employers anytime,

work multiple jobs.
This flexibility is why international students use the 485 period to build PR points and secure employer sponsorship.

Still Curious?

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