Post-Study Work Visa Australia: What Sri Lankan Graduates Need to Know
You finished your degree in Australia, what’s next? The post-study work visa lets you stay, work, and build toward permanent residency. Here’s exactly how it works.
What Is the Post-Study Work Visa Australia (Subclass 485)?
The Subclass 485, also called the Temporary Graduate Visa, lets international graduates live and work in Australia after finishing a CRICOS-registered degree. You get full work rights; any job, any industry, no restrictions. For Sri Lankan graduates, it’s one of the most practical ways to gain Australian work experience and build a pathway to PR.
Applications are submitted online through ImmiAccount. Average processing time is around 83 days, so don’t wait until your student visa expires.
Who Qualifies? Eligibility for Sri Lankan Students
To be eligible, you must have completed at least two years of full-time study in Australia at a CRICOS-registered institution. The age limit is 35 years for most applicants; PhD and Master’s by Research graduates can apply up to age 50.
English proficiency requirements tightened in 2024. You now need IELTS Academic 6.5 overall (minimum 5.5 per band) or PTE Academic 55. Your test results must be less than 12 months old at the time you apply. Sri Lankan applicants often miss this; check your test dates early.
Which Stream Should You Apply For?
There are two main streams under the 485 visa:
- Post-Higher Education Work Stream – For bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD graduates. This is the most common stream for Sri Lankan university graduates.
- Post-Vocational Education Work Stream – For diploma and trade qualification holders. Your course must relate to an occupation on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List.
How Long Can You Stay? 485 Visa Duration by Qualification
Your stay length depends on your degree level:
- Bachelor’s degree – 2 years
- Master’s by coursework – 2 years
- Master’s by research – 3 years
- PhD – 4 years
- Vocational (diploma/trade) – up to 18 months
Studying in a regional city like Adelaide, Canberra, or Gold Coast adds 1–2 extra years on top of these. The old automatic two-year extension has been removed. What you see above is what you get under the current 2025 rules.
Documents You Need Before You Apply
Get these ready before logging into ImmiAccount:
- Valid passport
- Academic transcripts and course completion letter
- English test results (IELTS or PTE, dated within 12 months)
- Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) this replaces your student OSHC
- Health examination from an approved panel physician
- Police clearance certificate
- Skills assessment (Vocational stream applicants only)
Sri Lankan applicants: your student visa OSHC does not carry over. Purchase OVHC separately before lodging your application or it will be rejected.
How to Apply: Step by Step
Log into your ImmiAccount at homeaffairs.gov.au and select Subclass 485. Fill in your details, upload your documents, and pay the application fee; currently around AUD 2,300 for the primary applicant. Additional fees apply for a partner or children included in your application.
You must apply within six months of completing your qualification. There are no extensions to this window. Once submitted, you can remain in Australia on a Bridging Visa while waiting. Processing takes approximately 83 days but can vary based on your stream and how complete your application is.
Work Rights and What You Can Do on a 485 Visa
From the day your visa is granted, you can work full-time in any job. No employer sponsorship needed. No hour restrictions. Your partner and dependent children can be included and may also receive work rights depending on your situation.
One major 2025 change Sri Lankan graduates must know: you can no longer apply for a Subclass 500 student visa while onshore on a 485 visa. If further study is part of your plan, get advice before your 485 is granted; not after.
485 Visa Costs: What to Budget
| Item | Approximate Cost |
| Visa fee (primary applicant) | AUD 2,300 |
| Each dependant | AUD 1,150 |
| OVHC (single, per year) | AUD 700–900 |
| Health examination | AUD 300–400 |
| Police clearance (Sri Lanka) | Varies |
Always verify current amounts on the Department of Home Affairs website before paying; fees update regularly.
Can the 485 Visa Lead to Permanent Residency?
Yes and this is why most Sri Lankan graduates apply for it. Work experience gained on a Subclass 485 counts toward points for skilled migration visas. The most common PR pathways after the 485 are:
- Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent (no employer or state needed)
- Subclass 190 – State Nominated (nominated by a state or territory)
- Subclass 482 or 186 – Employer Sponsored
Start Planning Before You Graduate
The six-month application window goes fast. Book your English test, sort your health check, and have your documents ready before your course ends. Sri Lankan graduates who plan ahead rarely face delays or missed windows.
If you want help figuring out your stream, checking your eligibility, or preparing your application, Global Uni Connect supports Sri Lankan students from enrolment through to post-graduation visa guidance. Reach out today.