Australia Graduate Visa New Rules 2026: Expert Guide
If you’re studying in Australia and hoping to work there after graduation, the new Graduate Visa rules for 2026 are something you can’t ignore. The government has introduced tighter eligibility criteria, shorter stay periods, and a stronger focus on skills. This guide explains what has changed and what can help you plan your course, location, and future PR pathway more confidently.
What Are the New Rules for Australia Graduate Visa in 2026?
Australia has tightened its Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) rules as part of its new migration strategy. The focus in this visa program has shifted from longer post-study stays to a skills-based system that prioritizes employability and workforce needs.
Here are the key changes you need to know:
- Shorter Post-Study Work Duration: The biggest change is that visa durations are now shorter than during the pandemic period. The extra post-COVID extensions have ended, and most graduates can stay only for the standard duration based on their qualification level.
- Stronger Focus on Skilled Occupations: Australia now links graduate visas more closely to jobs in national skill shortage areas. Graduates whose degrees match these occupations will have better chances of staying, finding work, and moving toward permanent residency.
- Age Limit Tightened for Some Streams: The age cap has been reduced for certain streams, especially vocational pathways, reflecting a shift toward younger and job-ready applicants.
- End of Automatic Extensions: Pandemic-era automatic visa extensions have been removed. Graduates must now qualify through standard rules or regional pathways to extend their stay.
- Regional Study Gets More Importance: Studying in regional Australia is now strongly encouraged. It can lead to longer stay options and better migration opportunities.
- Student Work Limits Re-Enforced: Work limits during study have returned to 48 hours per fortnight, with unlimited work only during official breaks.
- Fields in Demand: With this new program, fields like Healthcare, IT, and trades are now being prioritised.
Key Differences Between Old and New Australia Graduate Visa Rules (2026 Update)
Here’s a comparison of the old rules versus the new 2026 rules:
| Aspect | Pre-2026 Rules | 2026 Rules |
| Stream Names | Post-Study Work, Graduate Work | Post-Higher Education, Post-Vocational |
| Metro Master’s | 2-3 years | 2 years |
| Extensions | Pandemic auto | Regional Second only |
| Skills Link | Optional | Mandatory MLTSSL |
This comparison makes it clear why planning your course, location, and occupation is more important under the 2026 rules.
What Is the Subclass 485 Age Limit?
The Subclass 485 age limit in 2026 depends on the visa stream and has not changed.
- For the Post-Higher Education Workstream, you must be under 50 years old.
- For the Post-Vocational Education Workstream, you must be under 35 years old.
- Your age is counted from the date you finish your course, so applying on time is important.
Some students get extra age flexibility. PhD graduates from regional Australia and Hong Kong or British National Overseas (BNO) passport holders can apply up to 50 years old. In some cases, a skilled partner can also support future visa options. Planning early helps you avoid age-related problems.
Breakdown by stream:
| Stream | Age Limit | Examples |
| Post-Higher Education | Under 50 | Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD |
| Post-Vocational | Under 35 | Diploma, Trade, Associate Degree |
Understanding the age limits for each stream helps you plan your application and studies carefully, ensuring you apply on time and avoid any age-related issues.
How Does the Subclass 485 Age Limit Affect Indians?
The Subclass 485 age limit can be tricky for Indian students because many start studying later after working in India. This means they may be close to the age limit when they graduate. Processing delays due to high applications from India can make this worse.
To avoid issues, start your studies as early as possible, choose short or fast courses, and consider regional study. Finishing your course before 45 years of age gives better chances under the Subclass 485 age limit.
Also Read: Australia student visa for Indians
What Are Post-Study Work Rights in Australia for 2026?
In 2026, post-study work rights in Australia allow international students to work full-time after graduation.
- How long you can work depends on your degree and study location.
- Bachelor’s and master’s graduates who studied in cities can work for up to 2 years.
- Studying in regional Australia can give you extra work time.
- PhD graduates can work 3 years in cities and 4 years in regional areas.
To qualify, your course must be CRICOS-registered and linked to Australia’s skill needs. These work rights help graduates gain experience and start their careers in Australia.
Detailed durations:
| Qualification | Metro Stay | Regional Stay |
| Bachelor’s | 2 years | 3 years |
| Master’s (Coursework) | 2 years | 3 years |
| Master’s (Research)/Ph | 3 years | 4 years |
Can You Get a 485 Visa Extension in 2026?
Here’s what you need to know about eligibility and the process for extending your 485 visa in 2026.
- You must already hold a 485 visa (or, in some cases, meet specific student visa conditions like 8102).
- You must be under 35 years old (some exceptions allow up to 50).
- You must have lived in a regional area for at least 2 years.
What Are Australia Student Visa Work Hours in 2026?
While studying in Australia, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time, with unlimited work during holidays.
After graduation on a 485 visa, you can work full-time with no limits. Your work rights are tracked through the VEVO app, and breaking the rules can affect future visa applications. Logging your work and study hours can also help if you apply for PR later.
Graduate Visa Changes for Indians in 2026: What Indian Students Need to Know
Your job must be on the MLTSSL skills list to get the Graduate Visa. If you study in big cities like Sydney or Melbourne, you will get a shorter visa. If you study in regional Australia, you can get a longer visa.
For example, Priya from Mumbai studied IT in a regional area and got a 3-year Graduate Visa. The same IT course in Sydney would give only 2 years.
How Do You Apply for an Australia Graduate Visa in 2026?
Apply online using ImmiAccount. Check if you’re eligible, submit your documents, complete skills and English tests, and pay the fees. Processing usually takes 4–13 months, and regional applications are faster.
Numbered Steps:
- Confirm CRICOS qualification and age.
- Get skills assessment (if vocational).
- Prove English (IELTS 6.5, 1-year validity).
- Complete health/police checks.
- Lodge an app, get a bridging visa A.
- Track via VEVO.
By preparing your documents early and following these steps in order, you can apply with confidence and improve your chances of a smooth and timely visa outcome.
What Documents Are Needed for a Subclass 485 Visa?
Applying for the Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate) visa starts with getting your documents right, as even a small mistake or missing file can delay or risk your application.
Essential Checklist:
| Document | Details Required | Important Notes |
| Passport | All pages (including blank pages) | Must be valid for at least 6 months |
| Academic Transcripts & Completion Letter | CRICOS-registered qualification | Certified color copies only |
| English Language Test | IELTS / PTE (overall 6.5, minimum 5.5 per band) | The test must be less than 1 year old |
| Skills Assessment | From authorities like VETASSESS, ACS, TRA | Occupation must match your qualification |
| Health Examination | Conducted by an approved panel doctor | HAP ID mandatory |
| Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) | From Australia + home country | Required for all countries lived in 12+ months |
Pro Tip: Having all these documents ready and correctly certified ensures a smooth Subclass 485 visa application and reduces the risk of delays or refusal.
Explore: Australia Work Visa for Indians
What Are the Costs for a 485 Visa in 2026?
Below is a clear breakdown of the expected costs to help you plan your budget:
| Fee Type | Amount (AUD) |
| Main Applicant | 2,370 |
| Adult Dependant | 1,185 |
| Child Dependant | 595 |
| Second Post-Higher Education Work Visa | 905 |
| Health, Police & Skills Checks | 500 – 1,500 |
| Biometrics | 100 – 200 |
In summary: The total estimated cost is around AUD 5,000 per person, depending on dependants and additional checks. Visa fees increased by 5% in 2026, so it’s best to budget in advance.
What Are the Processing Times for the Graduate Visa 2026?
Graduate visa (Subclass 485) processing times in 2026 can vary, but here’s a simple and clear breakdown:
- Around 25% of applications are processed in about 72 days
- About 90% of applications take 13 to 15 months
- If you apply from regional Australia, nearly 50% are processed in under 4 months
What affects processing time?
- High application numbers (many Indian students apply in January)
- Missing or poor-quality documents
- Delays in health checks or police clearances
- You can track your visa status on VEVO, which usually updates weekly.
Tip for 2026 applicants: Apply early in the year with a complete application, and make sure your qualifications match your priority skills to improve your chances of faster processing.
Also Read: Apply for Direct PR in Australia from India
Can a Graduate Visa Lead to Permanent Residency in Australia?
Yes, a Subclass 485 visa can help you move toward Australian PR after you gain work experience.
- You can apply for PR through 189, 190, or 491 visas
- Regional study or work gives you 15 extra points
- Minimum required points are 65, but 80+ points improve your chances
PR pathways:
- 189 (Independent): Points-based, job must be on the SOL list
- 190 (State Nomination): State support adds 5 extra points
- 491 (Regional): 3-year regional visa, then apply for 191 PR
Working in SOL-listed jobs during your 485 helps in increasing points. IT and nursing are popular PR-friendly fields.
What Are the Best Courses for PR After a Graduate Visa?
The best courses for PR after a Graduate (Subclass 485) visa are those linked to high-demand jobs in Australia.
- IT: Strong demand and good PR opportunities
- Nursing: One of the fastest and most reliable PR pathways
- Engineering: Widely accepted across PR visa streams
Studying and working in regional Australia can give you extra PR points.
For example, nursing in regional Queensland can help you reach 75+ PR points, improving your chances of selection.
Choosing the right course + regional study makes PR much easier after your graduate visa.
Also Read: Top Australia Courses for PR
What Are Common Mistakes to Avoid with a 485 Visa?
To ensure a smooth Subclass 485 visa application, avoid these common errors:
- Wrong stream: Choose the visa that matches your qualification.
- Expired English test: IELTS or PTE must be under 1 year old.
- No proof of regional study/work: Needed for regional visa extensions.
- Incomplete skills assessment: Make sure all details are correct.
- Uncertified documents: Only certified copies are accepted.
- Applying too late: Apply well before your age limit.
- Health insurance gaps: Keep your coverage continuous.
How Do Australia Student Visa Work Hours Affect Graduates?
On an Australia Student Visa, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while studying.
- This limit ends once you get a 485 visa, which allows full-time work without restrictions.
- Keeping a record of your student visa work hours is important for PR points.
- Working more than allowed on a student visa can risk your visa.
- Full-time work on a 485 visa helps you gain experience and boost your resume for PR.
Conclusion
The Australia Graduate Visa 2026 brings shorter visa durations with some new eligibility rules. To make your move easier, choose the right course and regional study location. You can eventually extend your post-graduation work rights and significantly boost your path to permanent residency. Plan everything proactively today to grab these opportunities for long-term success.
Get expert help with your Australia Visa application and boost your chances for work and permanent residency with VisaAxis.
FAQs
Q1. What is the new age limit for Australia Graduate Visa in 2026?
The subclass 485 age limit remains under 50 for Post-Higher Education Work streams covering degrees like bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD. Post-Vocational streams stick to under 35, with no changes rolling into 2026. Some regional cases might stretch to 50 if you qualify for exceptions.
Q2. Has Australia reduced post-study work duration?
Australia cut metro master’s degrees to a strict 2-year cap under the 2026 rules, shorter than pandemic-era lengths. Regional options keep 3-4 years for advanced degrees to plug workforce gaps. Those old COVID extensions wrap up for good by mid-2026.
Q3. Can Indians above 35 apply for Subclass 485?
Indians over 35 can grab the Post-Higher Education stream if they’re under 50 and hold a solid degree. The Post-Vocational path shuts at 35, with no special rules for nationality. Get your degree done early to dodge the age cutoff.
Q4. Are post-study work extensions removed permanently?
Regional Second Post-Higher stream keeps extensions alive for folks with prior regional time. Pandemic auto-boosts vanish forever from mid-2026 onward. Now skills lists rule eligibility.
Q5. Which degrees get longer post-study stay in Australia?
PhDs and research master’s score 3 years in cities or 4 years in regions. Coursework for bachelor’s and master’s lasts 2-3 years, depending on your study spot. Stick to CRICOS-approved programs only.
Q6. Can Graduate Visa lead to PR in 2026?
Subclass 485 feeds right into PR through points-based 189, 190, or 491 visas using your work history. Shoot for 65 points minimum, extra from regional work. Line up jobs on the MLTSSL list while on it.
Q7.Is Australia Graduate Visa still worth it for Indians?
Absolutely for Indians eyeing IT or nursing shortages, especially with regional study unlocking longer stays. They make up 25% of recent grants and hold strong PR shots despite the squeeze. Match your course to demand lists from day one.
Q8. What happens if my Graduate Visa expires before PR?
Head out of Australia or snag a bridging visa if your PR app’s in before it lapses. Hanging around past expiry means a 3-year entry block. Pivot to sponsored work visas while onshore if needed.
Q9. Can I change employers on Subclass 485?
You can switch jobs anytime with full work freedom on subclass 485. No employer tie-downs or sponsorship hassles apply. Rack up skills across different fields freely.
Q10. Why is Australia tightening student-to-PR pathways?
Australia wants skills that match real shortages first, keeps overall migration in check, and nudges people toward regional spots. Pandemic-free passes end, shifting to a pure skills-driven setup. Cities stay less jammed that way.
