The Australian Government's Department of Home Affairs has confirmed that international graduates applying for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) under the Post-Higher Education Work stream must be 35 years old or younger at the time of application. This age cap, published in official guidance for 2026, applies to all applicants unless they qualify for specific exceptions outlined in the eligibility criteria.
What Is the Subclass 485 Post-Higher Education Work Stream?
The subclass 485 visa is designed for international students who have recently completed a degree at an Australian institution. It allows holders to live, work, and study in Australia for a limited period after graduation. The Post-Higher Education Work stream is one of several pathways under this visa category, specifically targeting graduates with higher education qualifications who wish to gain work experience in Australia before returning home or pursuing other migration options.
According to the Department of Home Affairs, applicants must meet the age requirement at the time they submit their application. The department noted that exceptions to the age cap do apply in certain circumstances, though full details of these exceptions are only available in the official eligibility criteria. The visa is temporary in nature and does not offer a direct pathway to permanent residency on its own.
Key Conditions for International Graduates
Beyond the age limit, applicants must have studied at an Australian institution and hold a recently completed degree. The visa is temporary, meaning it does not provide a direct route to permanent residency. The Department of Home Affairs has not recently issued changes to this rule, but the confirmation of the age cap in 2026 is drawing attention from international students and graduates planning their post-study options in Australia.
Those who are close to or above the age threshold will need to check whether they qualify under any listed exceptions before applying. Prospective applicants are advised to review the full eligibility requirements directly on the Department of Home Affairs website before lodging an application.
Related Visa Updates from Australia
In a related development, Legit.ng previously reported that Australia had announced a new fee for its post-study work visa. Additionally, the Australian Government published the cost of its special visa for skilled workers, specifically the Direct Entry stream of the subclass 186 visa. This visa is designed for skilled workers formally nominated by an Australian employer and grants holders the right to live and work in Australia permanently, unlike temporary work arrangements.
