Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) vs Graduate Visa (Post-Study Work)
🇦🇺 Australia · 485vs🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Graduate
If you're choosing between these two, the question usually comes down to your location and long-term plans. Both offer two years of post-study work rights with no job offer required. But Australia's path leads toward permanent residency while the UK's is a standalone visa. Your choice depends on whether you want a migration pathway or simply work experience abroad.
At a glance
Which one fits you?
- 01
Path to permanent residency
Pick 485Choose Australia if you're aiming to eventually settle and get PR status within two years.
Pick GraduateChoose UK if you only want temporary work rights and plan to move elsewhere after.
- 02
Processing speed
Pick 485Choose Australia if you can wait 3-9 months and want certainty before your studies end.
Pick GraduateChoose UK if you need approval quickly, as processing takes just 1-2 months.
- 03
Maximum age eligibility
Pick 485Choose Australia if you're over 35, as there's an age cap on this visa.
Pick GraduateChoose UK if you're over 35, as there's no age restriction whatsoever.
- 04
Cost and visa validity
Pick 485Choose Australia if you want a 2-year visa at a slightly lower cost (USD 1,140).
Pick GraduateChoose UK if you have a PhD (3-year visa) or prefer minimal processing hassle.
Read the full pathway
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
Post-study work rights for international graduates of Australian institutions. Two streams: Post-Vocational Education Work (18 months) and Post-Higher Education Work (2-4 years depending on degree level). Path to skilled migration.
Full 485 guideGraduate Visa (Post-Study Work)
Post-study work visa allowing international graduates of UK universities to stay and work without sponsorship for 2 years (3 for PhD holders). No salary threshold. Cannot be extended; must switch to Skilled Worker before expiry.
Full Graduate guideStill can't decide?
Take the 14-question quiz. We'll score your specific profile against 485, Graduate, and 60+ other pathways and tell you which is the best fit — with the why.
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