Learn how international nursing graduates can apply for the 485 visa in Australia, gain work rights, and boost their career. Step-by-step guide inside!
Studying nursing in Australia is one of the most rewarding decisions an international student can make. With world-class universities, modern hospitals, and a strong demand for healthcare workers, Australia continues to attract thousands of aspiring nurses from across the globe. But what happens after graduation?
For many, the next big step is securing the post-study work visa (subclass 485), which allows you to stay in Australia, gain hands-on experience, and even pave the way toward permanent residency.
In this guide, we'll explain everything you need to know about applying for the 485 visa as a nursing graduate in Australia—from eligibility requirements to the application process, costs, benefits, and long-term career opportunities.
What is the Post-Study Work Visa (Subclass 485)?
The Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) is designed for international students who have recently completed an eligible qualification in Australia.
For nursing graduates, this visa is particularly valuable, as it allows you to:
Work full-time in Australian hospitals, aged-care facilities, and clinics.
Apply your academic training in real-world healthcare environments.
Gain Australian work experience, a key requirement for future permanent residency applications.
Key Features:
Duration: 2–4 years (depending on your qualification level and location of study).
Work Rights: Unrestricted, full-time work in any sector (nursing is in high demand).
Pathway: Often used as a stepping stone to permanent residency through skilled migration programs.
Eligibility Criteria for Nursing Graduates
To apply for the 485 visa, nursing graduates must meet the following conditions:
1. Completion of an Eligible Nursing Qualification
Bachelor of Nursing, Master of Nursing, or Diploma (depending on registration requirements).
Must be from a CRICOS-registered institution.
2. English Language Proficiency
IELTS (overall 6.0, with no band less than 5.0) or equivalent test scores.
3. Age Limit
Must be under 50 years old at the time of application.
4. Health and Character Requirements
Undergo medical examinations and provide police clearance certificates.
5. Recent Graduate Status
Apply within 6 months of completing your course.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for the 485 Visa
1. Prepare Your Documents
Required documents include:
Valid passport
Academic transcripts and completion letter
English test results
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) proof
Health insurance for your stay in Australia
Police clearance certificates
2. Apply Online
Submit your application via the official Australian Department of Home Affairs portal.
Ensure all documents are correctly uploaded in PDF format.
3. Pay the Visa Fee
As of 2025, the application fee is AUD 1,895 for the main applicant.
Additional fees apply for dependents.
4. Wait for Processing
Average processing time: 6–9 months.
You may receive a bridging visa, which allows you to legally stay and work in Australia until your application is finalized.
Work Rights After Nursing Study
The 485 visa is a powerful tool for nursing graduates because it gives unrestricted work rights.
Benefits include:
Full-time employment in healthcare or any other sector.
Enhanced eligibility for employer sponsorship.
Valuable Australian work experience that strengthens permanent residency (PR) applications.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many applicants face unnecessary delays or rejections. Avoid these common pitfalls:
Missing the 6-month application deadline after course completion.
Submitting incomplete or incorrect documents.
Failing to maintain valid health insurance.
Choosing the wrong stream (Post-Study Work vs. Graduate Work stream).
Costs Breakdown (2025–2026)
Here's a breakdown of the expected expenses:
Visa Application Fee: AUD 1,895 (main applicant)
Health Insurance (Annual): AUD 500–700 (for singles)
Medical Exams & Police Checks: AUD 300–500
Living Expenses: AUD 29,710 annually (as per government guidelines)
Pathway to Permanent Residency
For many international nursing graduates, the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) is more than just a work permit—it's the foundation for achieving permanent residency (PR) in Australia. By gaining local work experience through this visa, you can significantly strengthen your eligibility for skilled migration or employer-sponsored pathways.
1. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
A points-tested visa that does not require state or employer sponsorship.
Nurses earn high points due to their inclusion on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL).
Key factors that contribute to eligibility include:
Age (under 45 years old)
English proficiency
Australian study/work experience
Professional registration with AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency).
This visa allows you to live and work permanently anywhere in Australia.
2. Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
Requires nomination by an Australian state or territory government.
Each state sets its own eligibility criteria and occupation requirements.
Many states actively sponsor nurses due to ongoing shortages in regional and metropolitan healthcare facilities.
Provides a direct pathway to PR while committing you to work and live in the sponsoring state for at least two years.
3. Employer-Sponsored Visas
If you secure a job offer from a hospital, aged-care provider, or health service, your employer can sponsor you for:
Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa – Subclass 482 (short-term and medium-term streams).
Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) – offers direct PR once eligibility requirements are met.
Employer sponsorship is often a strong option for nurses as many healthcare providers face long-term staffing shortages.
Why Nurses Have an Advantage
Nursing consistently remains on Australia's Skilled Occupation List (SOL) and Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL), ensuring that applications from nurses are prioritized.
Strong demand in regional areas (e.g., aged care, mental health, emergency, and rural healthcare) increases the chances of both employment and PR nomination.
Australian-trained nurses are highly valued, as local education and clinical placements demonstrate proven competency in the healthcare system.
In summary: By using the 485 visa to gain work experience, maintaining AHPRA registration, and actively seeking either skilled migration or employer sponsorship, international nursing graduates can move from temporary stay to permanent residency—building a stable career and future in Australia's healthcare system.
Get Started
For international nursing graduates, the post-study work visa (subclass 485) offers more than just work rights—it provides a gateway to professional growth, valuable Australian healthcare experience, and a clear route to permanent residency.
By carefully preparing your documents, applying on time, and making use of this opportunity, you can build a long-term nursing career in Australia.
If you're considering nursing studies or need expert guidance on visas, admissions, and PR pathways, contact our advisors today for personalized support.