Your Guide to the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) and Pathways to Permanent Residency
Australia not only offers world-class nursing education, but also valuable post-study work opportunities for international graduates. Whether you're planning to gain work experience, stay temporarily, or aim for permanent residency (PR), understanding your options is key.
This guide explains how the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) works and outlines the steps nursing graduates can take toward building a long-term career in Australia.
What is the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)?
The Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) allows international students who have completed eligible qualifications in Australia to live, study, and work in the country temporarily.
There are two main streams:
Post-Study Work Stream: For international students who have completed a Bachelor, Master's, or Doctoral degree from an Australian university. Stay duration: Usually 2 to 4 years, depending on your qualification level and location. Work rights: Full-time work rights in any field, with no employer sponsorship required. Nursing graduates with a Bachelor of Nursing or Master of Nursing (Graduate Entry) are typically eligible under this stream.
Graduate Work Stream: For students who completed a Diploma or Certificate and whose occupation is on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). Nursing is a listed occupation, so eligible diploma graduates may also apply under this stream if they meet all criteria.
Key Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 485
Be under 50 years of age
Hold an eligible student visa in the last 6 months
Meet English language requirements (e.g., IELTS, OET, or equivalent)
Have a valid skills assessment (for Graduate Work stream only)
Provide health insurance and police checks
Meet Australian Study Requirements (e.g., study duration, course recognition)
Work Opportunities for Nursing Graduates
Work as a Registered Nurse if you've completed an approved program and registered with AHPRA
Gain local experience in hospitals, aged care facilities, or community health
Explore regional employment opportunities, which may open additional PR pathways
Apply for graduate nurse programs in public or private health networks
Pathways to Permanent Residency (PR) for Nurses
Nursing is consistently listed on Australia's skilled occupation lists, making it a high-potential career path for those seeking PR. Here are some common PR options:
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): Points-tested visa that doesn't require state or employer sponsorship. Suitable for highly qualified and experienced nurses.
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): State-sponsored PR visa. Requires nomination by an Australian state or territory government. States often give preference to nursing graduates with local experience.
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491): Points-based visa with regional sponsorship. Offers a pathway to PR after 3 years of living and working in regional Australia.
Employer-Sponsored Visas (e.g., Subclass 186 or 482): For graduates who secure long-term employment in a hospital or health service willing to sponsor them.
Get Expert Help to Plan Your Future
Navigating post-study visa options and PR pathways can be complex—but you don't have to do it alone.
At StudyNursing.com.au, we're here to guide you through every step—from choosing a nursing course to understanding post-study work rights and career planning.
We help you find a course and institution tailored to your needs and interests, and offer free support to help you build a future in Australia.
Ready to explore your options? Contact our team today for expert guidance on nursing programs, AHPRA registration, and visa pathways after graduation.