Can’t Apply for the Graduate Work Visa 485? What You Should Do Next

Graduating from an Australian institution is a massive achievement. After years of hard work, many international students look forward to staying in Australia under the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485), specifically, the Graduate Work Stream.

But what happens when you realise you’re not eligible?

Maybe your occupation is no longer on the list.
Maybe your course wasn’t CRICOS-registered or relevant.
Maybe you missed the deadline or made an error in your application.

Whatever the reason, don’t panic. While it’s disappointing, it’s not the end of the road for your Australian journey. In this blog, we’ll help you understand:

• Why you might be ineligible for the 485 Graduate Work Stream 
• What options are still available 
• Alternative visas and strategies 
• What to do right now to avoid falling out of status 
• How a migration agent can help 

Quick Refresher: What Is the 485 Graduate Work Stream?

The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) has two main streams:

1. Post-Study Work Stream – For graduates of bachelor, master, or doctoral degrees (any field), usually available to those who studied at a university. 
2. Graduate Work Stream – For those with a trade certificate, diploma, or associate degree linked to an occupation on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). 

This blog is focused on the Graduate Work Stream, which often applies to:

• Trade students (e.g. cookery, carpentry, automotive) 
• Vocational education and training (VET) graduates 
• Diploma or certificate holders 

Why You Might Be Ineligible for the Graduate Work Stream

Let’s be clear: being ineligible doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong, but it’s important to understand why you can’t apply.

Common reasons include:

• Your occupation is no longer on the MLTSSL 
• You didn’t complete a skills assessment 
• You submitted your application too late 
• You studied a course that’s not closely related to a listed occupation 
• Your course wasn’t CRICOS-registered or didn’t meet the Australian Study Requirement 
• You applied for the wrong stream or made a technical error 
• You held a visa subclass that disqualified you at the time of application 

If any of this applies to you, don’t panic. There are still several alternative pathways to remain in Australia legally and build toward permanent residency.

What Are Your Options If You Can’t Apply for the 485 Graduate Work Visa?

Here are 7 practical alternatives to consider if the Graduate Work Stream is off the table:

1. Apply for the 485 Post-Study Work Stream (if eligible)

If you completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD from a CRICOS-registered provider, you may still qualify under the Post-Study Work Stream, even if you’re not eligible for the Graduate Work Stream.

⚠️ This stream is only available to those who applied for and were granted their first student visa on or after 5 November 2011.

Check your visa history and degree level, you may be able to apply under this stream instead.

2. Enroll in a Higher-Level Course (e.g. Bachelor or Master’s)

You may not qualify now, but upgrading your education could open doors:

• Bachelor’s or higher degrees make you eligible for the Post-Study Work Stream 
• Some qualifications may give you access to skills assessment pathways 
• This gives you time to build your profile and stay in Australia legally 

Bonus: Many institutions offer credits (RPL) for prior VET studies.

3. Switch to a Student Visa (Subclass 500)

If you need more time in Australia, switch to subclass 500 visa helps to enrolling in another CRICOS-registered course allows you to:

• Stay lawfully while studying 
• Work part-time (40 hours per fortnight) during term 
• Access pathways to skilled migration later 

Make sure the course aligns with your long-term PR goals, especially if your dream is to move into a skilled occupation.

4. Apply for a Training Visa (Subclass 407)

The Training Visa (407) allows you to undertake occupational training or professional development in Australia.

To be eligible, you must:

• Be nominated by an Australian sponsor 
• Undertake training in an occupation that’s on the list 
• Have relevant background or recent study 

This visa is temporary (up to 2 years), but it keeps you in Australia and may enhance your eligibility for future work visas.

5. Consider State Nomination Pathways (Subclass 491 or 190)

Each state or territory in Australia manages its own migration program. Some states are more flexible and may nominate:

• Offshore candidates 
• Recent graduates 
• Those willing to move to regional areas 

If your occupation is listed in a state migration list, you may be eligible to apply for:

• Skilled Work Regional visa (Subclass 491) 
• Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190) 

📌 Tip: Some states allow applications from international graduates who studied in that state, even without work experience.

6. Apply for an Employer-Sponsored Visa

If you can find an Australian employer willing to sponsor you, consider:

• Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) 
• Subclass 494 (Regional Employer Sponsored) 
• Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme) 

Employer sponsored visas lead to PR pathways, especially if your job is in a regional location or a priority occupation.

💡 Many employers in trades, healthcare, hospitality, and IT are desperate for staff.

7. Graduate Visitor Visa (Subclass 600 or 408 in some cases)

If you’re finishing your course and don’t qualify for another substantive visa, you may:

• Apply for a Visitor Visa to stay longer 
• Use the 408 COVID-19 stream (if still available in your industry) 

This buys time, especially if you’re waiting for state nomination, employment sponsorship, or another study intake.

What to Do Right Now

If you can’t apply for the 485 Graduate Work Stream, don’t let your visa expire. Here’s what to do immediately:

1. Speak to a registered migration agent – Get tailored advice for your specific situation. 
2. Check your visa expiry date – Do NOT overstay your visa. 
3. Research alternative visas – Apply before your current visa expires. 
4. Request a bridging visa if needed – To stay lawful while waiting on another visa decision. 
5. Keep your documents ready – Especially if you plan to apply for state nomination or employer sponsorship.

How a Migration Agent Can Help

Navigating visa alternatives can be confusing and stressful. A MARA-registered migration agent can:

• Assess your individual situation 
• Identify alternative pathways 
• Help lodge valid visa applications on time 
• Guide you on long-term PR planning 
• Avoid costly mistakes or unlawful stay

Real Talk: You’re Not Alone

Every year, thousands of international students face this same situation. Australia’s visa system is complex and constantly evolving. What matters most is that you take action early.

There is a way forward, but you’ll need a plan, clarity, and the right support.

Final Thoughts: Stay Calm, Stay Informed

Yes, it’s disappointing to find out you can’t apply for the 485 Graduate Work Visa. But it’s not the end of your Australian journey. Whether it’s further study, employer sponsorship, regional migration, or another option, there are still doors open.

You’ve already invested time and energy into building your future in Australia. Don’t give up now, adapt your path.

Need Expert Help?

If you’re unsure about your options, speak to a registered migration agent “Easy Aussie Migration” today. A 30-minute consultation could help you discover pathways you didn’t even know existed.

Stay legal. Stay smart. Stay hopeful.