Pathways from Student Visa to Work Visa in Australia: What You Need to Know

For many international students, studying in Australia is just the beginning of a much bigger journey. While gaining a high-quality education is a major goal, many students also dream of building a long-term future in Australia. One of the most common questions we receive at Educonnect is: “What happens after my student visa ends?” The good news is that there are several pathways available to transition from a student visa to a work visa in Australia—and we're here to help you understand your options.

1. Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)

The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) is the most popular option for international students who have completed their studies. It allows you to live, study, and work in Australia temporarily after finishing your course. This visa has two streams: the Graduate Work stream (for students with skills related to occupations on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List) and the Post-Study Work stream (for those who have completed a higher education degree in Australia). Depending on your qualifications, you could stay for up to 2–4 years, gaining valuable work experience.

2. Gaining Skilled Employment

While you're on a 485 visa, it’s a great time to look for jobs in occupations listed on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL). If your work experience aligns with these high-demand roles, you may be eligible to apply for a Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) or a Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) later on. These are points-based permanent residency pathways, so the more relevant experience and qualifications you gain, the better your chances.

3. Employer-Sponsored Visas

Another common pathway is through employer sponsorship. If you find an employer willing to sponsor you, you might be eligible for a Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482). This can also lead to permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186). It’s important to build relationships during your studies—internships, networking events, and part-time work can all open doors to sponsorship opportunities.

4. How Educonnect Can Help

At Educonnect, we’re not just here to help you choose the right course—we’re committed to supporting you through every step of your journey. Whether you’re preparing to apply for your 485 visa, exploring your work options, or trying to understand your eligibility for skilled migration, we can guide you through the process. Our team can also connect you with migration professionals for personalised advice and support.

Your future in Australia doesn’t end with graduation—it starts there.

If you’re planning your next steps or just want to understand your options better, reach out to the Educonnect team. We’re here to help you turn your study experience into a long-term opportunity.