Switching from Student to Work Visa in Australia in 2025: A Complete Legal Guide

For thousands of international students in Australia, completing their studies marks the beginning of a crucial transition—from student visa to work visa status. This transition is not just about extending stay; it’s about beginning a career, earning full-time rights, and potentially securing permanent residency. In 2025, the Australian Government continues to emphasize skilled migration pathways, making it possible—but highly regulated—for graduates to move legally into the workforce.

This comprehensive guide explains exactly how to switch from a student visa to a work visa in Australia in 2025, detailing every step, visa option, and legal requirement that international graduates must understand before applying.

When your student visa (Subclass 500) nears expiry, you can’t simply start working full-time unless you hold a valid work-authorized visa. Australian immigration law requires every visa holder to maintain a lawful status without any “bridging gaps.” Therefore, you must apply for a new visa before your current one expires.

The most common pathway is via the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), designed specifically for recent graduates who have completed eligible Australian qualifications. Other options include Skilled Work Visas (189, 190, or 491) or employer-sponsored visas (482, 186) depending on your qualifications, occupation, and employment situation.

One of the most critical aspects of switching visas is to remain lawful throughout the process. This means you must lodge your new visa application before your current visa expires. Once lodged, you automatically receive a Bridging Visa A (BVA) that allows you to stay legally in Australia until your new visa is processed.

If you leave Australia after your student visa expires while on a Bridging Visa A, you will lose it. To travel, you must apply for a Bridging Visa B (BVB) before departure. Any gap between visas can result in severe immigration consequences, including cancellation, refusal of future visas, or deportation.

The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) remains the main bridge from study to work. It lets graduates stay in Australia temporarily to gain work experience relevant to their field.

There are two main streams under this visa in 2025:

• Post-Study Work Stream: For students who completed a higher education degree (Bachelor, Master’s, or Doctorate) from an Australian institution.
• Graduate Work Stream: For those with diploma-level or trade qualifications linked to an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

Eligibility requirements (2025):

• Must have completed an eligible qualification within the last 6 months.
• Must hold or have held a Student Visa (Subclass 500) within 6 months before applying.
• Must have completed at least two academic years (92 weeks) of study in Australia.
• Must meet English proficiency (e.g., IELTS 6.0 overall, no band less than 5.0).
• Must hold adequate health insurance and pass health and character checks.

The duration of this visa depends on your qualification:

• Bachelor’s degree: 2 years
• Master’s (coursework): 3 years
• Master’s (research) or PhD: 4 years

In 2025, graduates in select regional areas or from STEM degrees may receive extra years of work rights, following Australia’s ongoing effort to retain skilled workers in key industries.

While the Subclass 485 visa is the most common first step, some graduates may directly qualify for Skilled or Employer-Sponsored visas if they already meet work experience and occupation criteria.

1. Employer-Sponsored Visas (Temporary Skill Shortage – Subclass 482)
This visa allows Australian employers to sponsor overseas workers in approved occupations. It typically requires:

• A formal job offer from an employer approved by the Department of Home Affairs.
• The occupation to be on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL).
• Relevant skills, qualifications, and English level for the position.
• Minimum salary equal to the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT), which in 2025 is AUD 73,150.

After working under a Subclass 482 for a few years, you can often transition to a Permanent Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) visa.

2. Skilled Independent or State-Nominated Visas (Subclass 189, 190, 491)
If you meet the skill, English, and work experience criteria, you can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect. Based on your points, you might receive an invitation to apply for:

• Subclass 189 (Independent) – for high-scoring applicants without sponsorship.
• Subclass 190 (State-Nominated) – requires nomination from a state or territory government.
• Subclass 491 (Regional Skilled Work) – temporary visa for regional areas, with a pathway to permanent residency after three years.

These pathways are more competitive but offer direct routes to permanent residency.

Step 1: Check your visa expiry date
Monitor your Subclass 500 expiry closely. Start preparing at least 3–4 months before it expires.

Step 2: Choose the most suitable visa
Identify which visa aligns with your qualification, occupation, and career goals. If you recently graduated, Subclass 485 is often the first step.

Step 3: Gather documentation
Essential documents include:

• Passport and student visa grant notice
• Academic transcripts and completion letter
• English test results (IELTS/PTE)
• Health insurance proof
• Police clearance certificates
• Employment documents (if applying for skilled or sponsored visas)

Step 4: Meet the Australian Study Requirement
Ensure your course was CRICOS-registered, lasted at least 92 weeks, and was completed in Australia on a valid student visa.

Step 5: Lodge your new visa application online
Apply through your ImmiAccount before your current visa expires. Pay the applicable visa fee (for Subclass 485, around AUD 1,895 in 2025).

Step 6: Stay lawful on your Bridging Visa
Once your application is lodged, you will receive a Bridging Visa A (BVA). This allows you to stay and work full-time while awaiting the outcome.

Step 7: Apply for a TFN and start working
After receiving your new visa, apply for a Tax File Number (TFN) and begin lawful employment under your work rights.

• Overstaying the Student Visa: Even a one-day overstay can result in a “no further stay” condition or a re-entry ban. Always apply for a new visa before expiry.
• Incorrect Stream Application: Many applicants mistakenly apply for the wrong Subclass 485 stream, especially between Graduate Work and Post-Study Work. Check your qualification level carefully.
• Failing English or Health Checks: Ensure your English test is recent and valid, and complete medical examinations promptly.
• Working Beyond Visa Conditions: On a student visa, you cannot work full-time until your 485 is granted. Breaching conditions may jeopardize future applications.
• Not Updating Address or Contact Details: Any missed communication from the Department may lead to refusal. Keep your ImmiAccount and contact details up to date.

In 2025, average processing times are:

• Subclass 485: 5 to 9 months
• Subclass 482: 4 to 6 months
• Subclass 189/190: 6 to 12 months depending on invitations

During this time, the Bridging Visa A ensures you remain lawful and can usually work full-time if your student visa has expired.

• Apply early to avoid visa gaps.
• Prepare all documents in advance, especially health and English certificates.
• Consult a registered migration agent if your situation is complex.
• Stay informed about updates to the Skilled Occupation List and post-study work rights, as policy changes occur frequently.
• Consider regional employment opportunities to access extended work rights and potential PR incentives.

Final Thoughts

Switching from a Student Visa to a Work Visa in Australia in 2025 is both achievable and strategic when done correctly. The process requires strict compliance with immigration laws, careful planning, and choosing the right visa pathway. Whether you pursue the Temporary Graduate Visa (485), an Employer-Sponsored option, or a Skilled Migration visa, your ultimate goal should be maintaining lawful status, demonstrating genuine employability, and aligning your career path with Australia’s skilled workforce needs.

In essence, this transition is not merely about staying longer—it’s about building a professional future in Australia legally and confidently, transforming your education investment into a successful career.