Australia Temporary Graduate 485 vs Canada PGWP: post-study work compared

The Australia Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) and the Canada Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) serve the same purpose: giving international graduates time-limited, open work rights after completing their studies. Both are open-employer visas, meaning you can work for any employer in any role without sponsorship. Both are also key stepping stones to permanent residence in their respective countries.

This comparison covers the five factors that matter most for graduates choosing between Australia and Canada: eligibility requirements, visa duration, work rights, family options, and the pathway to permanent residence.

Both visas require completion of a qualifying program of study, but the specific requirements differ.

For the Australia 485 visa (Temporary Graduate stream), you must: hold an eligible recent student visa (usually the subclass 500), be under 50 years of age (under 36 for the Graduate Work stream), have completed at least 2 academic years (92 weeks) of study at a CRICOS-registered institution, meet the Australian Study Requirement, and show competent English (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent). The study must have been completed in Australia within the last 6 months.

For the Canada PGWP, you must: have completed a study program of at least 8 months at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), hold a valid study permit, and apply within 180 days of receiving your completion letter or transcript. The program must have been pursued full-time during each academic session (with limited exceptions for final semester part-time status).

Key difference: Australia requires a minimum of 2 academic years of study; Canada requires a minimum of 8 months. Australia has an age limit (under 50 for the main stream); Canada has no age limit. See the Australia 485 checklist and the Canada PGWP checklist for detailed document requirements.

How long you can work on each visa depends on your qualification level and, in Australia, where you studied.

Australia's 485 visa duration by qualification: 2 years for bachelor's degrees, 2 years for master's by coursework, 3 years for master's by research, and 4 years for PhD graduates. Students who study and work in designated regional areas can receive an additional 1–2 years through the Regional Australia Graduate Visa (subclass 485).

Canada's PGWP duration matches the length of the study program: programs of 8 months to 2 years receive a PGWP matching the program length, and programs of 2 years or more receive the maximum of 3 years. There is no regional extension in Canada, though some Provincial Nominee Programs offer streams specifically for graduates of local institutions.

For shorter programs (1–2 years), Canada's PGWP can be longer than Australia's 485. For longer programs (2+ years), Australia typically offers longer post-study work rights, especially for graduate-degree holders.

Both visas are designed to give graduates maximum employment flexibility.

On the Australia 485 visa, there are no work restrictions. You can work full-time, part-time, for multiple employers, or as a self-employed contractor. There is no limitation on the type of work, industry, or occupation. You can also study while holding the 485 visa, though there may be conditions on the type and duration of study.

On the Canada PGWP, there are similarly no employer or occupation restrictions. You can work full-time or part-time for any employer in Canada. You can also change employers at any time without notifying IRCC. The PGWP is an open work permit, meaning you do not need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

Both visas are among the most flexible post-study work options available internationally. Neither requires employer sponsorship, a job offer, or a minimum salary threshold.

Both countries allow graduates on post-study work visas to include family members, with similar rules.

In Australia, 485 visa holders can include dependent family members — partners and children — in their application. Partners can work full-time without restrictions. Children of 485 visa holders can attend Australian schools on the same conditions as Australian residents. The visa application must include all dependent family members at the time of lodgement.

In Canada, PGWP holders can have their spouse or common-law partner apply for an open work permit. The spouse's open work permit allows work for any employer. Children can attend school at the primary and secondary level. The spouse's open work permit requires a separate application but has a high approval rate when the PGWP holder is working in a skilled occupation.

Both countries offer robust family support during the post-study work period, with Australia having a slight advantage for immediate inclusion of family in the visa application.

The post-study work visa is rarely the end goal — it's the bridge to permanent residence. Both countries offer PR pathways that reward local study and work experience.

In Australia, the pathway is: 485 Temporary Graduate visa → skilled migration visa (subclass 189 Skilled Independent, 190 Skilled Nominated, or 491 Skilled Work Regional). The points-tested system awards points for age (25–32 gets maximum points), English ability (superior English gives 20 points), skilled work experience, and Australian study (5 points for at least 2 academic years). Current invitation rounds set minimum points thresholds that vary by occupation. See the Australia student to PR pathways guide.

In Canada, the pathway is: PGWP → Canadian work experience → Express Entry (Canadian Experience Class or Federal Skilled Worker Program). CRS points are awarded for Canadian education, Canadian work experience, language ability, and age. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) offer additional pathways for graduates of specific provinces. See the Canada Express Entry CRS calculator guide.

Both pathways are competitive. Australia's system is more transparent because points thresholds and invitation rounds are published regularly. Canada's CRS system is also transparent, but provincial nomination adds a less predictable element. Neither country guarantees PR outcomes.

Use the factors below to decide which post-study work route fits your situation.

Use the links below to drill into the specific guides for each post-study work visa.

• Australia Temporary Graduate 485 checklist — eligibility, evidence, and timing.
• Australia student to PR pathways — 485 to 189/190/491 and SID 482.
• Canada PGWP document checklist — eligibility evidence and application forms.
• Canada PGWP eligibility 2026 — field-of-study restrictions and DLI requirements.
• Canada Express Entry CRS calculator — points and category-based draws.
• Australia Subclass 500 vs UK Student Route — choosing where to study.
• All country comparisons — browse every comparison guide.