Overview
The Post-Vocational Education Work stream is designed for graduates who have completed a diploma, trade qualification, or associate degree in Australia. It provides a pathway to gain essential Australian work experience in your nominated occupation. You must hold a qualification closely related to an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
Who qualifies
To qualify, you must be under 36 years of age at the time of application (exceptions apply for specific cohorts like Hong Kong and BNO passport holders). You must have held a student visa in the last 6 months, completed at least 2 academic years of study in Australia, and possess a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation.
Application steps
- 1
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Ensure your qualification is CRICOS-registered and your occupation is on the relevant skilled occupation list.
- 2
Step 2: Obtain Skills Assessment
Apply for a skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your nominated occupation.
- 3
Step 3: Gather Documents
Collect all required evidence, including English test results (taken within the last 12 months) and health insurance.
- 4
Step 4: Lodge Application
Submit your application via the ImmiAccount portal while onshore in Australia within 6 months of course completion.
Required documents
- Passport
- Evidence of health insurance
- Australian Federal Police check
- Skills assessment for your nominated occupation
- Academic transcripts and completion letter
- English language test results
PR, family, language & arrival
Path to longer stay / PR
This visa provides a critical period to gain the work experience required for General Skilled Migration (e.g., subclass 189, 190, or 491 visas) or employer-sponsored pathways.
Family options
You may include family members (spouse and children) in your application, provided they meet health and character requirements.
Language notes
You must provide evidence of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, OET, or CELPIP) meeting the minimum required scores.
After arrival
Once granted, you have full work rights. You should maintain your health insurance and keep your contact details updated in ImmiAccount.
Common pitfalls
- Applying after the 6-month deadline post-graduation.
- Failing to obtain a skills assessment before lodging.
- Choosing the wrong stream (e.g., applying for this stream when a degree-level qualification requires the Post-Higher Education stream).
- Not meeting the English language proficiency requirements.
FAQs about Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) - Post-Vocational Education Work stream
Who is the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) - Post-Vocational Education Work stream for?+
International students who have recently completed a CRICOS-registered vocational or trade qualification in Australia and wish to gain work experience.
What are the eligibility requirements for Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) - Post-Vocational Education Work stream?+
To qualify, you must be under 36 years of age at the time of application (exceptions apply for specific cohorts like Hong Kong and BNO passport holders). You must have held a student visa in the last 6 months, completed at least 2 academic years of study in Australia, and possess a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation.
How much does the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) - Post-Vocational Education Work stream cost?+
Typical fees listed for Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) - Post-Vocational Education Work stream: AUD 5,750 (base application fee for primary applicant).. Always confirm on the official government site.
How long does Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) - Post-Vocational Education Work stream processing take?+
ImmigraPath currently lists processing time as: Typically 37 days to 4 months..
How long can I stay on the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) - Post-Vocational Education Work stream?+
Up to 18 months (up to 5 years for Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders).
Can I work on the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) - Post-Vocational Education Work stream?+
Full work rights; no restrictions on the type of work or number of hours.
Does Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) - Post-Vocational Education Work stream lead to permanent residence in Australia?+
This visa provides a critical period to gain the work experience required for General Skilled Migration (e.g., subclass 189, 190, or 491 visas) or employer-sponsored pathways.
What are common mistakes with Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) - Post-Vocational Education Work stream?+
Applying after the 6-month deadline post-graduation. Failing to obtain a skills assessment before lodging. Choosing the wrong stream (e.g., applying for this stream when a degree-level qualification requires the Post-Higher Education stream).