Subclass 485 · Post-Vocational Education Work stream
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485): Post-Vocational Education Work stream
Stay in Australia for 18 months after completing an associate degree, diploma or trade qualification linked to an in-demand occupation.
About this stream
Stay and work after your studies.
- Stay in Australia for 18 months
- Travel, work and study during your stay
- Include family members who are in Australia
AUD5,750 for the main applicant, plus charges for family members.
Eligibility
What you need.
You must be 35 or under when you apply. Some exceptions apply, for example for Hong Kong and BN(O) passport holders.
You must be in Australia (not in immigration clearance) when you apply.
You and your family must hold adequate health insurance for your whole stay.
You must have been awarded an associate degree, diploma or trade qualification in the 6 months before you apply, and meet the Australian study requirement.
Nominate an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List that is closely related to your qualification.
Get a skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your nominated occupation.
Show English at the required level (IELTS 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each part, or equivalent, for tests from 7 August 2025), or hold a passport from the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand or Ireland.
You and family members applying with you must meet the health requirement, and those aged 16 or over the character requirement. Permanent and provisional visa applicants, and family members applying with them, must have health examinations with an approved panel physician. Temporary visa applicants might need them, depending on the visa and their circumstances. For the character requirement, Home Affairs may ask for police certificates and Form 80.
Applicants 18 or over read the Life in Australia booklet and sign the Australian Values Statement, government debts must be repaid or arranged, and previous refusals or cancellations are considered.
Step by step
How to apply.
Before you apply
Confirm your qualification was awarded in the last 6 months, and arrange your English test, health insurance and an AFP police check.
Not sure this is the right visa for you? Contact Outlook Immigration and our registered migration agent will confirm the best pathway.
Gather your documents
Prepare your completion letter or transcript, English results, passport and insurance evidence.
Apply online
Lodge in ImmiAccount while you are in Australia.
After you apply
Respond to any requests and keep your details up to date. Home Affairs may also ask for health examinations, police certificates or biometrics (fingerprints and a facial image).
When you have this visa
Making the most of your stay.
You can travel, work and study in Australia during your stay.
This visa cannot be extended. Plan your next step early. See our Study to PR Pathway and points calculator.
Report changes to your passport, address or family circumstances.
Based on Department of Home Affairs information (October 2026). Visa costs, thresholds, occupation lists and processing times can change, so always confirm current details on the Department of Home Affairs website or ask our team. This page is general information, not migration advice for your circumstances.
Other Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) Streams
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485): Post-Vocational Education Work stream FAQs
Straight answers to the questions we hear most.
Still have questions?
Book an appointment with a registered migration agent and get clear answers about your visa options.
Book Appointment- MARA Registered
- QEAC Certified
18 months.
Yes, from the relevant assessing authority for an occupation on the MLTSSL.
An associate degree, diploma or trade qualification closely related to your nominated occupation, awarded in the last 6 months.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Book a consultation with a MARA registered migration agent.
