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Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) – Post-Vocational Education

Turn your trade or diploma into real Australian work experience.

️ 🧮 Check My Eligibility

🔎 Visa Snapshot

Visa/Subclass Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) – Post-Vocational Education Work

Who it suits Vocational graduates with trade/diploma/associate degrees

Stay period (typical) 18 months (HK/BNO passport holders up to 5 years)

Study allowance Permitted

Work rights Full work rights

Location rules No regional restriction

Key risks Wrong occupation, expired English, late lodgement

Visa Overview

The Post-Vocational Education Work (PVEW) stream is for graduates of Australian trade or diploma-level programs. It provides a short-term stay to build local work experience in skilled occupations that Australia needs. 

Key Benefits:

Stay ~18 months (HK/BNO up to 5 years)

Full work rights to build career experience

Pathway to employer sponsorship or regional visas

Family members can be included in the same application

Eligibility Details

Outline additional rules and technical conditions that applicants must be aware of.

English tests accepted: IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT (centre-based), OET, C1 Advanced, CELPIP General, LanguageCert Academic, MET (centre-based). Remote/online tests not accepted.

6-month window: Must apply within 6 months of completing your course or last holding a student visa.

Genuine graduate: Course must be CRICOS-registered and meet the Australian Study Requirement.

Location: Apply inside or outside Australia (depending on stream-specific rules).

Family: Partners and dependent children can be included.

🔍 Step-by-Step Application Process

Applying for this visa involves a structured journey. Follow these high-level steps

1
Choose the Correct Stream
2
Check Eligibility & Timing
3
Prepare Documents
4
English Test & AFP Check
5
Arrange Health Insurance
6
Complete Online Application (ImmiAccount)
7
Pay Fees & Await Decision

Mandatory Requirements
(Must Meet & Nice-to-Haves)

You must meet all mandatory requirements or your visa will be refused. The nice-to-haves are not compulsory but can strengthen your application.

🤝 Must Meet

Age: Age: 35 or under at application (50 for Master’s by research, PhD, or HK/BNO passport holders)

Visa status: Hold an eligible visa and have held a Student visa in the last 6 months.

Occupation: Must nominate an occupation from the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)

Study requirement: Completed a CRICOS-registered trade or diploma program

English proficiency: Meet Subclass 485 English score using an in-person accepted test within the validity period.

Health & character: Meet standard DHA criteria.

Health insurance: Hold OVHC from application through grant.

AFP check: Proof of AFP National Police Check application.

Correct stream: You cannot switch after applying.

🎯 Nice-to-Haves

Polished CV and LinkedIn profile aligned with your qualification.

Evidence of employment opportunities or job offers.

Early English test bookings to avoid last-minute issues

Employment references or job offers (optional)

Visa Fees & Processing Time

ItemAmount / Details
Base Application ChargeAUD 2,300
Additional Applicant (18+)AUD 1,150
Additional Applicant (<18)AUD 580
Processing TimeTProcessing time varies, typically several months depending on caseload and completeness.
Estimate your total fees using the Official Visa Pricing Estimator

Family Inclusion

Your partner and dependent children can be included. Each must meet health and character requirements.

You may also lodge a subsequent entrant later for family members. 

Common Mistakes & Red Flags

Highlight the main pitfalls that lead to refusals.

Selecting the wrong stream for your qualification

Not nominating an eligible occupation on CSOL

Missing the 6-month deadline

Submitting expired or ineligible English test results

Forgetting AFP check the evidence

Letting OVHC lapse

📚 Resources & Tools

Use these tools and guides to strengthen your application and plan your next steps
Download Subcalsss 485 Migration Checklist Pack
Download Subcalsss 485 Migration Checklist Pack
Download
OVHC Health Insurance Explainer
OVHC Health Insurance Explainer
Discover

❓ Subclass 485 Graduate Work (Vocational) Stream
Frequently Asked Questions

On 1 July 2024, this stream was renamed Post-Vocational Education Work. It replaces the old Graduate Work stream.

Around 18 months, or up to 5 years if you hold a Hong Kong or BNO passport. 

Yes, they can be included or added later as subsequent entrants. 

Yes, you must nominate a CSOL occupation relevant to your study. 

No, only in-person centre-based tests are valid.

Missed deadlines, wrong stream, expired English test, missing AFP or OVHC. 

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Disclaimer
The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not guarantee visa approval. All visa applications are subject to the discretion of the Australian Department of Home Affairs. For personalized guidance, please contact a registered migration agent at Visa Advisor.