So, you’ve recently completed your trade qualification, diploma, or associate degree in Australia—congratulations! It is an incredible milestone. But now that the study chapter has closed, you are likely looking at the next big question: How do I stay and kickstart my career in Australia?
The answer for vocational graduates is the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) – Post-Vocational Education Work stream. This visa is designed specifically for international students who have graduated with skills that Australia needs, allowing you to live, study, and work with unrestricted rights.
To make the process seamless, we have broken down the requirements and detailed step-by-step instructions based on the official guidelines from the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
The Basics: Snapshot of the Visa
How long can you stay? Up to 18 months (Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders can stay for up to 5 years).
What does it cost? Application fees start from AUD 4,600. (Note: Eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens holding valid passports from specified countries qualify for a lower visa cost via ImmiAccount).
Where must you be? You must be in Australia (and not in immigration clearance) when you lodge the application.
Critical Eligibility Checklist
Before you begin, ensure you hit all of these non-negotiable criteria:
1 Age: You must be 35 years of age or under at the time of application (Hong Kong/BNO passport holders can be under 50).
2 Current Visa Status: You must hold a Student visa (or have held one within the past 6 months and now hold a substantive visa, Bridging Visa A, or Bridging Visa B).
3 The 6-Month Rule: You must apply within exactly 6 months of your course completion date.
4 Qualification: You must have completed an associate degree, diploma, or trade qualification that meets the Australian Study Requirement (minimum of 2 academic years / 16 calendar months of CRICOS-registered study).
Your Step-by-Step Application Guide
Step 1: Nominate an Occupation and Apply for a Skills Assessment
Unlike the higher education stream, the Post-Vocational stream requires you to pick a specific lane:
Check the List: Your qualification must match an occupation currently listed on Australia’s Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
Get Assessed: You must have your skills evaluated by the relevant Australian assessing authority (e.g., TRA for chefs or automotive mechanics).
Important Timing: You must have at least applied for your skills assessment before lodging your 485 visa. You will need to provide proof of application (or the final successful outcome) on the day you apply. Note: You cannot change your nominated occupation after you submit your visa.
Step 2: Ace Your English Test
Unless you hold a passport from the UK, USA, Canada, NZ, or the Republic of Ireland, you must prove your English proficiency.
Validity: Your test must have been taken within the 12 months immediately preceding your visa application date.
The Scores: For standard applicants, you need an overall score of 6.5 on the IELTS (with no band lower than 5.5) or a 57 on the PTE Academic (with minimum sub-skills of Listening 43, Reading 48, Writing 51, Speaking 42).
Tip: If you take tests like IELTS or MET, the Department allows One Skill Retakes/Single Section Retakes, provided they are finalized before lodging.
Step 3: Organize Your Police Checks & Health Insurance
Do not wait for the Department to ask for these; they are required at the time of lodgement.
AFP Check: You must provide evidence that you have applied for an Australian Federal Police (AFP) check when you apply.
Health Cover (OVHC): You must transition away from your Student Health Cover (OSHC) to an adequate Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC). You need to attach a certificate of coverage starting from the date your student visa expires or the date of your application.
Step 4: Gather Your Documents
Create a flawless checklist of identity and academic records:
Passport bio-page and birth certificate.
Completion letter from your education provider stating the course start and end dates.
Official academic transcripts.
Proof of your skills assessment application, English test results, AFP check receipt, and OVHC health insurance policy.
Step 5: Lodge via ImmiAccount
When you have all your proof ready, log into your ImmiAccount.
Select the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) and choose the Post-Vocational Education Work stream.
Fill out the details honestly, upload your scanned documents, and pay the Visa Application Charge (from AUD 4,600).
Once submitted, you will automatically be issued a Bridging Visa A (BVA), allowing you to stay in Australia legally while your 485 visa is being processed.
What Happens Next?
Once submitted, keep an eye on your ImmiAccount and email inbox. The Department may contact you to complete biometrics or undergo a medical examination.
Once granted, the 18-month clock starts, giving you the ultimate opportunity to gain invaluable, unrestricted Australian corporate or trade experience. Use this time wisely—it could pave your way toward permanent employer sponsorship or state-nominated visa pathways!
Disclaimer: Visa rules and occupation lists change frequently. Always refer to the official Australian Department of Home Affairs webpage to verify live updates before submitting your application.