Temporary Graduate Visa (485) - Post-Vocational Education Work Stream

The Post-Vocational Education Work stream is designed for international students who have completed vocational education qualifications in Australia. This includes diplomas, advanced diplomas, associate degrees, and trade qualifications that relate to occupations on Australia’s Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

Who Is This Stream For?

This stream is perfect for graduates who have completed:

• Diploma or Advanced Diploma programs
• Associate Degree qualifications
• Trade qualifications at Certificate III or IV level
• Vocational courses linked to MLTSSL occupations

Key Benefits Over Previous System

The reformed Post-Vocational Education Work stream offers several advantages:

• No skills assessment required (unlike the old Graduate Work stream)
• Extended duration for regional graduates (24 months)
• Simplified application process
• Hong Kong passport holders receive 5-year visa
• Lower English requirements than professional streams

Latest 2025 Updates

Recent Changes:

• Age limit 35 years (50 for Hong Kong/BNO passport holders)
• Regional study bonus: Additional 6 months
• Skills assessment no longer mandatory
• Online lodgement streamlined
• Processing times improved

Core Requirements

1. Qualification Requirements

Your qualification must be:

• Level: Diploma, Advanced Diploma, or Associate Degree
• Trade qualifications: Certificate III or IV (minimum 2 years)
• Duration: At least 92 weeks (2 academic years) of study
• CRICOS registered course
• Completed in Australia (onshore)
• Closely related to your nominated occupation

2. Occupation Requirements

• Occupation must be on the MLTSSL at time of application
• Qualification must be closely related to the occupation
• No skills assessment required (but can strengthen application)

3. Timing Requirements

• Apply within 6 months of course completion
• Completion date is the earliest of:
  • Date on completion letter
  • Date results released
  • Date of graduation ceremony

4. Age Requirement

• Must be under 35 years when applying
• Exception: Under 50 years if you hold:
  • Hong Kong passport
  • British National Overseas (BNO) passport

5. English Language Requirements

Minimum scores (test must be less than 3 years old):

6. Australian Study Requirement

• Minimum 92 weeks CRICOS registered study
• Completed in at least 16 calendar months
• All instruction in English
• Study completed in Australia

7. Health and Character

• Health insurance (OVHC) for entire stay
• Health examinations as required
• Police clearances from all countries (12+ months residence)
• No substantial criminal record

Eligible Occupations (Examples)

Common MLTSSL occupations for vocational graduates:

Trade Occupations:

• Automotive Electrician
• Bricklayer
• Cabinetmaker
• Carpenter
• Chef
• Diesel Motor Mechanic
• Electrician (General)
• Fitter (General)
• Hairdresser
• Motor Mechanic
• Plumber
• Welder (First Class)

Technical Occupations:

• Architectural Draftsperson
• Building Associate
• Civil Engineering Draftsperson
• Civil Engineering Technician
• Electrical Engineering Technician
• Electronic Engineering Technician
• ICT Support Technician
• Mechanical Engineering Technician

Healthcare Support:

• Dental Technician
• Medical Laboratory Technician
• Pharmacy Technician

Regional Study Benefits

If you studied at a regional campus, you receive:

• 24 months instead of 18 months
• Same application process
• No additional requirements

Eligible Regional Areas:

• All of Tasmania, South Australia, Northern Territory
• Regional Queensland, Victoria, NSW, WA
• Excludes: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane metros

Maximizing Your Success

Pre-Application Strategy:

1. Start preparing 3 months before graduation
2. Book English test early if needed
3. Maintain continuous health insurance
4. Keep all study documentation
5. Track your 6-month deadline carefully

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

❌ Missing the deadline - Apply within 6 months ❌ Wrong occupation - Must be on MLTSSL ❌ Incomplete study - Must meet 92-week requirement ❌ Insurance gaps - Maintain continuous coverage ❌ Poor document quality - Use clear, certified copies

Working on This Visa

Employment Rights:

• Unlimited work hours
• Any employer or self-employed
• Multiple jobs allowed
• Work anywhere in Australia
• No occupation restrictions

Building Your Career:

• Focus on skilled employment
• Gain experience in nominated occupation
• Build Australian references
• Improve English for PR pathway
• Network in your industry

Family Inclusion

Who Can Be Included:

• Spouse or de facto partner
• Dependent children under 23
• Must be declared in application
• Same visa validity period

Family Member Rights:

• Full work rights
• Study rights (fees apply)
• Medicare (if eligible country)
• Travel freely

Health Insurance Guide

OVHC Requirements:

• Must cover entire stay
• Hospital and medical coverage
• All family members included
• No waiting periods for visa

Recommended Providers:

• Bupa Visitors Cover
• Medibank OVHC
• nib OVHC
• ahm OVHC
• Allianz Care Australia

After Visa Grant

Immediate Actions:

1. Check visa grant details
2. Note visa expiry date
3. Update address if moved
4. Apply for Medicare (if eligible)
5. Get Tax File Number

Maintaining Status:

• Keep health insurance active
• Notify address changes
• Maintain valid passport
• Follow all visa conditions
• Plan next visa early

Pathway to Permanent Residency

Your PR Options:

Skilled Independent (189):

• Points-tested (65 minimum)
• No sponsorship needed
• Permanent from grant

Skilled Nominated (190):

• State nomination (5 bonus points)
• 2-year state commitment
• Broader occupation lists

Skilled Regional (491):

• Regional areas only
• 15 bonus points
• Pathway to 191 PR

Employer Sponsorship (186/494):

• Employer nomination required
• 2-3 years with employer
• Direct PR or provisional

Regional Advantages

Benefits of Regional Work:

• Qualify for Second Post-Higher Education Work stream
• Extra points for skilled migration
• State nomination opportunities
• Less competition for jobs
• Often higher salaries
• Lower living costs

Regional Areas Include:

• Adelaide (all)
• Perth (all)
• Gold Coast
• Sunshine Coast
• Canberra
• Newcastle
• Wollongong
• Geelong
• Hobart (all)
• Darwin (all)

Hong Kong Special Pathway

Hong Kong passport holders receive:

• 5-year visa duration
• Same application process
• Pathway to permanent residency
• Full work and study rights
• Include family members