Post-study work
Post-Vocational Education Work (485)
Eighteen months to live and work in Australia after vocational study, built around an occupation the country needs.
Requirements
What the stream asks of you.
Formerly the Graduate Work stream. The occupation and skills assessment give this stream its shape: your study must point at a listed occupation.
A listed occupation
You nominate an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List, and your qualifications must be closely related to it.
Vocational qualifications
An associate degree, diploma or trade qualification completed within the last six months, after at least two years of study in Australia.
Assessed by the right authority
By lodgement you must have applied for a skills assessment with the authority set for your occupation, and for the visa to be granted your skills must be assessed as suitable for it.
Student visa link, English and character
You hold an eligible student visa or held one within the last six months, are under 36 at lodgement, meet the English requirement from an accepted test, hold adequate health insurance and meet health and character requirements. You must be in Australia when the application is lodged. Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders can stay five years.
The pathway
How we run your 485.
Eligibility assessment
Study, occupation fit and English are tested against the stream before anything is lodged.
Skills assessment
Your application goes to the assessing authority set for your nominated occupation.
Police check and lodgement
The Australian Federal Police check is ordered, then the visa application is lodged in Australia, decision-ready.
Grant
If granted, up to 18 months with work rights. We map the pathways that may follow, subject to your eligibility.
General information only, not immigration advice. Your circumstances matter. Visa requirements, fees and processing times change regularly. Facts on this page last reviewed 15 July 2026. Check current details with the Department of Home Affairs , or speak with us for advice on your situation. Website terms.
Begin with a conversation.
Speak with a MARA-registered migration agent in Melbourne about your pathway. Book a time that suits you.