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Stay, Work, and Grow Your Career in Australia After Graduation
Temporary Graduate Visa – Subclass 485 (Post-Vocational Education Work Stream – PVEWS)
The PVEWS stream of the Temporary Graduate Visa lets international students who complete eligible trade or vocational qualifications (Diploma or Advanced Diploma) work full-time in Australia for up to 18 months.
Read on to understand everything about the Temporary Graduate Visa, including eligibility, application steps, and how Knowbal can help you apply with confidence and ease.
Overview for PVEWS 485 Visa
Work Full-Time for Up to 18 Months
Gain unrestricted work rights in Australia after completing your VET qualification.Ideal for Trade & Vocational Graduates
Specifically designed for students who completed Diplomas, Advanced Diplomas, or trade-level qualifications.PR Pathway via Skilled Migration
Helps you work towards permanent residency through visas like 189, 190, and 491, especially since you must nominate an occupation on the MLTSSL.Include Eligible Family Members
Your partner and dependent children can accompany you and also work or study.Bridge to Higher Education Pathways
Later, you may transition to the Post-Higher Education Work Stream (PHEWS) if you complete a bachelor or higher degree.
Cost: From AUD2,300.00 | for latest cost estimation check here
Eligibility for PVEWS 485 Visa
| Requirement | Details |
| Citizenship | Open to applicants from ANY country |
| Age Requirement | You must be aged 35 years or under at the time of application. *Exceptions apply. |
| Location at Time of Application | You must be in Australia when you apply. |
| Minimum Study Requirement | You must have completed CRICOS-registered courses that:
|
| Accepted Qualification Types | Eligible AQF qualifications include:
Your qualification must be completed within 6 months before applying. |
| Skilled Occupation Requirement | Your nominated occupation must be on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). |
| Skills Assessment Requirement | You must apply for a Skills Assessment at the time you lodge your visa application. The assessment must be for your nominated MLTSSL occupation and from the relevant assessing authority. |
| Visa Requirement | You must have:
|
| Health Requirement | You must provide evidence of Adequate Health Insurance for all applicants at the time of application. |
| Character Requirement | You must provide evidence that you have applied for an Australian Federal Police (AFP) Check at the time of application. AFP must have been applied for within the last 12 months. |
| English Language Requirement | You must meet the English language score requirements based on the date of application. Test results must be within 1 year before application. Note: Full score tables differ for:
|
The Knowbal Visa Application Process
Applying for the Temporary Graduate Visa can feel complicated, but Knowbal is here to support you at every stage. Here’s how we simplify the application process
Initial Consultation
We start by reviewing your study history, current visa status, and eligibility for the Temporary Graduate Visa. This personalised consultation helps us understand your situation and plan the best application approach for you.
Assigning an Expert Agent
Once we assess your case, you’ll be assigned a dedicated migration expert. This professional will be your main point of contact, guiding you through each step and answering your questions promptly.
Document Preparation
Gathering and organising your documents correctly is critical. Knowbal helps you prepare all necessary paperwork, including your Confirmation of Enrolment, academic transcripts, proof of completion, health insurance, and identity documents to avoid delays or errors.
Submitting the Application
We lodge your visa application on your behalf with the Department of Home Affairs, ensuring everything complies with visa requirements and your information is accurately presented.
Ongoing Updates
Throughout the processing period, Knowbal monitors your application and keeps you informed. Should the Department request additional information, we will assist you promptly to ensure a smooth process.
FAQs
The visa itself can’t be extended, but it can provide work experience that helps you qualify for other skilled visas or PR pathways. Graduates from Hong Kong with a 485 visa may have a PR pathway after five years.
A minimum of a certificate III level study in a trade qualification (leading to a skilled occupation in Major Group 3 in ANZSCO) is acceptable. Any other certificate III is not acceptable.
Processing typically takes between 2 weeks and 4 months, depending on the visa stream and individual case complexity.
The straightforward answer is – NO. There is no option for a second 485 in PVEWS as a primary applicant. However, you may still get a Subclass 485 Visa as a secondary applicant provided your spouse meets primary applicant criteria for the visa by studying an eligible qualification as an international student.
Yes, eligible family members can be included, allowing them to live and work in Australia during the visa period.
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