01 / The starting point
What needs to line up.
A useful assessment looks at the requirements together, in the context of your circumstances.
- Post-Vocational Education Work requires an eligible associate degree, diploma or trade qualification linked to an occupation on the MLTSSL, with a suitable skills assessment.
- Post-Higher Education Work requires an eligible degree; some related graduate diplomas qualify under specific sequencing rules.
- Generally apply aged 35 or younger. Under-50 exceptions include Hong Kong or British National Overseas passport holders; research masters and doctoral graduates have additional higher-education exceptions.
- For an initial stream, check the six-month course-completion and Student visa windows, eligible current visa and Australian application location.
- A second regional stream requires an eligible first graduate visa, qualifying regional study and at least two years of qualifying regional residence.
A summary of key criteria, not a complete eligibility test. Stream-specific requirements and exceptions need individual assessment.
02 / Prepare with purpose
The evidence behind
your story.
- Course-completion letter and academic records establishing the Temporary Graduate study requirement.
- English evidence, adequate health insurance and evidence of an Australian Federal Police check application at lodgement.
- For the vocational stream, a valid skills assessment or evidence you have applied for one; for the second regional stream, residence evidence.
Keep records accurate and consistent. Agree a secure method before sharing personal documents.
03 / Understand the stages
A clearer view of
the process.
- 01
Identify the correct stream before applying; streams cannot be changed after lodgement.
- 02
Check course-completion dates and mandatory evidence before the application deadline.
- 03
Lodge through ImmiAccount and respond to requests within the specified period.
04 / Make informed decisions
Details that matter.
- A graduate visa does not secure employment or permanent residence.
- Prior primary 485 or 476 visa history may prevent another initial-stream grant.
- Check current English test acceptance, passport concessions and stream rules before relying on a previous eligibility assessment.
05 / Plan realistically
Costs, timing
and expectations.
Understand the total
Government charges, professional fees and expenses such as assessments, tests or translations are separate. Confirm the current charges and agreed scope before committing.
Allow for uncertainty
Published processing times are indicative. Individual cases, evidence requests and programme settings can affect timing. Avoid relying on an expected decision date for irreversible plans.
Go to the source
Official information
- Home Affairs — Post-Vocational Education Work
- Home Affairs — Post-Higher Education Work
- Home Affairs — Second Post-Higher Education Work
- Home Affairs — Temporary Graduate study requirement
General information only. Check current Home Affairs requirements before acting. No invitation, visa decision or processing time is guaranteed.