To be eligible for a 485 Graduate Work Stream Visa after completing your studies in Australia after 01 July 2023, international students with a qualification below a degree must also provide (have applied for) a skills assessment and nominated an occupation from the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)).
Why is this changing?
The Department of Home Affairs has suspended the normal requirements for this visa from 01 July 2022 until 30 June 2023 in light of Australia’s skill shortages. This meant that those with a two-year Australian diploma or trade certificate III or IV were eligible to submit a 485 Graduate Work stream application without an MLTSSL occupation or a skills assessment. However, the exemption expired on 30 June 2023.
What occupations are on the MLTSSL?
Please see the Skilled Occupation list on the Immigration website for a full list of occupations.
What do you need to do?
If you are completing your education at a level below a bachelor’s degree, you must apply for a provisional skills assessment through an approved assessing body. This can be found at https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skill-occupation-list
What if you don’t have an occupation on the MLTSSL?
You will not be able to obtain a skill assessment, and your application will be refused.
