Architect — Subclass 485 Pathway
Temporary Graduate visa · 18 months to 5 years (depending on stream and qualification)
At a glance
- Visa
- Subclass 485 — Temporary Graduate visa
- Points test
- Not points-tested
- Sponsor
- No sponsor required
- Eligibility list
- No specific list
- Base fee
- from $2,235 (check immi.gov.au for current fee)
- Processing time
- ~4-12 months (median)
Skills assessment for this occupation
Assessing Architect for migration purposes is handled by: AACA.
No occupation-list eligibility — any qualification recognised by the AQF is in scope, with skills assessment only required for the Post-Vocational Education Work stream.
Architect × Subclass 485 — pathway overview
Architect (ANZSCO 232111) qualifies for the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa, providing recent overseas graduates of Australian universities with temporary work rights to gain professional experience in architecture in Australia after completing their studies. The Subclass 485 is not points-tested and does not require employer sponsorship. Applicants must have completed a degree, diploma, or trade qualification at an Australian educational institution within the last two years that meets the required level of study. The qualification must be at least bachelor degree level. Applicants applying in the Graduate Work stream of the Subclass 485 may need a skills assessment from the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA), while those in the Post-Study Work stream are generally assessed based on their study period in Australia rather than skills. Applicants must meet English language requirements relevant to their stream, satisfy health and character requirements, and have held or been eligible for a student visa. The Post-Study Work stream typically grants two to four years of work rights depending on the study level and location. Government fees are approximately AUD 1,895. For advice tailored to your individual circumstances, always consult a registered MARA migration agent.
Content last generated: 2026-06-26
Key requirements
High-level criteria for Subclass 485. Verify every requirement on immi.gov.au before applying.
- Under 35 years of age at application (with exemptions for select fields)
- Recent graduate of an eligible Australian qualification (CRICOS-registered)
- Held a valid student visa in the last six months
- Competent English (IELTS 6 or equivalent)
- Positive skills assessment (Post-Vocational Education Work stream only)
- Health, character, and Australian Health Insurance
Other visa pathways for Architect
- 186Details →Employer Nomination Scheme visa
Permanent employer-sponsored visa for workers nominated by an approved sponsor.
- 189Details →Skilled Independent visa
Permanent points-tested visa for workers not sponsored by an employer, family member, or state.
- 190Details →Skilled Nominated visa
Permanent visa for workers nominated by a state or territory government.
- 482Details →Skills in Demand visa
Employer-sponsored temporary visa (formerly TSS) for occupations on the relevant list.
- 491Details →Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa
Five-year provisional visa for workers willing to live and work in regional Australia.
- 494Details →Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa
Five-year employer-sponsored provisional visa in regional Australia, with a path to PR.
State nominations for Architect
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.