Chemical Engineer — 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 Chemical Engineer for migration purposes is handled by: EA.
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.
Chemical Engineer × Subclass 485 — pathway overview
Chemical Engineers (ANZSCO 233111) may qualify for the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa, which allows recent graduates of Australian institutions to work in Australia after completing their studies. This occupation appears on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), which qualifies graduates for the Graduate Work stream of the Subclass 485. The Graduate Work stream requires a skills assessment from Engineers Australia and is available to graduates whose qualification relates to an occupation on the MLTSSL. It typically grants an 18-month visa. The Post-Study Work stream may be available to holders of eligible higher degrees and allows two to four years of unrestricted work rights without a skills assessment requirement. This visa does not lead directly to permanent residence but provides a pathway to gain Australian work experience, which can contribute to eligibility for skilled migration visas such as the Subclass 189 or 190. Government fees are approximately AUD 1,895 for the primary applicant. Chemical Engineers on the Subclass 485 should use the period to gain industry experience, obtain Engineers Australia membership, and build a competitive points profile for future permanent visa applications. 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 Chemical Engineer
- 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 Chemical Engineer
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.