Materials 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 Materials 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.
Materials Engineer × Subclass 485 — pathway overview
Materials Engineers (ANZSCO 233112) may qualify for the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa following completion of an eligible Australian qualification. This occupation appears on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), making it eligible for the Graduate Work stream of the Subclass 485, which typically grants an 18-month visa. The Graduate Work stream requires a skills assessment from Engineers Australia confirming that the applicant's qualification relates to this nominated occupation. The Post-Study Work stream may be available to holders of higher Australian degrees, granting two to four years of unrestricted work rights without needing a skills assessment. The Subclass 485 does not lead directly to permanent residence but provides valuable time to gain Australian work experience and build a competitive profile for points-tested skilled migration. Government fees are approximately AUD 1,895 for the primary applicant. Materials Engineers on this visa should focus on obtaining Engineers Australia membership, securing graduate engineering employment, and accumulating the points and experience needed for subsequent permanent residence pathways. 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 Materials 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 Materials Engineer
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.