Geotechnical 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 Geotechnical 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.
Geotechnical Engineer × Subclass 485 — pathway overview
Geotechnical Engineers (ANZSCO 233212) may qualify for the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa after completing an eligible Australian engineering qualification. This occupation appears on the MLTSSL, making graduates eligible for the Graduate Work stream following a positive skills assessment from Engineers Australia, typically granting an 18-month visa. The Post-Study Work stream may be available to higher degree graduates, providing two to four years of unrestricted work rights. Geotechnical engineering graduates from Australian universities are eligible where their qualification is directly related to this nominated occupation. This visa does not lead directly to permanent residence but provides the opportunity to gain Australian experience, build an Engineers Australia membership profile, and accumulate points for future skilled migration applications. Government fees are approximately AUD 1,895 for the primary applicant. Geotechnical engineering graduates should seek roles with mining consultancies, infrastructure firms, or geotechnical laboratories to build the site experience valued by Australian employers and required for subsequent professional membership assessment. 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 Geotechnical 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 Geotechnical Engineer
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.