Mechanical 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 Mechanical 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.
Mechanical Engineer × Subclass 485 — pathway overview
Mechanical Engineers (ANZSCO 233512) may access the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa after completing an eligible Australian qualification. This visa supports recent graduates in gaining post-study work experience in Australia and is not points-tested or employer-sponsored. The Graduate Work stream applies to Mechanical Engineers as the occupation appears on the MLTSSL. This stream typically provides an 18-month stay and requires a positive skills assessment from Engineers Australia. The Post-Study Work stream offers a longer visa period based on the level of completed qualification and does not require a skills assessment. Applicants must apply within six months of course completion, have studied on a student visa, and completed at least two academic years in Australia. Functional English is required. Government fees are approximately AUD 1,895. While the 485 visa does not grant permanent residence, the work experience gained counts toward future points-tested or employer-sponsored visa applications. Many Mechanical Engineers use this visa to gain local experience, improve their English proficiency scores, and secure employer sponsorship for a Subclass 482 or 186 application. 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 Mechanical 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 Mechanical Engineer
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.