Agricultural Scientist — 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 Agricultural Scientist for migration purposes is handled by: VETASSESS.
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.
Agricultural Scientist × Subclass 485 — pathway overview
Agricultural Scientists (ANZSCO 234112) may access the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa after completing an eligible Australian agricultural science qualification. This visa enables recent graduates to gain post-study work experience in Australia without employer sponsorship. The Graduate Work stream applies as Agricultural Scientist is listed on the MLTSSL. This stream provides approximately 18 months and requires a positive skills assessment from AIAST. The Post-Study Work stream may offer a longer visa period based on qualification duration without requiring a skills assessment. Applicants must apply within six months of graduation, have completed at least two academic years of study in Australia, and hold a valid student visa at time of application. Functional English is required. Government fees are approximately AUD 1,895. Graduates use this visa to develop Australian agricultural research or industry experience, strengthening future applications for points-tested or employer-sponsored skilled visas. 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 Agricultural Scientist
- 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.
- 491Details →Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa
Five-year provisional visa for workers willing to live and work in regional Australia.
State nominations for Agricultural Scientist
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.