Forester / Forest 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 Forester / Forest 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.
Forester / Forest Scientist × Subclass 485 — pathway overview
Foresters and Forest Scientists (ANZSCO 234113) may access the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa after completing an eligible Australian forestry or forest science qualification. This visa supports recent graduates in gaining Australian post-study work experience without employer sponsorship. The Graduate Work stream applies as this occupation is listed on the MLTSSL. This stream provides approximately 18 months and requires a positive skills assessment from AIAST or the relevant assessing body. The Post-Study Work stream may offer a longer visa based on the level of completed Australian qualification, without requiring a skills assessment. Applicants must apply within six months of graduating, have studied in Australia for at least two academic years, and hold a valid student visa. Functional English is required. Government fees are approximately AUD 1,895. Graduates use this visa to gain practical Australian forestry experience in conservation, timber, or natural resource management sectors, building eligibility for future permanent residence 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 Forester / Forest 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 Forester / Forest Scientist
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.