Marine Biologist — 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 Marine Biologist 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.
Marine Biologist × Subclass 485 — pathway overview
Marine Biologists (ANZSCO 234516) may access the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa, allowing recent Australian graduates to remain and work after completing their studies. Under the Graduate Work stream, applicants need a qualification of at least two years' Australian study in a closely related field, along with a skills assessment. Marine Biologists, who research marine organisms and ecosystems; roles with CSIRO, universities, conservation bodies, and aquaculture industry in coastal areas, may qualify where their degree aligns with recognised science or technology qualifications. A skills assessment from the Australian Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology (AIAST) is required for the Graduate Work stream before application. Applicants must be under 50 and hold Competent English, equivalent to IELTS 6.0 across all bands. The Graduate Work stream grants 18 months of stay to gain local experience before pursuing longer-term pathways such as the Subclass 482 or 189. Government fees are approximately AUD 1,895. Processing takes four to eight months. 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 Marine Biologist
- 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 Marine Biologist
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.