Speech Pathologist / Speech Language Therapist — 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 Speech Pathologist / Speech Language Therapist for migration purposes is handled by: SPA.
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.
Speech Pathologist / Speech Language Therapist × Subclass 485 — pathway overview
Speech Pathologist Speech Language Therapist (ANZSCO 252712) is listed on the relevant skilled occupation list, making it eligible for the Graduate Work stream of the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa — a temporary visa for international graduates who have recently completed a qualifying Australian degree and wish to live, study and work in Australia after graduation. The Graduate Work stream of the 485 visa is not employer-sponsored or points-tested. The Graduate Work stream requires the occupation to appear on the relevant skilled occupation list and a positive skills assessment from an approved body. Eligible graduates may work in Australia temporarily to gain experience in their skilled occupation, often as a stepping stone toward a subsequent skilled migration visa such as the Subclass 189 or 190. Applicants must have completed at least two years of a relevant Australian qualification and obtain a skills assessment from Speech Pathology Australia (SPA) confirming suitability for the Speech Pathologist Speech Language Therapist occupation. Standard health, character, and English language requirements apply. Certification with Speech Pathology Australia is strongly recommended and expected by most employers. 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 Speech Pathologist / Speech Language Therapist
- 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 Speech Pathologist / Speech Language Therapist
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.