Neurosurgeon — 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 Neurosurgeon for migration purposes is handled by: MedBA.
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.
Neurosurgeon × Subclass 485 — pathway overview
Neurosurgeons (ANZSCO 253513) is an eligible occupation category for the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa, listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). This temporary post-study visa allows international graduates who have recently completed an Australian qualification in brain, spinal, and peripheral nerve surgery to remain in Australia and gain practical work experience before pursuing a permanent visa pathway. The Temporary Graduate visa operates through the Graduate Work stream (for graduates in listed occupations) and the Post-Study Work stream (for those completing at least two years of Australian higher education). No skills assessment from the Medical Board of Australia (MedBA) with the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) is required at the 485 application stage; one may be needed when transitioning to a permanent visa. A government application charge applies; amounts vary by applicant count. Applicants must be under 50, demonstrate English proficiency, and meet health and character requirements. The visa is temporary and does not confer permanent residence directly. 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 Neurosurgeon
- 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 Neurosurgeon
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.