Developer Programmer — 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 Developer Programmer for migration purposes is handled by: ACS.
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.
Developer Programmer × Subclass 485 — pathway overview
Developer Programming graduates (ANZSCO 261312) who completed eligible ICT qualifications in Australia may apply for the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa. This is one of the most utilised graduate pathways among ICT graduates, providing time to gain practical coding and software development experience in the Australian market before pursuing permanent residence. The Graduate Work stream requires a positive ACS skills assessment and qualifications linked to a skilled ICT occupation on the eligible list. The Post-Study Work stream is available for those who completed a bachelor degree or higher in Australia. Both streams grant unrestricted work rights with any employer across Australia. Developer programming experience accumulated on the 485 visa strengthens ACS assessment and improves points for the 189 or 190 visa. English language scores must meet approved minimums. Health checks and character assessments are required. 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 Developer Programmer
- 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 Developer Programmer
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.