Software Engineer — 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 Software Engineer 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.
Software Engineer × Subclass 485 — pathway overview
Software Engineering graduates (ANZSCO 261313) who completed eligible ICT qualifications in Australia may apply for the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa. This is one of the most commonly utilised 485 pathways for ICT graduates, providing a platform to gain professional software engineering experience in Australia before applying for permanent residence. The Graduate Work stream requires a positive ACS skills assessment and relevant ICT qualifications linked to an eligible occupation. The Post-Study Work stream is available for bachelor degree or higher graduates who studied in Australia. Both streams allow unrestricted work rights across Australia for the visa's duration. Software engineering experience on the 485 visa directly improves ACS assessment quality and points score for subsequent 189 or 190 applications. English proficiency must be demonstrated through an approved test. Health checks and character assessments are required. Application fees are payable. 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 Software Engineer
- 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 Software Engineer
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.