Telecommunications 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 Telecommunications Engineer for migration purposes is handled by: EA.
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.
Telecommunications Engineer × Subclass 485 — pathway overview
Telecommunications Engineers (ANZSCO 263311) who have recently completed an eligible Australian engineering qualification may apply for the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa. This visa grants temporary work rights, enabling graduates to gain practical telecommunications engineering experience in Australia before pursuing permanent migration pathways. The 485 visa offers two streams. The Graduate Work stream is available where the qualification relates to a skilled occupation, and a positive skills assessment from Engineers Australia (EA) is required. The Post-Study Work stream is available to those who completed at least a two-year degree in Australia and does not require a skills assessment. Visa duration varies according to the stream and the level of qualification completed. Holders may work for any employer in any location. English language requirements apply. Health and character checks are mandatory. The 485 visa creates time to secure employer sponsorship or accumulate the points required for a permanent skilled visa. 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 Telecommunications Engineer
- 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.
- 491Details →Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa
Five-year provisional visa for workers willing to live and work in regional Australia.
State nominations for Telecommunications Engineer
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.