Barrister — 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 Barrister for migration purposes is handled by: SLAA.
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.
Barrister × Subclass 485 — pathway overview
Barristers (ANZSCO 271111) who have recently completed an eligible Australian legal qualification may apply for the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa. This visa grants temporary work rights, providing graduates with the opportunity to gain practical legal experience in Australia before pursuing a longer-term skilled migration pathway. The 485 visa operates through two streams. The Graduate Work stream is available where the qualification relates to an occupation on the skilled occupation list and requires a positive skills assessment from State and Territory Law Admissions Authority (SLAA). The Post-Study Work stream applies to graduates who completed at least a two-year degree in Australia and does not require a skills assessment. Visa duration varies depending on the stream and the level of qualification completed. Holders may work for any employer anywhere in Australia. English language requirements that were satisfied as part of the student visa must be evidenced. Health and character assessments are mandatory. The 485 visa creates time to accumulate points or secure employer sponsorship toward a permanent visa pathway. 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 Barrister
- 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 Barrister
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.