Clinical Psychologist — 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 Clinical Psychologist for migration purposes is handled by: APS.
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.
Clinical Psychologist × Subclass 485 — pathway overview
Clinical Psychologists (ANZSCO 272311) who have recently completed a qualification in Australia may be eligible for the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa. This temporary visa allows recent graduates to remain in Australia and gain professional experience in their field following completion of an eligible Australian qualification. The Subclass 485 is not points-tested and does not require employer sponsorship. Applicants must apply within six months of completing their qualification, hold Competent English (IELTS 6.0 in each band or equivalent), and have not previously held a Subclass 485 visa. The visa duration depends on the qualification level completed. A skills assessment from the Australian Psychological Society (APS) may be required depending on the visa stream. Holders may work for any employer in any location. The indicative fee is from AUD 1,885, with processing typically 4 to 12 months. 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 Clinical Psychologist
- 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 Clinical Psychologist
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.