Registered Nurses nec — 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)
Key facts at a glance
Data compiled from official sources. Always verify on the relevant authority’s website before acting.
- SkillSelect points cutoff(Subclass 189)
- 75 points— November 2025 roundView all rounds →
- Skills assessment fee
- AUD 400–500via Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council· ~8-16 weeks processing
- Salary range (Australia)
- AUD 66k–112kfull-time gross AUD, P10–P90 band, 2025–26 indicative
All figures are indicative. Fees and points cutoffs change frequently — always verify on immi.gov.au and the relevant state/authority website before lodging.
Skills assessment for this occupation
Assessing Registered Nurses nec for migration purposes is handled by: ANMAC.
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.
Registered Nurses nec × Subclass 485 — pathway overview
Specialist nursing graduates captured under ANZSCO 254499 who completed eligible qualifications in Australia may apply for the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa. This visa creates space to develop specialist clinical experience in Australia, which is essential for skills assessment and strengthens future visa applications. The Graduate Work stream requires a positive ANMAC skills assessment and qualifications linked to an occupation on the skilled occupation list. The Post-Study Work stream is available for bachelor degree or higher graduates who studied in Australia. Work rights are unrestricted across both streams. Experience gained during the 485 visa period directly contributes to points score and skills assessment quality for subsequent applications such as the 189 or 190 visa. NMBA registration is required to work as a nurse. English language proficiency, health checks, and character requirements must be satisfied. 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 Registered Nurses nec
- 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 Registered Nurses nec
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.