Civil Engineering Technician — 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)
- 85 points— November 2025 roundView all rounds →
- Skills assessment fee
- AUD 900–1,145via Vocational Education and Training Assessment Services· ~8-16 weeks processing
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 Civil Engineering Technician for migration purposes is handled by: VETASSESS.
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.
Civil Engineering Technician × Subclass 485 — pathway overview
Civil Engineering Technician (ANZSCO 312212) is a relevant occupation for applicants seeking a Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa following completion of eligible Australian qualifications. The Subclass 485 is not points-tested and does not require employer or state sponsorship. The Post-Higher Education Work stream applies to graduates of bachelor, masters, or doctoral qualifications from a CRICOS-registered Australian institution in civil engineering, construction technology, or a related technical field. The visa provides temporary work rights allowing graduates to build Australian civil engineering technician experience, which can support future skilled or employer-sponsored visa applications. Requirements include being under 35, having held a student visa in the six months prior to application, meeting competent English standards (IELTS 6 or equivalent), and satisfying health, character, and Overseas Student Health Cover requirements. Visa duration ranges from two to four years. No skills assessment is required. 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 Civil Engineering Technician
- 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 Civil Engineering Technician
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.