From Subclass 485 to a Skilled Migration Visa: The Real Path

From 485 to PR — it is not automatic

Many students assume that graduating in Australia leads to a subclass 485 and then automatically to PR. In reality it is not that simple. The subclass 485 gives you time and opportunity — but that opportunity has to be used actively.

Three steps to complete while on the subclass 485 to prepare for PR:

Build relevant work experience in your field in Australia
Complete a skills assessment from the designated assessing authority
Develop your EOI and reach enough points to be invited

Path 1: 485 → EOI → 189/190/491

This is the most common path for international graduates.

Step 1 — Skills assessment while working on the 485: Lodge your skills assessment as soon as you have enough experience. With an Australian qualification, some authorities process faster. Do not wait until your subclass 485 ends to start.

Step 2 — Lodge an EOI (Expression of Interest) on SkillSelect: An EOI is the online profile you create to show your score and your chances of being invited. EOI points include: age, English, education, experience (Australian and overseas), skills assessment, an Australian qualification, and other bonus points.

Key bonus points for international graduates (figures follow the DHA points table at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au — check before lodging your EOI):

A qualification from a recognised Australian provider: 5 points
Proficient or Superior English: significant bonus points
Australian work experience: points increase with the number of years
State nomination (190): an additional 5 points

Step 3 — Wait for an invitation and lodge the visa: DHA sends invitations in rounds. Not every EOI is invited — only the highest-scoring EOIs in each round.

Subclass 189: federal, no state nomination needed — the most competitive, requiring a high score Subclass 190: state-nominated — adds points, but you must meet the state’s requirements Subclass 491: regional — adds more points, requiring you to live and work in a designated regional area before moving on to the subclass 191 (PR)

Path 2: 485 → 482 → 186

If, while working on the subclass 485, you find an Australian employer willing to sponsor you, the employer-nomination path is a good option.

Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand): employer-sponsored, with several years of work depending on the stream Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme): after enough time working on the 482, the employer nominates you for PR

This path depends less on EOI points and the occupation list — but it depends entirely on having an employer to sponsor you.

The deciding factor: Australian work experience

In the EOI, Australian work experience scores higher than overseas experience. Points increase with the number of years — the longer the experience, the higher the points. See the specific points table at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au (SkillSelect points test).

This work experience must match the ANZSCO code of the occupation you are assessed for.

This means a graduate with a few years of subclass 485 work in their field will have a noticeably stronger EOI than someone who has just graduated with no experience.

English — a worthwhile investment

English has three levels in the EOI points table: Competent, Proficient, and Superior. Higher levels give significant bonus points — see the specific points at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.

This is one of the most effective ways to raise your EOI score because it is entirely within your control. Investing in your English during the subclass 485 stage is a good investment.

When to start acting

As soon as your subclass 485 begins:

Find work in your field — it does not have to match your ANZSCO code straight away, but the closer the better
Start researching the skills assessment process for your occupation
If your English is not yet at Proficient, register to study for IELTS

After one year of work on the 485:

You are eligible to count one year of Australian experience
Lodge your skills assessment
Create an EOI on SkillSelect

Do not wait until the final year of your subclass 485 to act.