The search for the “area code 485 location” yields information about both a foreign area code and an unassigned domestic status, which often causes confusion for callers.
The direct answer is that 485 is not an active geographic area code in the United States or Canada (it is unassigned by the NANP). However, it is a local geographic code (Clave LADA) for parts of San Luis Potosí, Mexico. It is also widely known in a completely separate context: the Australian Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485).
This article clarifies the status of the 485 code, details its location in Mexico, and provides essential context for handling this number sequence.
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Status in the North American Numbering Plan (NANP)
Within the NANP, which includes the US and Canada, the 485 area code is held in reserve.
| Detail | Information |
| NANP Status (US/Canada): | Unassigned / Reserved. (Not in current use). |
| Geographic Location: | None. |
| Safety Warning: | Any incoming call displaying (485) XXX-XXXX is spoofed and should be ignored. |
The Valid Use of 485 as a Phone Prefix (NXX)
While (485) cannot be the area code, the sequence 485 is used as a local phone prefix within many assigned area codes (e.g., 575-485-XXXX in New Mexico). In these cases, the first three digits (e.g., 575) determine the legitimate location.
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Geographic Location: San Luis Potosí, Mexico
The 485 code is a legitimate LADA (area code) in Mexico, serving a portion of the state of San Luis Potosí in the central part of the country.
| Detail | Information |
| Area Code (LADA): | 485 |
| Country: | Mexico |
| Primary City: | San Luis Potosí (parts of the state) |
| Full Dialing Code: | +52 485 |
| Time Zone: | Central Time (CT) (Observes DST). |
International Dialing Rules
To call a 485 phone number from the U.S. or Canada, you must use the 10-digit national dialing format:
- Non-Telecom Context: Australian Visa (Subclass 485)
Outside of telecommunications, the sequence 485 is widely known to international students as the code for the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) in Australia.
- Purpose: This visa allows international students to temporarily live, study, and work in Australia after completing their studies, providing a pathway toward permanent residency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
If I receive a call from (485) XXX-XXXX, should I answer?
No. Since 485 is not a legitimate area code in the NANP, any call displaying it is likely a robocaller using a spoofed number. If the caller is genuinely in Mexico, their number would appear as an international number or with a valid prefix.
What is the time zone in San Luis Potosí, Mexico?
San Luis Potosí is in the Central Time Zone (CT). This means it is the same time as cities like Chicago, Dallas, and Houston.
What is the closest US area code to the 485 numeric sequence?
The area codes that numerically surround 485 are 484 (Allentown, PA) and 488 (Nuevo León, Mexico).
Conclusion
The 485 area code is unassigned for use in the U.S. and Canada, but it is an active LADA code for San Luis Potosí, Mexico. If you need to contact this region, ensure you use the +52 485 dialing format. Ignore any unsolicited calls from the (485) area code due to the high risk of spoofing.
