On 14 October 2026, the Department of Home Affairs processing time guide showed that half of Subclass 485 applications in the Post-Higher Education Work stream were processed within 5 days and 90% within 55 days, while the Post-Vocational Education Work stream showed 52 days for half and 5 months for 90%. The right figure depends on the stream you apply under.
The Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa lets international students stay in Australia after finishing their studies. Many graduates are working out their next step while their student visa is about to end, so knowing the likely wait matters.
This guide explains how to read the official 485 visa processing times, what can slow an application down, and what to do while you wait.
In This Guide
- Current 485 Visa Processing Times in Australia
- What Is the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa?
- Factors That Affect 485 Visa Processing Times
- How to Check Your 485 Visa Application Status
- Tips to Help Avoid Unnecessary Processing Delays
- What to Do If Your 485 Visa Is Taking Longer Than Expected
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Get Guidance on Your 485 Visa Options
- Disclaimer
Current 485 Visa Processing Times in Australia
Home Affairs publishes processing times through an online guide. You choose the visa type, the stream and your application date, and the tool shows how long recently decided applications took.
The figures below were checked on 14 October 2026.
| Stream | Who it is for | Half of applications (50%) | Nine in ten applications (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Post-Higher Education Work | Graduates with a bachelor degree or higher | 5 days | 55 days |
| Post-Vocational Education Work | Graduates with an associate degree, diploma or trade qualification | 52 days | 5 months |
The Second Post-Higher Education Work stream has its own timeframe, which is not shown here. Select it in the official guide to see the current figure.
Source: Department of Home Affairs visa processing time guide.
How to read these numbers
The “50%” figure means half of recently decided applications were finished within that time. The “90%” figure means nine in ten were finished within it.
The 90% figure is the safer number for planning, because it covers most applicants and not just the quickest cases. A small share of applications take longer than that.
These numbers describe past applications. They are a guide, and they do not promise how long yours will take.
The processing times guide also shows a marker for your application date. If it sits in the green section, your application is still within the standard timeframe.
What Is the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa?
The Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) is a temporary visa for international students who have recently finished their studies in Australia. It lets you live, work and study in Australia for a set period.
There are three streams:
- Post-Higher Education Work stream: for graduates with a bachelor degree or higher from an Australian institution.
- Post-Vocational Education Work stream: for graduates with an associate degree, diploma or trade qualification that relates to an eligible occupation.
- Second Post-Higher Education Work stream: for some graduates who studied in a regional area and held the first stream visa.
The qualification you use to apply decides which stream you choose. You cannot change streams after you apply, so it is worth checking this carefully before you lodge.
The length of stay depends on the stream and your qualification. For example, the study you completed must generally fit the Australian study requirement within the period before you apply. Read the Department’s Temporary Graduate visa page for the current rules.
If you are still studying, see our guide to Australian student visas. If you are thinking about the 485, our page on the Temporary Graduate visa explains the options in more detail.
Factors That Affect 485 Visa Processing Times
Two people can apply in the same week and wait very different amounts of time. These are the usual reasons.
How complete the application is
Home Affairs says a visa may take longer if the required information is incomplete or missing. A missing document often means the application sits until someone asks for it.
Whether the supporting documents are correct
Documents need to match your details and meet the requirements for your stream. Things like your course completion evidence, identity documents and English test results should be clear and current.
Health, character and other checks
You may be asked to complete health examinations or provide police certificates. If these are not ready, your application usually waits for them.
Complexity and individual circumstances
Some cases need closer assessment, for instance when the study history is unusual or the documents raise questions. These applications tend to sit toward the longer end of the range.
Requests for further information
If Home Affairs writes to ask for more details, the clock keeps running while you prepare your reply. A fast, complete response helps keep things moving.
How to Check Your 485 Visa Application Status
You can follow your application through ImmiAccount, the online account used to lodge it.
- Log in to your ImmiAccount.
- Open your Temporary Graduate visa application.
- Check the status and see whether you have provided all the supporting documents.
- Look for any messages or requests from the Department.
Home Affairs says it will contact you when your visa application is decided. Keep your email address up to date and check your spam folder.
To see how your application date compares with recent decisions, use the official processing time guide and enter your lodgement date.
Tips to Help Avoid Unnecessary Processing Delays
You cannot control how busy the Department is, but you can avoid delays that come from the application itself.
- Choose the right stream. Check which stream your qualification fits before you lodge.
- Lodge on time. Make sure you meet the study requirement and timing rules for your stream.
- Attach everything upfront. Upload all required documents when you apply, not later.
- Use clear, readable files and make sure names and dates match across documents.
- Keep your contact details current in ImmiAccount.
- Act quickly on requests. Reply to any Department request within the deadline.
- Book health checks and police certificates early if they are needed for your situation.
None of these steps guarantee a quick decision. They simply remove common reasons for avoidable waiting.
What to Do If Your 485 Visa Is Taking Longer Than Expected
Being past the 50% mark is normal. It is worth taking action once you pass the 90% mark, or if you see a request you have not answered.
- Check the guide. Enter your application date and see where you sit in the timeframe.
- Check ImmiAccount. Look for any missing documents or outstanding requests.
- Read your emails, including spam, for anything from Home Affairs.
- Confirm your documents are complete and still valid.
- Check your current visa. Know when your student visa ends and what your status will be if the decision is not made by then.
- Get advice from a registered migration agent if you are worried about the timing.
Avoid making fixed plans, such as booking non-refundable travel, around a decision date that nobody can promise.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a 485 visa take to process in Australia?
It depends on the stream. On 14 October 2026, the Home Affairs guide showed 5 days for half and 55 days for 90% in the Post-Higher Education Work stream. For the Post-Vocational Education Work stream it showed 52 days for half and 5 months for 90%.
Why is my 485 visa taking so long?
Common reasons include missing or unclear documents, requests for further information, pending health or police checks and cases that need a closer look. It may also simply be one of the slower applications within the normal range.
Can I speed up my 485 visa processing?
There is no official way to request or pay for faster processing. The practical step is to lodge a complete application, attach the right documents and respond quickly if the Department contacts you.
Does an incomplete application affect processing time?
Yes. Home Affairs states that a visa may take longer to process if the required information is incomplete or missing.
Can I work while waiting for my 485 visa?
That depends on the visa you hold while you wait. Your student visa or bridging visa conditions apply until the 485 is granted, so check them in VEVO or your grant letter. Once granted, the Temporary Graduate visa lets you work in Australia.
Where can I check the latest 485 visa processing times?
Use the Home Affairs visa processing time guide. Select the Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485), choose your stream and enter your application date.
Get Guidance on Your 485 Visa Options
Waiting for a decision is easier when you know the timeframe and your options. The 485 visa processing times can change from month to month, so it helps to plan with up-to-date information.
Asia Pacific Group (APG) provides education and migration consultancy services. If you have questions about the Temporary Graduate visa, your stream or what comes next, get in touch with APG to talk through your situation. You can also explore our migration services.
No outcome or processing time can be guaranteed, but you can walk into the process with a clearer picture.
Disclaimer
Important: This article provides general information only. Visa requirements, charges and processing times change, and your eligibility depends on your individual circumstances. Always check the latest information on the official Department of Home Affairs website before you make a visa application. For advice about your situation, consider speaking with a registered migration agent or qualified legal professional.
