485 Visa Processing Times - Temp Grad visa

The subclass 485 visa, or the Temporary Graduate visa, opens a world of opportunities for international students in Australia, allowing them to live, study, and work in the country temporarily after completing their studies. Do you know how long you must wait to receive a decision after you lodge your SC 485 visa application?

In this blog, we discuss the processing times for the SC 485 visa (under the graduate work and post study work streams), and the interim measures available to you following the lodgement of your visa application.

1. Post-Vocational Education Work( former Graduate Work) Stream processing times

The Graduate Work Stream is designed for international students with an eligible qualification related to an occupation on Australia's skilled occupation list. If you have completed a trade course in Australia, you are allowed a stay period for up to 18 months.

According to the latest data published by the Department, SC 485 visas under the Graduate Work Stream processing times are*:

50% of applications: 6 months
90% of applications: 8 months

*These times are subjected to change at the discretion of the Immigration Department of Australia

2. Post-Higher Education Work (former Post-Study Work) Stream processing times

The Post-Study Work Stream, on the other hand, caters to students who have completed a higher education degree from an Australian education provider. If you are granted this visa, you can stay in Australia for a period between 2 to 3 years depending on the level of your Australian study qualification.

The visa processing times for the SC 485 visa under the post-study work stream are as follows*:

50% of applications: 3 months
90% of applications: 5 Months

*These times are subjected to change at the discretion of the Immigration Department of Australia

Bridging Visa: Your safety net!

While the processing times for both streams may seem long, the Australian immigration system offers a safeguard: the Bridging Visa. Once you've lodged your subclass 485 visa application in Australia, you may be granted a bridging visa automatically. A bridging visa allows you to legally stay in Australia while your application is being processed.

The bridging visa comes into effect as soon as your current student visa expires, ensuring there is no gap in your legal status in Australia. This means you can continue to live, work, or study in Australia as you await the decision on your subclass 485 visa.

However, you should be vigilant of the conditions imposed on your Bridging Visa and ensure that you do not breach any of such conditions while your SC 485 visa is being considered by the Department.

Factors that impact your visa processing times

The processing times for the subclass 485 visa can vary between the Graduate Work Stream and the Post-Study Work Stream. Several factors can influence these processing times. For instance, an incomplete application due to missing documents, unclear information or errors can lead to delays in processing times.

How prompt you are in responding to the Department’s request for information can also affect how long you must wait to receive a final decision on your application.

Other factors which cause delays in your visa processing times include the time taken to perform necessary checks such as health and biometrics.

Despite the complexities of the SC 485 visa process, careful preparation and a well-structured application can enhance your chances of a smoother, quicker visa process. This in turn will give you the opportunity to start working full time on your SC 485 visa sooner so that you can meet the requirements to apply for Australian permanent residency.

We at MJ Legal are experts in all matters relating to migration. Contact us if you need help making your Subclass 485 visa application.