485 Visa Processing Time 2025 – Temporary Graduate Visa

The 485 Temporary Graduate Visa is one of Australia’s most sought-after visa options for international students who have recently completed their studies at an Australian institution. This visa allows graduates to gain valuable post-study work experience, which can also serve as a stepping stone toward permanent residency.

Current 485 Visa Processing Times

As of 2025, the 485 Visa processing time varies depending on the stream and the accuracy of submitted documentation. On average:

Graduate Work Stream: approximately 8–10 months
Post-Study Work Stream: approximately 7–9 months

These timelines are only estimates and may change depending on the volume of applications, health and character checks, and whether all required information is provided upfront. Submitting a decision-ready application significantly improves your chances of faster approval.

Understanding the Temporary Graduate Visa (485)

The temporary graduate visa allows international graduates to live, study, and work in Australia temporarily after completing a qualification from an Australian institution. It helps students gain local work experience, build networks, and improve eligibility for skilled migration programs in the future.

There are two key streams under this visa:

Graduate Work Stream: For those who have completed a qualification related to an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List.
Post-Study Work Stream: For students who have recently completed a higher education degree such as a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD from a CRICOS-registered institution.

Eligibility and Requirements

To apply successfully, you must:

Hold an eligible student visa in the past six months.
Meet English language proficiency standards, such as those outlined in the 485 visa english requirements.
Have completed a CRICOS-registered course lasting at least two academic years.
Provide valid health insurance and meet health and character conditions.

Understanding the 485 english requirement is essential. You can demonstrate your English proficiency through recognized tests like IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL. Failing to provide this at the time of application often leads to delays.

Factors Affecting Processing Time

Incomplete or incorrect documentation
Delay in providing biometrics or health checks
Verification of academic qualifications
High volume of applications during peak periods

Submitting your documents correctly and responding quickly to Department requests helps prevent unnecessary delays.

Pathway to PR

Many international graduates use the 485 Visa as a bridge to permanent residency through skilled visas such as the 189, 190, or 491. During this period, you can gain relevant work experience, improve your English score, and even pursue additional studies that align with PR-eligible occupations.

Holding a temporary graduate visa australia gives you time to plan your next step strategically with professional migration advice.

Professional Guidance for 485 Visa Applicants

To navigate complex requirements efficiently, it’s wise to seek guidance from a best migration consultant or australian registered migration agent.
Experts from migration consultants melbourne or visa consultant melbourne can review your eligibility, prepare a compliant application, and assist with follow-up correspondence with the Department of Home Affairs.

The 485 temporary graduate visa remains a crucial opportunity for graduates who wish to extend their stay, gain local experience, and set a foundation for long-term settlement in Australia.