Subclass 485 application process and timeline: From graduation to visa decision

The Subclass 485 application process begins at graduation and can take anywhere from 4 weeks to several months from lodging to decision. Understanding each step — from finalising your studies to submitting your application online — helps you plan your stay and minimise delays. This article walks through the process chronologically and explains what to expect at each stage.

Timeline overview

Below is the typical timeline from graduation to 485 decision:

This is a typical timeline for a straightforward application with no complications. Complex applications (additional document requests, health or character issues) can extend to 3–6 months or longer.

Stage 1: Graduation and Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)

When is your course officially completed?

Your course is complete when:

• You have sat your final exam or submitted your final assessment.
• Your results have been marked and released by your institution.
• Your institution confirms your final grade and that you are entitled to graduate.

Important timing note: You are not required to have a physical graduation ceremony to apply for 485. The date your final grade is released by your institution is when your course is complete. Some students graduate ceremonially months later; your 485 eligibility begins when the grade is released, not when you attend the ceremony.

Obtaining your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)

Your education provider will issue a final Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) after your grades are finalised. This document lists:

• Your name, passport number, and date of birth.
• Your course name, code, and CRICOS number.
• Course start and end dates.
• Full-time / part-time status.
• Your provider’s CRICOS registration number.

You must have the final CoE before you can lodge your 485 application. This is not negotiable — the Department will not assess your application without it.

To obtain your CoE:

1. Contact your institution’s Student Services, Registrar, or International Student Services office.
2. Request a final CoE (specifically for 485 visa purposes if they ask).
3. It should be issued within 1–2 weeks of your final grade being released, but sometimes takes longer. Do not wait passively — follow up if it is delayed.

Some institutions issue CoEs automatically; others issue them on request only. Contact your institution as soon as your final grade is released.

Stage 2: Gather required documents

Before lodging, prepare the following documents:

Essential documents

Optional but recommended documents

• Cover letter: A brief (1 page) statement explaining your intention to work and stay in Australia. Not required, but can help if your application has any unusual circumstances.
• Employment history: If you have worked during your studies in Australia, evidence (contracts, payslips, letters from employers) can strengthen your application.
• Supporting letter from employer or institution: Not required, but can be helpful if there are any gaps or concerns.

Police clearance certificate

The police clearance is typically required unless you have held a valid Australian visa (like a student visa) continuously for the past 5+ years. If you have been in Australia on a student visa for your entire course (3–4+ years), you may not need a police clearance.

To obtain a police clearance:

1. Contact the police department or home affairs ministry of your country of citizenship.
2. Request a “police clearance”, “background check”, or “certificate of good conduct” suitable for Australian visa purposes.
3. Processing times vary by country (4–8 weeks for most countries; longer for some).
4. Request the certificate to be issued in English, or provide an official English translation.

Start the police clearance process early — do not wait until after graduation. Many students begin this process before their final exams to avoid delays.

Health examination

You will not need to arrange a health examination unless the Department specifically requests one (flagged in your ImmiAccount). Most 485 applicants do not require health checks. If the Department requests one, you will be directed to an approved doctor and given instructions on how to proceed.

Stage 3: Create ImmiAccount and lodge your application

Creating an ImmiAccount

If you do not already have one (you may from your student visa application), create an ImmiAccount:

1. Go to immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
2. Click “Log in” and select “Create a new account”.
3. Enter your email address, create a password, and verify your email.
4. You will receive a verification code; enter it to confirm your account.

Lodging your 485 application

1. Log in to ImmiAccount.
2. Click “Start new application” and select “Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate Visa)”.
3. Select your stream: PHEW (university graduate) or PVEW (vocational graduate).
4. Fill in the online form with your personal details, passport information, course details, and contact information.
5. Answer health and character questions honestly. Misrepresentation can result in visa refusal and future visa bans.
6. Upload your documents:
   • Scanned copies of your passport (all pages).
   • Final CoE (PDF).
   • Academic transcript / testamur (PDF).
   • ASR confirmation letter from your institution (PDF).
   • Police clearance certificate (PDF), if obtained (or note if not yet received and will upload later).
7. Pay the visa charge: AUD $2,235 (main applicant). Payment is by credit/debit card. Once paid, your application is officially lodged.
8. You will receive a Confirmation of Receipt (CoR) by email. Save this email — it is your proof of lodging.

Important: Do not include dependent family?

If you wish to include a spouse or dependent children on your visa:

• You can include them on the same application.
• Each dependent will be charged separately (approximately AUD $1,100–$1,400 per dependent, depending on their age and circumstances).
• Dependants must meet the same health and character requirements.

If you are including dependants, discuss this with your institution or a registered migration agent — the application form will guide you through adding them.

Stage 4: Processing and waiting

What happens after you lodge?

1. Initial receipt (same day): You receive a Confirmation of Receipt (CoR) confirming your application has been lodged.
2. Document verification (Week 1–2): The Department scans and verifies your documents.
3. Assessment (Week 2–8): An officer reviews your eligibility against 485 criteria (ASR, health, character, age, qualifications).
4. Further information (if needed, Week 2–6): If the Department finds gaps or needs clarification, they will send you a “Request for Further Information (RFI)” via ImmiAccount. You will have a deadline (typically 28 days) to respond.
5. Decision (Week 4–8+ from lodging): The Department makes a final decision and notifies you via email and ImmiAccount.

Processing timeframes

• Standard processing: 4–8 weeks for a straightforward application with all documents included.
• Applications with RFI: 6–12 weeks if the Department requests further information. Clock resets from when you provide the information.
• Complex applications: 3+ months for applications with character or health concerns, or missing documents.

Note: The Department publishes indicative processing times on their website, but these are not guarantees. Applications can be faster or slower depending on queue length, complexity, and completeness.

Request for Further Information (RFI)

If the Department requests further information, you will see a notification in your ImmiAccount. Common RFI reasons for 485 include:

• Missing or unclear ASR confirmation: The Department may ask for more detail on your study weeks or calendar months.
• Police clearance not received: If you noted that a police clearance was pending, the Department may request it once you have received it.
• Employment history clarity: If you have gaps in employment or study, the Department may ask for explanation letters.
• Health concerns: Rarely, the Department may request health examinations if initial assessment suggests health could be an issue (very uncommon for graduates).

How to respond to an RFI:

1. Log in to ImmiAccount and review the exact request.
2. Gather the requested documents or information.
3. Upload the documents to ImmiAccount under the specified section.
4. Do not re-submit the entire application; only upload the new or clarified documents.
5. You will receive a confirmation that your response has been received.

Missing an RFI deadline: If you miss the deadline (typically 28 days), the Department may refuse your application for not providing information. If you cannot meet the deadline, contact the Department via ImmiAccount and request an extension — sometimes granted if you have a legitimate reason.

Stage 5: Decision

Visa granted

If your application is approved, you will receive:

1. Decision email from the Department, notifying you that your 485 visa has been granted.
2. Visa details: Your email and ImmiAccount will show your visa number, grant date, and expiry date.
3. Grant notice: A formal PDF grant notice, which you can download from ImmiAccount. This is your proof of visa — you do not receive a physical visa label in your passport (most Australian visas are digital now).

Your 485 visa begins on the date it is granted, not on your course end date. You can immediately:

• Work full-time in any occupation.
• Stay in Australia.
• Travel in and out of Australia (with your valid passport and digital visa).

Visa refused

If your application is refused, the Department will provide reasons for refusal (e.g. ASR not met, character issues, health concerns). You will have the option to:

• Request a review: Within 28 days, you can request the Department review its decision (limited scope).
• Appeal: Via the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT), within 28 days. This is more complex and usually requires legal advice.

If your application is refused, consider contacting a registered migration agent or the Department to understand the reason and your options.

After your 485 is granted: what’s next?

Once you have your 485 visa:

1. Ensure your passport remains valid: Your 485 is linked to your passport number. If your passport expires during your visa, your visa becomes invalid. Renew your passport and notify the Department of the new passport number.
2. Keep contact details updated: Notify the Department of any change to your address or email via ImmiAccount.
3. Plan your next visa: The 485 is temporary (2–4 years). Start thinking about your pathway to permanent residency or your next visa before your 485 is about to expire.
4. Accumulate points: If pursuing a points-tested visa (189, 190, 491), use your 485 period to accumulate work experience points and undertake skills assessments.
5. Find an employer sponsor (if pursuing 482 + 186): Begin discussions with potential sponsors early — sponsorship processes can take 3–6 months to arrange.

Key points to remember

• CoE is essential: You cannot apply without a final CoE from your institution.
• Police clearance takes time: Start this 4–8 weeks before you plan to apply.
• Online lodging is mandatory: All 485 applications are lodged via ImmiAccount (no paper applications).
• Processing is typically 4–8 weeks: But can extend if further information is requested.
• Visa is digital: You do not receive a physical visa; the visa is recorded in the Department’s system.
• Start early: Do not wait until your student visa is about to expire. Apply within 3–6 months of graduation.

FAQ

Q: Can I apply for 485 while still on my student visa? A: Yes, you can apply while still enrolled in your final semester or after graduation but while on a valid student visa. However, you must have your final grade and CoE before lodging.

Q: What happens to my student visa when I am granted a 485? A: Your student visa automatically ceases when the 485 is granted. You are now on the 485 visa. No action is needed.

Q: How long can I stay in Australia after my 485 is granted? A: Your 485 visa is valid for 2–4 years depending on your qualification. You can stay and work for that entire period. Before it expires, you must either apply for another visa or leave Australia.

Q: Can I apply if my police clearance hasn’t arrived yet? A: Yes, you can note in your application that the police clearance is pending and upload it later. The Department can process your application in the meantime, but may issue an RFI asking for it.

Q: How much does the 485 cost? A: AUD $2,235 for the main applicant (2025–26). Check the Visa Pricing Estimator for the current charge and charges for dependants.

Q: What if I have character issues (past criminal conviction)? A: Disclose this in your application. The Department will assess whether the issue makes you fail the character test. A past conviction does not automatically result in refusal, but requires honest disclosure and may affect the outcome.

Q: Can a migration agent help with my 485 application? A: Yes. Registered migration agents can lodge your application on your behalf and handle communication with the Department. Check the MARA register to find a registered agent. There is a cost (typically AUD $400–$800).

Sources

• Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa
• ImmiAccount
• Visa Pricing Estimator
• MARA — Migration Agents Registration Authority

Last reviewed: April 2026. Migration rules and occupation lists change frequently — always verify on immi.homeaffairs.gov.au and the relevant assessing body before acting.