How Long Does a TR 485 Visa Take in 2026?

The Department of Home Affairs does not publish a fixed processing time — they release data based on recently completed applications.

 

As of April 2026, based on the DHA Global Visa Processing Times tool:

• Post-Higher Education Work stream: 50% of applications decided in 6 days, 90% within 52 days

• Post-Vocational Education Work stream: 50% decided in 58 days, 90% within 5 months

 

Simple, complete applications can clear in under two weeks. Complex cases or incomplete documents push timelines out significantly. Build your timeline around the 90th percentile, not the median. There is no guaranteed timeframe.

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485 Visa Processing Time by Stream

Post-Higher Education Work Stream

Current benchmark: 50% processed in 6 days, 90% within 52 days. This stream is for graduates with a degree-level qualification or higher from an Australian institution.

 

No skills assessment required. The Department verifies your qualification against the CRICOS record — a mismatch between your study record and what is registered pauses processing while they seek clarification. Not sure which stream applies to you? TR 485 Visa Streams — Explained

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Post-Vocational Education Work Stream

Current benchmark: 50% processed in 58 days, 90% within 5 months. This stream is for graduates with an associate degree, diploma, or trade qualification relevant to an occupation on the skilled occupation list.

 

Processing takes longer because the Department verifies both your qualification and your nominated occupation.

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Second Post-Higher Education Work (PHEW) Stream

Processing time varies. No current DHA benchmark data is available for this stream. This extension stream has additional eligibility conditions, including regional study requirements. Applications can take longer if the Department needs to verify study location evidence.​​

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What Causes TR 485 Processing Delays?

Most delays come down to incomplete applications, not the Department's workload. Common triggers include missing documents at lodgement, health examinations not booked in time, expired English test results, and inconsistent personal details across documents.

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The most avoidable mistake: waiting to book your health examination. Panel physician appointments have their own lead time. Book yours before or immediately after you lodge.

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What Happens While Your Application Is Being Processed?

Once you lodge your 485 application, you receive a Bridging Visa A that lets you remain in Australia legally while the Department assesses your case. Your bridging visa carries the same work and study rights as your previous student visa in most cases.

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Do not leave Australia while on a Bridging Visa A unless you hold a Bridging Visa B, leaving without one cancels your bridging visa and can affect your 485 application. TR 485 Bridging Visa — What You Need to Know. If your application is refused: TR 485 Refused — What to Do Next

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How to Check Your 485 Visa Processing Status

Track your application through ImmiAccount, where you can see the current status and any requests from the Department. For general timeframe estimates, use the Home Affairs global processing times tool and search for subclass 485.

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If your application exceeds the published 90th percentile with no update, submit a follow-up inquiry through ImmiAccount.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work while my TR 485 application is being processed?

Yes. Once you lodge your application, you receive a Bridging Visa A that carries the same work rights as your previous student visa. You can continue working while the Department processes your application.

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What happens if my 485 visa takes longer than expected?

Your Bridging Visa A remains valid until a decision is made, so your legal status in Australia is not affected by processing delays. Keep checking ImmiAccount for any requests from the Department and respond immediately if they ask for additional information.

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Does applying earlier make my 485 process faster?

Not directly — the Department processes applications in order of lodgement, but applying early gives you more time to gather complete documents and complete your health examination before lodging. A complete application at lodgement is the biggest factor in avoiding delays.

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Can I leave Australia while my 485 is being processed?

Only if you hold a Bridging Visa B. Leaving Australia on a Bridging Visa A without a BVB cancels your bridging visa and can affect your 485 application. Apply for a BVB through ImmiAccount before you travel.

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What if the Department asks for more information?

You will receive a Section 56 notice through ImmiAccount with a deadline to respond, usually 28 days. Your application is paused until you reply. Respond as quickly as possible with everything requested — partial responses extend the delay further.

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Key Takeaways

Most TR 485 applications are processed in 3 to 5 months. Graduate Work Stream applications are generally faster if your skills assessment is already complete. Health exams and police clearances are the most common avoidable delay triggers.

 

You receive a Bridging Visa A at lodgement, which keeps you legal while you wait. Respond to any Departmental request immediately, delays in responding pause your application entirely.

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