With the recent change in the Nepalese visa assessment level from 3 to 2, many students have been wondering about the processing time for their Australian student visa. In 2025, processing times can vary depending on factors such as the completeness of your application and your individual circumstances. On average, it takes around 4 to 6 weeks to process a student visa, although delays may occur.
Being aware of these timelines will help you plan accordingly, avoid last-minute challenges, and ensure you have ample time to prepare for your studies in Australia. Let us take a closer look at these changes in a bit of detail.
Overview of Student Visas in Australia
The time it takes to process an Australian student visa can vary based on several factors, including the completeness of your application and the type of visa you are applying for to study in australia.
1. Student Visa (Subclass 500)
Subclass 500 of the student visa is for international students who want to study full-time in Australia. You need to have an offer of enrollment from an Australian educational institution and meet requirements, such as demonstrating your English skills and having sufficient funds to support yourself. The visa is valid for the length of your course, up to five years.
During your studies, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight and unlimited hours during breaks. You can also include your partner and children in your application. The application fee starts at AUD $1,600, and you can apply online whether you’re in Australia or abroad.
2. Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
This visa is for recent graduates who want to stay in Australia temporarily to work and gain experience after finishing their studies. There are two types of streams: one for specific skilled jobs and another for higher education graduates. The visa’s duration depends on the course you completed but generally lasts from 18 months to a few years. You can work full-time during your visa period. To be eligible, you must apply within a specific period after finishing your course, and meet health and character requirements.
Australian Student Visas Processing Time Average
When applying for an Australian student visa, it is essential to consider the average processing times, as they can vary depending on the visa type and individual circumstances.
Temporary Student Visas
On average, it takes approximately 56 days to process, although delays may occur.
500 Subclass – Higher Education:
- 50% of applications are processed within 34 days.
- 90% of applications are processed within 5 months.
485 Subclass – Post Higher Education Work:
- Approximately 90% of applications are processed within 7-8 months.
Subclass 500 – Postgraduate Research:
- 50% of applications are processed within 27 days.
- 90% of applications are processed within 4 months.
Key Factors Influencing Visa Processing Time (2025)
- High application volumes during peak seasons, such as February and July, can lead to delays, especially for Subclass 500 visas.
- Incomplete applications, missing documents, or additional checks (like medical exams) can extend processing times.
- Processing times vary by visa type. Subclass 500 typically takes about 61 days, with some visas taking longer.
- Applicants from high-risk countries or regions with many applications may experience longer delays.
- Increased demand for post-study work visas (Subclass 485) and stricter checks can contribute to delays.
Medical Screening Impact on Processing Time
Medical screening can affect Australian student visa processing time in several ways. Standard medical exams, such as blood and urine tests, typically take 24-48 hours to process, with results uploaded within 1-7 business days. After submission, the health clearance typically takes 1-2 weeks to be reflected in your application. However, delays can occur if additional tests are required, such as for tuberculosis (2-4 weeks), or if errors are found in your documentation.
In some cases, like female applicants needing to reschedule urine tests during menstruation, delays can exceed 7 days. The Subclass 500 visa typically takes 54 days to process; however, delays can extend this timeframe during peak intake periods. Additionally, Subclass 485 processing can take 7-8 months if medicals are required.
To avoid delays, it’s advisable to complete medical exams before lodging your visa and ensure all required documents are prepared in advance.
Wrapping Up
Obtaining an Australian student visa in 2025 requires understanding key factors that affect processing times, such as application volume, medical screening, and specific country requirements. By staying organized and proactive in submitting your documentation, including completing medical exams ahead of time, you can significantly reduce potential delays.
Ready to begin your study abroad journey in Australia? The Nobel Education Foundation is here to support you every step of the way. From visa application assistance to expert guidance, let us help you achieve your academic dreams in Australia.
