Applying for a Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) visa can feel like the final milestone after years of hard work as an international student in Australia. But even one small mistake — like applying on the same day you receive your completion letter — can lead to an unexpected and devastating visa refusal.
Understanding the 485 Visa Eligibility Criteria
The 485 visa allows recent graduates of Australian institutions to live, study, and work in Australia temporarily. To be eligible, you must-
- Have completed an eligible qualification in the past 6 months
- Hold an eligible visa at the time of application
- Have evidence that your course is completed before applying
- Meet English, health insurance, and character requirements
Many refusals stem from the fact that visa systems record the exact time and date of lodgement, while course completion is often recorded without a timestamp, leaving room for misinterpretation. Therefore, to avoid the misinterpretation, it has been made compulsory that you must have completed your course at least the day before you submit your application.
Best Practice: Wait at Least One Day
To avoid refusal, it’s strongly recommended that you-
- Wait at least one full business day after receiving your completion letter before lodging your application.
- Ensure the letter clearly states the date of course completion.
- Keep screenshots, emails, and timestamped documents as proof of eligibility timing.
What to Do If Your Visa Was Refused
If you’ve already faced a 485-refusal due to same-day application-
- You may have appeal rights through the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT), but timing is critical.
- Consider consulting a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer immediately.
The 485 visa is an incredible opportunity for international graduates, but the application process is not forgiving of timing errors. When it comes to lodging your application, one day can make all the difference.
