What is the difference between 75th and 90th percentile processing times?

The 75th percentile means 75% of applications were finalised within that timeframe — for example, if the 75th percentile is 29 days, three out of four applicants received a decision within 29 days. The 90th percentile means 90% of applications were processed within that period. Your application may be faster or slower than these indicative times depending on your circumstances.

What can delay my student visa application?

Common factors that delay processing include incomplete documentation, outstanding health examinations or police checks, additional integrity or security assessments, requests for further information from the case officer, and high application volumes during peak periods (typically October to January). Submitting a complete application with all required documents from the start is the most effective way to avoid delays.

Can I track my visa application status?

Yes. You can track your Subclass 500 application through your ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website. ImmiAccount shows the current status of your application, any requests for additional information, and notification when a decision has been made. If your application has been pending longer than the published 90th percentile processing time, you can use the department's online enquiry form to request a status update.

Do I get a bridging visa while waiting for my student visa?

If you apply for a student visa while you are in Australia on another valid visa, you may be granted a Bridging Visa A (BVA) that allows you to remain in Australia while your application is being processed. If you apply from outside Australia, no bridging visa is issued — you must wait for a decision before travelling. Bridging visa conditions vary depending on your circumstances. This is general information only — consult a registered migration agent for advice about your situation.

Student Visa Processing Time Australia — Current Wait Times

Q: How long does an Australian student visa take to process?

As of February 2026, 75% of Subclass 500 student visa applications are processed within 29 days, and 90% within 42 days. However, processing times vary significantly by country of passport and individual circumstances. Applications with incomplete documentation, outstanding health checks, or additional integrity assessments may take considerably longer. These are indicative timeframes published by the Department of Home Affairs and are subject to change.

This website is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any Australian government agency, including the Department of Home Affairs or the Department of Education. Processing times shown are indicative only and sourced from the Department of Home Affairs. Individual processing times may vary.

How long does an Australian student visa take to process? Processing times for the Subclass 500 student visa vary by country and individual circumstances. The Department of Home Affairs publishes processing time data monthly — below are the current indicative timeframes.

Subclass 500 — Overall Processing Time

Last updated: February 2026

75% of applications

29days

90% of applications

42days

Processing Times by Country

Indicative processing times for Subclass 500 applications by country of passport. Evidence levels range from 1 (streamlined) to 3 (regular).

India

Evidence Level 3

75th percentile21 days

90th percentile35 days

India visa guide

China

Evidence Level 1

75th percentile18 days

90th percentile28 days

China visa guide

Nepal

Evidence Level 3

75th percentile24 days

90th percentile38 days

Nepal visa guide

Vietnam

Evidence Level 2

75th percentile20 days

90th percentile32 days

Vietnam visa guide

Philippines

Evidence Level 2

75th percentile22 days

90th percentile36 days

Philippines visa guide

Pakistan

Evidence Level 3

75th percentile28 days

90th percentile45 days

Pakistan visa guide

Subclass 485 — Graduate Visa Processing Time

The Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa has separate processing timeframes. Last updated: February 2026.

75% of applications

49days

90% of applications

79days

Source: Department of Home Affairs — Global Visa Processing Times. Indicative only. Always verify at homeaffairs.gov.au.

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