Based on the monthly data published by the Department of Home Affairs, Student visa Subclass 500 applications are generally finalised in around 29 days for 75 per cent of applicants and 42 days for 90 per cent, with the median sitting close to 28 to 33 days. Longer timeframes tend to belong to applications that are incomplete or complex. The authoritative sources are the Global visa processing times tool and your own ImmiAccount.
Dr Sirus Ahmadi, an Australian migration lawyer with registration number MARA 0854826, addresses this very common question from postgraduate students by emphasising that the published figures are indicators, not commitments. For that reason, “hearsay estimates” should be replaced with two genuine sources: the Department’s processing times table, which is updated month by month, and the status of your individual application in ImmiAccount.
The reassuring point in your situation is that a valid online application lodged inside Australia is ordinarily accompanied by the grant of a Bridging Visa A. That bridging visa only exists if your application was valid — since 1 January 2025, a CoE must be provided at the time of lodging an application inside Australia — and it comes into effect from the moment your current Subclass 500 visa ceases. The conditions of your previous visa, such as work limitations, course progress requirements and OSHC, continue to apply on that bridging visa. Please also note that a Bridging Visa A does not give you the right to return to Australia; if you need to depart and come back, you must obtain a Bridging Visa B (BVB).
There is good news on the legislative front as well. Under the 2026 student visa amendment instruments (F2026L01347, together with LIN 26/102 and LIN 26/087), from 2 October 2026 a Subclass 500 visa holder who wishes to apply for another Subclass 500 visa as the primary applicant will generally need to lodge that application outside Australia and be granted the visa offshore (the new clause 1222(3)(aa)). Applications lodged before 2 October 2026 will be decided under the former rules, so your application currently in progress is protected — but any future application you make will fall under the new rules.
Looking ahead, there are two pathways worth keeping in mind. First, one of the remaining exemptions allowing lodgement inside Australia aligns precisely with the circumstances of students in your position: a student who requires up to 12 additional months to complete the same principal course with the same education provider (alongside doctoral candidates, DFAT and Defence scholarship holders, the schools sector, and cases of provider insolvency or default). Second, after graduation, a Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) must be lodged within six months of the course completion date confirmed by your education provider; that six-month window relates to the Subclass 485, not to an “extension” of a student visa. In addition, the 28-day grace period following the expiry of a student visa has been removed from 2 October 2026, so your timing needs to be precise.
If you would like your Deakin academic calendar, your confirmed course completion date and your next visa step mapped out together in a clear, worry-free plan, please book a personal discussion with the office of Dr Sirus Ahmadi. A short, well-targeted consultation can secure your peace of mind for the months ahead.
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This answer reflects the law and policy as verified on October 8, 2026. Immigration rules change frequently — confirm the current position before acting.
Dr. Sirous Ahmadi Registered Migration Agent 0854826
This article is general information only, current at the date shown, and is not legal advice. Do not rely on it for your own situation — immigration law and policy change frequently. Seek advice from a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer about your circumstances.