485 Spouse Visa Processing Time: What to Expect in 2025

Are you planning to settle down in Australia with your beloved partner?  If so, then a 485 spouse visa is a reliable option for you to permanently come and get a legal chance to freely work, live, or study in Australia with your spouse. If you are a temporary graduate visa holder in Australia, then this visa allows accurate to take your de facto partners and explore this growing country with him/her. 

But what is the 485 Spouse Visa Processing Time? Well, if you are planning to apply for a 485 spouse visa, understanding the processing time is crucial for planning your future. In this article, we will explore the spouse visa 485 processing time, new rules, and what you can expect in 2025.

What Is A 485 Spouse Visa in Australia?

The 485 visa is also known as the Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485 allows international students to stay in Australia after completing their studies. The spouse or partner of a 485 visa holder can apply for a subsequent entrant visa, subclass 485, to join their partner in Australia and live, work, or study.

Know The 485 Spouse Visa Processing Time 

The processing time for a 485 spouse visa can vary depending on several factors, including the completeness of the application, the speed of the applicant in responding to requests for additional information, and the workload of the Department of Home Affairs. According to recent data, the standard processing time is 3-6 months, and a further 485 spouse visa processing time after medical is around 2-4 weeks.

Also Read: Australia Partner Visa Processing Time 2025

Factors Affecting Processing Time Of 485 Spouse Visa

Whether you have submitted an application with all necessary supporting documents for temporary graduate visa subclass 485 or have gone through the checklists, there are some factors that affect the processing time. Let’s see below what the reasons for variations in the processing time of the 485 visa-

• Completeness of Application: Filing an accurate and complete application with all necessary documents is important. Delays in receiving paperwork or inaccuracies can cause delays.
• Verification of Documents: Checks on background and document verification will take more time. Ensure all documents are authentic and valid.
• Circumstances of Applicant: Personal circumstances, such as illness or complicated histories of relationships, may need extra scrutiny, which can influence processing time.
• Current Backlog: Processing times for the Department of Home Affairs may be affected by the workload and priorities of the Department.
• Complexity of the Case: Where there are intricate relationships, prior visa matters, or other complicating factors, processing may take longer.

Basic Eligibility Criteria Of 485 Spouse Visa Applicants

If you are a primary visa holder, you must have a valid 485 visa to add your spouse’s residency in Australia. For this, the spouse or de facto partner must provide evidence of a genuine and continuing relationship, existing for at least 12 months. Further, it requires some acceptable evidence or eligibility criteria to apply for the 485 spouse visa, which includes the following-

• Marriage Certificate: An Official document proving marriage
• Joint Financial Documents: Joint bank accounts, shared loans, or credit cards
• Shared Living Arrangements: Joint lease or rental agreements, utility bills
• Other Relationship Evidence: Photos, correspondence, or statements from friends and family.

Also Read: 485 Visa Extension: Everything You Need to Know in 2025

What Is The 485 Subsequent Entrant Visa Checklist?

After you have already applied for the 485 visa and are planning to bring your better half to Australia, you are required to lodge a Subsequent Entrant visa 485. This includes certified passport copies, documents proving a genuine relationship, health insurance, and evidence of a primary 485 visa holder’s status, along with the post higher education work stream.

How To Apply For 485 Visa Spouse Visa?

The Temporary Graduate Visa 485 allows the partner or spouse of a Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) holder to join them in Australia. For this, you must ensure that all documents are accurate and complete and provide strong evidence of relationships. However, it can be tricky and challenging, and you must consider seeking advice from a registered Immigration Agent Perth for a smooth process.

To apply for this visa category, here are the steps given below-

• Check eligibility, like a valid 485 visa and relationship status.
• Gather documents like marriage certificates, ID proofs, and health insurance.
• Choose the correct application, like spouse or partner, in the primary visa holder’s initial 485 visa application, and apply for a subsequent entrant visa if you already have a 485 visa.
• Submit the application to the Department of Home Affairs website.
• Provide additional information with the required documents.
• Wait for the application till the Department of Home Affairs assesses the application.

The 485 Visa New Rules 2024

The Australian government has introduced new rules for the 485 visa in 2024, which may affect the processing time and eligibility criteria. Some of the key changes include:

• Changes to the Post-Study Work stream
• Introduction of new eligibility criteria 
• Updates to the health and character requirements

For this, it is essential to stay up-to-date with the latest rules and regulations to ensure a smooth application process and further know the details of the 485 visa extension.

Know The Rights And Obligations With 485 Visa Processing Time 

• When you are applying through a subsequent entrant visa, you will have the same visa conditions and validity period as the primary visa holder.
• When applying, you both must maintain health insurance and update the Department of Home Affairs on any relationship changes.
• If included in the initial application, the spouse or de facto partner will have limited work and study rights.

Also Read: Australia Spouse Visa Requirements: A Comprehensive Guide for 2025

Take Help From A Reliable Visa Consultant in Perth For Smooth 485 Spouse Visa Processes

The 485 Spouse Visa Processing Time varies based on several factors, but if you consult a reliable visa consultant Perth, your application process for the graduate visa 485 becomes smooth. They will assist you with eligibility assessment, application preparation, relationship evidence, health and character requirements, and visa application fees. With this, they can help you with visa processing time management and effective communication with authorities. So, reach Immigration Agent Perth today and receive your 485 spouse visa without stress and up-to-date knowledge.