Every December marks the peak graduation season in Australia. Many students, right after finishing their thesis and exams, immediately start stressing about the 485 visa:

When is the best time to lodge it?
What should I do after receiving my Completion Letter?
Should I get my health check done early?
Can I return home if my student visa is expiring soon?

Today’s article gives you a full breakdown of the optimal timing for lodging your 485.

For December graduates (example scenario)

• CoE end date: 31 Dec 2025
• Student visa expiry: 15 Mar 2026

Then the ideal lodgement window is usually Feb 2026 – early March 2026.

Why not lodge immediately after graduating?Because the 485 timeline is based on the date of your Completion Letter, not your CoE end date.From the day your university issues the Completion Letter, you must lodge your 485 within six months.

Why lodge around one month before your student visa expires?Very practical reasons:

The Completion Letter has a validity window
You need time to prepare supporting documents
As your student visa nears expiry → lodging & transitioning to a BVA is the safest route

Lodge too early = you waste remaining student visa time
Lodge too late = documents may not be ready in time

IMPORTANT: 485 must be lodged onshore!This rule is crucial. Many people think they can graduate, go home, and lodge offshore. But the policy is now clear:

Offshore lodgement = NOT allowed.You must lodge your 485 while physically inside Australia.

Once submitted, you will automatically receive a Bridging Visa A (BVA) (Currently, they are being granted extremely quickly.)The BVA allows you to stay legally in Australia. Once your student visa expires, the BVA kicks in automatically. You may continue working while waiting for your 485.

Can you return home while waiting for the visa?Yes—BUT only if you apply for a BVB before leaving Australia!You must hold a Bridging Visa B (BVB) to re-enter Australia legally.