How long does the Student Visa (Subclass 500) take?

End to end, the Student Visa (Subclass 500) typically takes 1 to 3 months. Preparing a complete application (5 stages) usually takes around 3 months; the rest is government processing, which varies with caseload and country of application.

What slows down Student 500 applications?

The most common delays are incomplete evidence triggering requests for more information, missing or expired documents (police certificates and medicals have validity windows), and backlogs at specific processing offices. Filing a decision-ready application is the single biggest controllable factor.

Can I speed up the Student 500?

You cannot skip the queue in most cases, but you can avoid adding to it: submit complete evidence the first time, respond to requests immediately, and keep documents valid. Some categories offer premium or priority processing — check the official government page for current options.

🇦🇺 Australia · Student 500

Student Visa (Subclass 500): Processing time

Typical end-to-end timeline: 1–3 months. Here is where that time actually goes, stage by stage.

Typical processing time

1–3 months

from first preparation to final decision

Government processing times move with caseload. Check the official processing-time page for the current published estimate — our platform tracks these automatically.

The 5 stages of a Student 500 application

1
Receive Offer and Obtain Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
≈ 30 days
Apply to and receive an offer of enrolment from a CRICOS-registered Australian education provider. Pay the first semester tuition fees. The provider will issue a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) letter, which is required to lodge your visa application.
2
Purchase Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
≈ 3 days
Purchase OSHC from a registered Australian insurer (Medibank, Bupa, CBHS, AHM, nib or Allianz). OSHC must cover the entire duration of your student visa. Some providers arrange OSHC on your behalf.
3
Lodge Student Visa Application Online
≈ 1 days
Submit the Subclass 500 visa application in ImmiAccount. Upload all supporting documents including CoE, English test results, financial evidence and OSHC. Pay the application fee.
4
Health and Character Checks (if required)
≈ 14 days
Most student visa applicants under 18 from low-risk countries may not need a health examination. Check Home Affairs guidance. Police clearances may be required for applicants over 18 depending on course length and country.
5
Await Grant and Travel to Australia
≈ 42 days
Home Affairs processes the application. Most straightforward applications are decided within 4–6 weeks. You will receive the grant electronically — there is no visa sticker; instead, the grant is linked to your passport electronically.

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The 5 stages of a Student 500 application

Receive Offer and Obtain Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)

≈ 30 days

Apply to and receive an offer of enrolment from a CRICOS-registered Australian education provider. Pay the first semester tuition fees. The provider will issue a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) letter, which is required to lodge your visa application.

Purchase Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

≈ 3 days

Purchase OSHC from a registered Australian insurer (Medibank, Bupa, CBHS, AHM, nib or Allianz). OSHC must cover the entire duration of your student visa. Some providers arrange OSHC on your behalf.

Lodge Student Visa Application Online

≈ 1 days

Submit the Subclass 500 visa application in ImmiAccount. Upload all supporting documents including CoE, English test results, financial evidence and OSHC. Pay the application fee.

Health and Character Checks (if required)

≈ 14 days

Most student visa applicants under 18 from low-risk countries may not need a health examination. Check Home Affairs guidance. Police clearances may be required for applicants over 18 depending on course length and country.

Await Grant and Travel to Australia

≈ 42 days

Home Affairs processes the application. Most straightforward applications are decided within 4–6 weeks. You will receive the grant electronically — there is no visa sticker; instead, the grant is linked to your passport electronically.