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Student 500 ending soon and 485 timing confusion

priyashah_melb

500 > 485

Sunday 26 April 2026

My Student 500 expires about six weeks after my course completion date. I am trying to understand when to apply for the 485 because my completion letter may come before the official transcript. Has anyone dealt with a gap between course completion, final transcript, and the visa expiry? I don't want to lodge too early with missing documents but also don't want to run out of time.

Replies

matt_wilson05:08 pm today

190

If you lodge while holding a valid student visa, your bridging visa should usually sit in the background until the student visa ends. Just make sure you understand your work conditions.

deepak_syd05:08 pm today

189

Also remember the AFP check timing. A lot of people leave that until the last minute and then panic.

tomchen_9505:08 pm today

485 > 189

I waited until I had the completion letter and then uploaded the transcript later when it became available. The exact documents can depend on the stream, so check the current checklist before lodging.