For the Subclass 485 (Skilled – Graduate) visa the following processing priorities (with highest priority listed first) apply:
1.
applications from people who have completed an Australian Doctor of Philosophy (PHD) at an Australian educational institution in Australia
2.
applications from people who have nominated an occupation on the CSL
3.
applications from people who have completed an Australian Bachelor degree and Australian Masters degree at an Australian educational institution in Australia
4.
applications from people who have completed an Australian Bachelor degree and Australian Honours degree (at least upper second class level) at an Australian educational institution in Australia
5.
applications from people who have completed an Australian Bachelor degree or Australian Masters degree at an Australian educational institution in Australia
6.
all other valid applications are to be processed in the order in which they are received.
Q11 My application does not fall into one of the priority categories. When can I expect to have my application finalised?
If your nominated occupation is not on the CSL and you have applied for an offshore GSM visa or intend to apply for an offshore GSM before the end of 2009, it is unlikely that your visa will be finalised before the end of 2012.
If your nominated occupation is not on the CSL and you applied for an onshore GSM visa or intend to apply for an onshore GSM before the end of 2009, it is unlikely that your visa will be finalised before the end of 2011.