r/AusVisa

Hi everyone,

I’m currently preparing a written submission for an ART (Migration & Refugee Division) review relating to a Subclass 485 visa refusal due to a medical examination issue.

The situation is basically that the medicals were booked and paid for before the refusal, but the booking confirmation/evidence unfortunately was not uploaded to ImmiAccount before the Department made the decision. The refusal happened before the scheduled medical appointment date.

I’m self-preparing a written submission to explain the circumstances and attach supporting evidence (Bupa invoice, appointment confirmation, refusal letter etc.). As the agents are asking 3k for it.

I wanted to ask:

• Is there any preferred format for ART written submissions in migration matters?
• Do people usually structure them formally (facts/issues/contentions) or just as a normal written explanation?
• Has anyone here successfully dealt with a similar 485/PIC 4005 situation?
• Any practical tips on tone, structure, or what ART members generally look for in these kinds of cases?

I’m trying to keep it professional, concise and factual without sounding overly emotional or overly legalistic.

Any guidance or experiences would be really appreciated. Thanks!

I was really worried and thought I wount get it. Just got a call from aus and after 5mins got visa. Heres all the dates for anyone who needs it.
Visa lodged: 07/05/2026
Biometrics and health check up: 11/05/2026
Visa granted: 21/05/2026 (14 days after lodging visa)
Nationality: bangladesh
University: Curtin

Hello everyone, my wife will have 5 years teaching experience this July and will have 70 points from that date onwards.

We have already had her skills assessed which we got it back within 2 working days which surprised us, as we thought it would take 4 to 6 weeks!

We are so eager to get everything rolling can we now go onto to the next step EOI for the Visa 491 and say my wife has 5 years experience as by the time they process it she will have the experience and points or do the points have to exist from the moment we start applying if that makes sense?!

We are just trying to speed everything up as she will have the experience/points in 6 weeks.

Also for a bit of context, we are British living in Dubai and my wife is currently working at a British International school here.

Thanks in advance.

I just got a scam call with the caller claiming something was wrong with my application - not even 24 h after submitting my 801 application. My alarm bells went off so I hung up and googled the number. Apparently, these kind of scam calls are quite common.

I am very concerned about data privacy at the actual DOHA. Does anyone have more insight to this?

Well, thank god the data you have to provide for partner visas is not too sensitive and personal… \s

The first question of the visa asks 'intended date of arrival into Australia'. The question I have is, we have a booked flight into Australia under an ETA, which is independent of this application, and will be during visa processing. Should we use this date, or the date we plan to arrive in Australia through the 461?

Hey everyone,

I lodged my Subclass 500 application 22 days ago and my status is still unchanged. I’ve been seeing mixed experiences recently, so I wanted to check how things are moving for other July intake students.

Would be nice to hear from others who recently applied — whether you’re still waiting, got an update, or already received a decision.

Thanks and good luck to everyone waiting.

Has anyone did your skill assessment by your own without any help from agency, could you let me know was there any challenges observed or what is your view in this.

I am planning to submit my skill assessment on my own.

Need some feedback.

Hi guys !

I have been following silently and I reckon its time for me to post now.

Profession - Mining Engineer

I got my 189 grant on 12th may 2026

Finished my graduation - July 2025

485 Granted - 30 Oct 2025

189 Invite - 13 Nov 2025

Lodged - 22 Nov 025

Medical & PCC - 12 Dec 2025

Grant - 12 May 2026

(5.5 months approx)

Points -

Age - 30

English - 20

Qualification - 15

Australia study req - 5

Regional study - 5

Partner - 10

Total - 85

Good luck to all those are waiting.

P.S - No further requests from the department. Did my application on my own.

I'm not sure who needs these details but I hope it might help those who are following the same journey and maybe some insights along the way.

Anyway, I got my 491 visa at the end of 2024. I'm an Endorsed Enrolled Nurse who graduated back in 2023. I self-applied and got my 485 Graduate Visa in the same year. I applied my 485 back when they don't require any skills assessment yet, so the documents was quite smooth and fast.

While waiting for my 485 visa approval I started applying/processing my skills assessment. As soon as it came out, I applied for Aged Care Nursing jobs in Regional Victoria. It didn't take long before I got the call, interview, and onboarding process. Moved to Regional location and started working on my EOI and ROI applications. I initially intended to get an agent for this but as soon as I got their quote, I changed my mind and decided to do it on my own. The price I have to pay is I literally read almost every link, visa subclasses, news, from DHA website, Victorian government websites, forums (reddit, facebook), and all the other sources I can grab my hands on.

So, I established my EOI then ROI. At the time, I did have "Superior English" + "NAATI" (5 extra points). I do have a wife but she did not have an English Test and no skills as well. All in all, I had 85 points (including the +15 points for 491). At this point, all my friends in college questioned my decision to pursue 491 because our skill (Enrolled Nurse) qualifies for 190. This is where my knowledge and information gathered from all my readings came in that made me decide to pursue 491 instead of 190.

During that time, the news stated that Victoria was prioritizing applicants with "Superior English" scores. I also made sure I worked full-time in a government aged care.

Invitation round, after invitation round, it was always the same email. The round was done, and wait for the next month. Me and my wife were getting anxious because the 2023-24 financial year was coming to an end and I know for the next financial year, the priority skills will change.

Then the phonecall happened....

Around mid-May 2024, I received a "Private Number" call. I was hesitant at first thinking it was a spam. I was having doubts answering it, but when I did, I did not say the word and just listened if the person in the other line speaks first. I remember the person introducing himself as someone from the Victorian Government. It was a red flag for me at first thinking it really was a scam. But then he continued with something like: "Is this <my name> with EOI number ******* ?"

Now, at that point I memorized my EOI number by heart as I kept opening my account making sure I did not make mistake in claiming points. As soon as he said that I thought it was legit and confirmed him. He explained that my EOI is being considered and he asked if I have all the documents to support the points I claimed (English test, payslips, qualifications, etc.). I said yes, then he told me I will receive an email and I need to follow the instructions and submit the needed documents within 7 days to get the "formal invitation."

We ended the call and it was an emotional moment for me and my wife. I immediately uploaded the documents they asked within 24 hours, then I received the invitation. I then uploaded and completed my application in the ImmiAccount and submitted it by the end of May. At the time, my health assessment (for 485 Graduate visa) the previous year was still valid because it was still within 12 months.

Now it took up to July that year before I got an email asking me to do another Medical Examination. They stated that 491 visa application needed different sort of test. We did it immediately and by September of the same year, I received another email asking ANOTHER Medical Examination. I have a chronic condition and they needed to perform more tests. At this point we were so anxious already.

But thankfully by November (6 months from submission), we got the golden email and immediately on the spot I processed our Medicare application. At the time, 491 visas are approved within 3 months. Mine took longer for Medical reasons, but I'm not complaining.

I just felt sad that recent news, they are cutting the amount of 491 visas to 50% for the next financial year. I also know someone who is still waiting for approval. But when I checked the processing time, it can go now as far as 18 months!

Going back to my college friends who questioned my 491 pathway instead of 190, NONE of them get the 190 invitation and are struggling to pursue either 491 or employer sponsorship 482 visa.

We are now on the 2nd year of our 491 visa. Come next year after we reach 3 years, I will still apply for 191 by myself.

For those who are applying on their own, just be tough. Do your research. And I mean, RESEARCH. Just read, read, and READ. Watch the news, check the employment demands. Check your State's annual plans etc.

If you're on a 491 visa, you have a rough idea how much I saved from migration agent fees. I can only encourage anyone to DO THEIR PART if they decide to process their application on their own.

Thank you for reading this far. I'll try my best to answer question if there's any.

All the best. Cheers!

Hi guys

I got a request for further information for my wife. 186 Application

- Provide evidence of relationship to spouse.

Any ideas on how to go about this. I did some research.

-We have rental lease agreement on our name since 2023 ( That is when we arrived into Australia )

- No joint bank acc but have screenshots of payments to and fro between our accs.

- I can get witness statements from our friends.

- Plenty pictures ( I don't know how many is necessary )

- Mail sent to same address.

- Flight tickets done together.

Anyone else gone through with this? Please assist. Thanks

Hey guys, quick question regarding an Australian Bridging Visa A work rights application based on financial hardship.

I’m being asked this question in the form:

“Does the applicant have family members in Australia who are not included in this application?” Yes / No?

I’m confused whether they mean:

- parents/siblings/immediate family living in Australia

OR

- only spouse/partner and dependent children (member of the family unit / MoFU).

I’m single, no partner, and no children.

I currently live with my parents and siblings in Australia, but they are not part of my visa application.

What makes it more confusing is that an earlier question in the same form already asks:

“Does the applicant(s) or any of the applicants’ family members currently work?”

So I’m not sure if both questions are referring to:

- spouse/dependents only,

OR

- broader family members like parents and siblings.

In this situation, would I answer:

- “Yes” because my parents/siblings live in Australia?

OR

- “No” because they are not considered part of the migration family unit?

Just trying to avoid giving an incorrect or inconsistent answer on the application. Appreciate any help from anyone who has dealt with this before.

Hi there,

Lately I am seeing some news about site checks for 482 visa holders. I am sponsored as Advertising Specialist, however, I sometimes do other tasks which do not align with the role I am sponsored for.

I read that these site checks are mostly in Hospitality/Retail sector. Do site checks in corporate happen as well? Is there a risk here for me or am I overthinking?

Any advise would be helpful!

Thank you

I finally got my 190 grant! I’m excited but migrating is a lot of work.

I was given 1 year from grant to move (apr 2027) and i’m thinking of maximizing it by maybe moving in 1Q 2027 (March/Apr). Will there be any implications or consequences for this decision?

The reason I need the time is I need to save more money for emergencies (likely 1 yr living expenses) and try to find a job before moving there.

Also I’m not in my home country, but working in another country. Which means I need to settle things (taxes, finances, relationships) in my home country and my current working country..

Hey guys singaporean male 27yo. Reapplying for a WHV. Previous application for rejected because i submitted my Nitec Certificate ( Equivalent to AQF Level 3), even though i submitted my Diploma certificate as well. Should i just submit ONLY my Diploma certificate? Should i also not submit my secondary school certificate?

Need some advice thank you.

Hi all, I've just submitted my application as a sponsor for 820/801 partner visa, but noticed there are no actions for attachments under my account, or ability to attach anything right now. However, under the applicant account there is a generic sponsor section with an "Other" selection drop down. I was expecting a list of attachment drop downs under my account, that can attach my documents.

Can someone confirm where sponsor attachments typically are supposed to be attached?

Currently I’m on 482 visa and my company is not willing to sponsor 186.

Anyone experience this and successfully find another sponsorship who are willing to take transfer and sponsoring 186?

I’m actively applying job and stating i need sponsorship for visa on my cover letter.

Finally got the golden email today! Long time lurker on this subreddit so glad I can finally post this 🎉

ROI lodged 4/12/2023 Invitation 13/11/2024 Nomination approval 7/1/2025 Application lodged 14/1/2025 Medicals 18/1/2025 S56 request (remedicals + additional de facto docs) 7/4/2026 Remedicals 20/4/2026 Grant 20/5/2026!!

Points breakdown: Age - 25 English - 20 Work experience in Aus - 5 Qualifications - 15 Aus study requirement - 5 Partner - 10 (aus citizen partner) Nomination - 5 Total: 85

Occupation: Life Scientist (onshore)

Good luck to those waiting 🥹💕

Student Visa (500) ➝ 189 PR Timeline 🇦🇺

• Arrived in Australia as a couple on Student Visa – 2019
• Public Health Master’s completed by Primary student→ 485 granted Jan 2022 (later extended till 2027 due to post-COVID extension)
• Partner/Dependent started Graduate Entry Nursing – 2022
• Nursing completed – 2024
• EOI lodged for 189 at 80 points (Registered Nurse NEC)– Dec 2024
• Invited for 189 – Aug 2025
• 189 lodged – Sept 2025
Carried on with life- GOT Pregnant.
• Health assessments completed – Oct 2025
• Baby born while awaiting grant – Nov 2025
• Newborn added to application – Dec 2025
• Baby passport applied from home country – Dec 2025
• Home Affairs requested paper health assessment for baby – Mar 2026- completed through RGP
• Baby passport received – early Apr 2026
• S56 request received to update baby passport details – Late Apr 2026
• Updated application immediately
• 189 GRANTED – 20 May 2026 🎉

Extra info:
• Entire process self-managed without migration agents
• Did everything ourselves: TR extension, nursing registration pathway, skill assessment, EOI, visa application, newborn addition & S56 response

I know how mentally exhausting visa uncertainty can feel. Hopefully this timeline gives someone a bit more clarity.
I hope its useful for anyone waiting on PR or adding a newborn before grant.

Happy to answer questions if anyone is going through a similar situation.

I’m honestly freaking out and would really appreciate any insight from people who’ve been through something similar.

I came to Australia in 2022 to study a Bachelor of IT at a reputable university in Brisbane. My original pathway was diploma → bachelor. About one semester in, I realised (maybe stupidly, maybe not) that IT just wasn’t challenging me enough / didn’t feel like the right fit, so I switched into a Bachelor of Engineering (AI & Robotics).

Because engineering also requires the honours component, it added an extra year, and based on the study plan the university gave me, my new CoE was meant to run until July 2027.

Here’s where everything went wrong.
When I applied for the new student visa after changing courses, I completely messed up. I was told “it’s a Tier 1 uni, just apply, it’ll be fine,” and I stupidly took that advice. I did not include financial evidence. Yes, I know how insane that sounds now.

Last month, I got a visa refusal saying they were not satisfied I met the financial requirements.

I’ve lodged an ART appeal, but I am so confused and anxious.

My biggest fears:

- What are the realistic chances ART actually gives me an opportunity to provide proper financial evidence?
- Do they reassess the case fresh, or am I basically doomed because of the original application?
- If my ART takes forever and I somehow finish my course before it’s resolved, does that ruin my chance at the 485 graduate visa?
- I’ve already paid massive uni fees (around $50k/year), and the thought of all of this going down the drain is making me sick.
- On top of that, everyone keeps saying engineering grads basically have no PR pathway anymore.

For context, if I eventually got through and applied skilled migration, I’d be sitting around 80 points for 189 (based on current assumptions).

Right now I feel like I made one stupid admin mistake that could potentially destroy years of work, money, and plans.

If anyone has been through a student visa refusal → ART situation, especially around financial capacity / GTE / course changes, I would genuinely appreciate any advice, even if it’s hard truth.

Please be kind, I’m already beating myself up enough.

Hi. I am on my 2nd month of 485 Graduate Visa. I recently finished my Masters degree in IT and I am trying to find a job in IT after finishing my degree. But till now, I have given a few interviews but couldn't land a job. Even though if I find a job in IT in Sydney, it is uncertain that I will be able to get PR from Sydney. So, I started looking at other options such as studying in Tasmania for a year and applying for 491 visa. Due to to the recent changes in 491, I started doubting this move of mine. I have already received a offer letter to do a one year course in Tasmania. Is it really worth going to Tasmania for 491 in present context?