Australian Visa Processing Times 2026: Current Wait Times by Visa Type

Skilled Visas - Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent): 6-9 months - Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated): 6-11 months - Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional): 6-12 months - Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination): 6-12 months

Partner Visas - Subclass 820 (Partner Temporary): 8-14 months - Subclass 801 (Partner Permanent): 18-24 months after 820 - Subclass 309 (Partner Offshore): 12-20 months

Student Visas - Subclass 500 (Student): 2-8 weeks (varies by nationality) - Subclass 485 (Post-Study Work): 3-6 months

Employer Sponsored - Subclass 482 (TSS): 1-4 months - Subclass 494 (Skilled Regional): 3-6 months

Other - Subclass 143 (Contributory Parent): 5-7 years - Subclass 417 (Working Holiday): 1-4 weeks

*These are estimates based on current trends. Actual times may vary.*

Common reasons for delays:

1. Incomplete applications — Missing documents are the #1 cause of delays
2. Health checks — Certain conditions trigger further assessment
3. Character checks — Criminal history or security concerns
4. Quota limits — Some visa types have annual caps
5. Peak periods — End of financial year (June) and new year see higher volumes
6. Country of origin — Some nationalities face additional security screening

1. Submit a complete application — Include every required document from day one
2. Front-load evidence — Don't wait for the Department to ask
3. Respond to requests quickly — You usually get 28 days to respond; aim for 7
4. Use ImmiAccount — Online applications generally process faster
5. Get health checks done early — Complete them before or immediately after lodging
6. Use a migration agent — They know exactly what to include, reducing back-and-forth
7. Choose the right visa — Some pathways are faster than others for the same outcome