The Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) has recently released a list of processing times for Australian visa applications. We’ve rounded up some of the most popular visas and listed their processing times below to help you figure out how long it’ll take you to make the move Down Under.

Processing times, from fastest to slowest
The list will be updated monthly and is available on the DIBP website. Processing times can vary due to changes in application volumes, seasonal peaks and complex cases.
Visa subclass | Description | 75% of applications processed in | 90% of applications processed in |
417 | Working Holiday visa | 14 days | 34 days |
457 | Temporary Work (Skilled) visa | 86 days | 6 months |
189 | Skilled Independent visa | 4 months | 6 months |
190 | Skilled Nominated visa | 4 months | 7 months |
489 | Skilled – Regional (Provisional) visa (State/Territory Nominated visa classes) | 5 months | 7 months |
186 | Employer Nomination Scheme visa | 8 months | 9 months |
461 | New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship (Temporary) visa | 8 months | 11 months |
309 | Partner (Provisional) visa | 11 months | 15 months |
300 | Prospective Marriage visa | 12 months | 17 months |
801 | Partner visa | 16 months | 20 months |
820 | Partner visa | 18 months | 20 months |
100 | Partner visa | 15 months | 23 months |
173 | Contributory Parent (Temporary) visa | 32 months | 32 months |
143 | Contributory Parent (Migrant) visa | 32 months | 33 months |
Circumstances that affect processing times
Applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis by the DIBP; therefore, actual processing times may vary due to individual circumstances. These circumstances include:
- Whether your application is complete, including all the necessary supporting documentation*
- How promptly you respond to requests for additional information
- How long it takes to receive additional information from external agencies, particularly in relation to health, character and national security requirements
*It is vital that you include all the necessary documentation relevant to your visa. This is possibly the single biggest reason that visa applications are rejected.
How we can help
We are experts on these ever-evolving immigration rules and procedures and our registered MARA agents are dedicated to helping you achieve your migration goals.
Our ‘no visa no fee guarantee’ means that if you don’t get your visa, you don’t pay us a cent.
With offices in Melbourne, London and Cape Town, we’re perfectly positioned to help you with any of your relocation needs.
To give your application the best chance of success, contact our visa experts on +1800 039 300 or pop us an email on migration@sableinternational.com.
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