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.

Kangaroo road sign

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.

We are a professional services company that specialises in cross-border financial and immigration advice and solutions.

Our teams in the UK, South Africa and Australia can ensure that when you decide to move overseas, invest offshore or expand your business internationally, you'll do so with the backing of experienced local experts.