These figures are updated regularly, always check the latest at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au before lodging.

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Priority Order How DHA Processes 186 Applications

Not all 186 applications are processed in the order they were lodged. Under Ministerial Direction No. 105, DHA prioritises in this order:

1. Applications where the occupation is carried out in a designated regional area

2. Applications in a healthcare or teaching occupation

3. Applications nominated by an approved sponsor with Accredited Status

4. All other applications

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If your occupation or location falls into one of the first three categories, your application will be processed ahead of general applications — regardless of when you lodged.

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What Affects Your 186 Processing Time

Most delays come down to these factors:

Application completeness

Applications lodged with all required documents are processed more quickly. Missing documents or information that needs to be verified will slow your application down.

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Skills assessment

If DHA requests a skills assessment after you lodge, this adds time. For Direct Entry applicants, having a valid skills assessment ready before lodging avoids this delay entirely.

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Health and character checks

Health examinations and police certificates from multiple countries can take time to arrange and verify. Start these early — before you lodge.

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Occupation priority

Healthcare, teaching, and regional occupations receive priority processing. If your occupation does not fall into these categories, your application will be processed in general queue order.

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Employer sponsor status

Nominations from accredited sponsors are processed ahead of standard sponsors. If your employer qualifies for or already has Accredited Status, this can meaningfully reduce your wait time.

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Department workload

DHA processing times fluctuate with overall application volumes. The figures above reflect current conditions but can change — check immi.homeaffairs.gov.au for the latest.

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How to Speed Up Your 186 Application

These steps give your application the best chance of being processed quickly:

• Lodge a complete application — attach every required document before you submit

• For Direct Entry applicants: get your skills assessment before lodging, not after

• Ensure English test results are current — not more than 3 years old at lodgement

• Arrange health examinations and police certificates early — these can take weeks

• Ask your employer whether they qualify for Accredited Sponsor status — it directly affects your priority in the queue

• Respond immediately to any DHA requests for additional information via ImmiAccount

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a 186 visa take to process?

Processing time depends on your occupation type, sponsor status, and application completeness. As a current guide, healthcare, teaching and regional occupation applications are drawn from nominations lodged in May 2025. Accredited sponsor nominations from March 2025. All other applications from June 2024. Check the latest figures at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.

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What is Ministerial Direction No. 105?

Ministerial Direction No. 105 sets the priority order for processing ENS applications. Regional area and healthcare/teaching occupations are prioritised first, then accredited sponsor nominations, then all other applications. Your position in the queue depends on which category your application falls into.

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Does having an accredited sponsor help?

Yes. Nominations from accredited sponsors are processed ahead of standard sponsor nominations under Ministerial Direction No. 105. If your employer qualifies for Accredited Status, this can significantly reduce your processing time.

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Can I speed up my 186 application?

The best way to avoid delays is to lodge a complete application with all required documents, arrange health and character checks early, and respond quickly to any DHA requests. Employers with Accredited Sponsor status also receive priority processing.

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What happens if DHA needs more information?

DHA will contact you via ImmiAccount. Respond as quickly as possible — delays in responding will extend your processing time. Make sure your ImmiAccount contact details are current.

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Can I be outside Australia while my application is processed?

Yes. You can apply from inside or outside Australia, and can be in either location when DHA decides.

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Does the 186 stream (TRT vs Direct Entry) affect processing time?

DHA does not publish separate processing times by stream. Processing priority is based on your occupation type and whether your employer has Accredited Sponsor status — not which stream you applied under.

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Next Steps

Ready to lodge your 186 visa application? A complete, well-prepared application is the single most effective way to reduce your processing time.

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Book a free consultation with RACC's registered migration agents (MARN 1572962, 1172003)

Melbourne-based, 20+ years experience, multilingual team.

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See the full 186 visa guide, or explore the TRT stream and Direct Entry stream for stream-specific requirements.