Australian Visas Processing Time Updates: Skilled Migration and Employer-Sponsored Visa

If you're planning to apply for an Australian visa, it's essential to understand the current processing times to help manage expectations and plan accordingly. The Department of Home Affairs regularly updates visa processing times, which are now provided as percentiles, calculated based on visa grant and refusal decisions for primary applicants in the previous month or reporting period.

This article outlines the most current processing times for key Australian visa subclasses, including skilled migration and employer-sponsored visas.

Skilled Migration Visa Processing Times

For those applying under skilled migration pathways, the following visa subclasses have specific processing time ranges:

Visa Type	50% Processing Time	90% Processing Time
Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa	6 months	7 months
Subclass 190 – State Sponsored Skilled Nominated Visa	14 months	18 months
Subclass 191 – Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional	11 months	13 months
Subclass 491 – Family Sponsored Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa	22 months	26 months
Subclass 491– State Sponsored Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa	4 months	23 months

Employer-Sponsored Visa Processing Times

For those applying under employer-sponsored pathways, the following visa subclasses have specific processing time ranges:

Visa Type	50% Processing Time	90% Processing Time
Subclass 407 – Training Visa	8 months	11 months
Subclass 482 – Skills In Demand Visa (Core Skills Stream)	79 days	4 months
Subclass 482 – Skills In Demand Visa (Specialist Skills Stream)	29 days	65 days
Subclass 482 – Skills In Demand Visa (Labour Agreement Stram)	90 days	4 months
Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme (Agreement Pathway)	4 months	8 months
Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme (Direct Entry Pathway)	12 months	18 months
Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme (Transition Pathway)	14 months	17 months
Subclass 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) – (Employer Sponsored)	7 months	11 months
Subclass 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) – (Labour Agreement)	6 months	8 months

Understanding Processing Time Percentiles

Processing times for Australian visas are typically presented in percentiles. The 50th percentile represents the median processing time, indicating that 50% of applicants are processed within this time frame. The 90th percentile reflects the upper limit of processing times, showing that 90% of applications are processed within this period.

It’s important to note that these processing times are influenced by factors such as application completeness, the complexity of the application, and the type of visa being processed.

Understanding Australian Visa Processing Times: Book A Consultation

Staying informed about Australian visa processing times is essential for successful planning. By knowing the expected timeframes for your visa subclass, you can manage your application process more efficiently.

Book a consultation with RACC Australia, and we’ll help you navigate the visa application process, ensuring you meet all requirements and understand the processing timelines for your specific visa type.