Visa Processing Times Australia
Indicative processing times for common Australian visas — 50% and 90% of applications processed, for 189, 190, 491, 482, 186, 500, 485 and more.
Visa Processing Times Australia
Indicative processing times for common Australian visas (50% and 90% of applications).
| Visa | Category | 50% processed | 90% processed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 189 — Skilled Independent | Skilled migration | 7 months | 9 months |
| 190 — Skilled Nominated | Skilled migration | 12 months | 17 months |
| 491 — Skilled Work Regional | Skilled migration | 12 months | 18 months |
| 482 — Temporary Skill Shortage | Employer sponsored | 1 month | 6 months |
| 186 — Employer Nomination Scheme | Employer sponsored | 10 months | 15 months |
| 494 — Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional | Employer sponsored | 4 months | 12 months |
| 500 — Student | Student & graduate | 1 month | 7 months |
| 485 — Temporary Graduate | Student & graduate | 56 days | 4 months |
| 600 — Visitor | Visitor & temporary | 12 days | 1 month |
| 417 — Working Holiday | Visitor & temporary | 3 days | 3 weeks |
| 820 — Partner (onshore) | Family & partner | 4 months | 32 months |
| 801 — Partner (permanent) | Family & partner | 4 months | 32 months |
| 300 — Prospective Marriage | Family & partner | 6 months | 27 months |
| 101 — Child | Family & partner | 5 months | 18 months |
| 870 — Sponsored Parent (Temporary) | Family & partner | 3 months | 7 months |
• Times are indicative estimates from Department of Home Affairs global processing data and change frequently.
• Per-visa 50%/90% figures below are indicative estimates. The official interactive tool is the authoritative source.
• Always check the official homeaffairs.gov.au visa processing times page for current figures. This is a guide only.
What Do 50% and 90% Mean?
The Department of Home Affairs publishes processing times as 50% and 90% figures: half of applications are finalised within the first figure, and 90% within the second. For example, a 90% figure of 12 months for the 189 visa means 9 in 10 applications are decided within 12 months.
Skilled Migration Processing Times
The 189 Skilled Independent, 190 Skilled Nominated and 491 Regional visas typically take 4–12 months. Employer sponsored visas like the 482 TSS are often faster, while the 186 ENS can take 6–16 months.
Student, Graduate and Family Visas
500 Student visas are usually decided within a few weeks to a few months. 485 Graduate visas take around 3–9 months. Partner (820/801) visas are among the slowest at up to 21 months, and visitor (600) visas are typically fast.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the 189 visa take?
Typically 50% of applications are processed in about 4 months and 90% within 12 months, though it varies by occupation and invitation round.
How long does a 482 visa take?
The 482 Temporary Skill Shortage visa is usually faster — often 50% in about 1 month and 90% within 5 months.
How long does a partner visa take?
Onshore partner (820) applications can take 4 to 21 months for the temporary stage, then more for the permanent 801 stage.
Can processing times change?
Yes. Times change with application volumes, policy and individual circumstances. Always check the current figures on homeaffairs.gov.au.