Subclass 189 Visa Processing Times - What to Expect

The subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa is the most popular skilled migration pathway. Here is what you need to know about current processing times.

Current processing times

According to the Department of Home Affairs, the current processing times for the 189 visa are:

• 75% of applications: processed within 6 months
• 90% of applications: processed within 12 months

These are measured from the date you lodge your complete application, not from when you submit your EOI.

What affects processing time

Several factors can speed up or slow down your application:

Faster processing:

• Complete application with all documents uploaded at lodgement
• Clean health and character checks
• Straightforward employment claims with clear evidence

Slower processing:

• Missing or incomplete documents
• Complex health assessments or specialist reviews
• Employment verification requests from the department
• External security checks (more common for some nationalities)

The full timeline

Remember that processing time is only one part of the journey. The full timeline from start to visa grant includes:

1. Skills assessment (6-12 weeks)
2. English test preparation and results (2-6 weeks)
3. EOI lodgement and invitation wait (variable - weeks to months)
4. Application preparation (2-4 weeks)
5. Processing (6-12 months)

Read the complete guide to the 189 visa for full details on eligibility and requirements.