How Long Do Australian Visa Applications Take to Process?
Current processing times for Australian skilled visas - 189, 190, 491, 482, and 186. What affects processing speed and how to avoid delays.
Last updated on
Current processing times
Processing times are published by the Department of Home Affairs and updated regularly.
Skilled visas
- 189: 6-12 months
- 190: 6-9 months
- 491: 6-12 months
- 482: 1-4 months
- 186: 6-12 months
What affects speed
Complete applications with all evidence uploaded at lodgement are processed faster. Read our detailed processing times guide for the full timeline from start to visa grant.
Adam Arbolino Built the technology behind the Australian visa system at IBM
Frequently asked questions.
Answers to commonly asked questions about our platform
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What are current 189 processing times?
75% of 189 applications are processed within 6 months, and 90% within 12 months. These times are measured from lodgement of a complete application.
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Why is my application taking longer than expected?
Common reasons include incomplete documents, health assessment delays, employment verification checks, and external security assessments.
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Can I speed up my application?
Submit a complete application with all documents at lodgement. Respond to any department requests promptly. There is no way to formally expedite processing.