Popular Australian visas: Current processing times for 2026/2027
You want to move to Australia and you need to complete your visa application. The problem is, you don’t know how long it’s going to take. Here are some of the general visa processing time frames for popular Australian visas.
Sam Hopwood ● Jun 12, 2026
There is no exact answer when it comes to Australian visa processing times. They can vary significantly and are subject to constant change, meaning there’s no guaranteed timeline for when you’ll receive a decision on your application. The published processing times are intended only as guidelines provided by the Australian Government. As of the 2026 Australian financial year, these estimates are accurate, but they remain subject to updates and adjustments at any time.
Processing Priorities
Beyond general processing times, the order in which applications are assessed depends on processing priorities. These priorities differ depending on the visa type, with some categories being prioritised over others in line with government policy. Knowing where your application sits within these priorities can help you better understand potential timelines.
You can find the full and most up-to-date guidance here - visa processing priorities.
Visa processing times - full breakdown
The Australian Department of Home Affairs updates its site with the full list of visa processing times monthly. These times are averages as the time period can change based on application volume, seasonal peaks and complex cases.
The Australian migration skill stream
If you are looking to immigrate to Australia, these are work and study visa options to fill shortages in the Australian labour market.
The processing times are:
| Visa subclass | Visa name | 90% of applications processed in |
|---|---|---|
| 417 | Working holiday visa | 65 days |
| 858 | Global Talent visa – Global Talent Pathway | 24 months |
| 500 | Student visa – Higher Education sector | 3 months |
| 500 | Student visa – Postgraduate Research sector | 83 days |
| 190 | Skilled Nominated visa | 17 months |
| 494 | Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa (provisional) – Employer Sponsored stream | 10 months |
| 494 | Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa (provisional) – Labour Agreement stream | 11 months |
| 491 | Skilled Work Regional visa (provisional) – State/Territory | 24 months |
| 491 | Skilled Work Regional visa (provisional) – Family Sponsored Regional | 6 months |
| 186 | Employer Nomination Scheme visa – Direct Entry | 20 months |
| 186 | Employer Nomination Scheme visa – Labour Agreement Pathway | 4 months |
| 186 | Employer Nomination Scheme visa – Temporary Residence Transition | 14 months |
| 482 | Skills in Demand – Core skills | 9 months |
| 482 | Skills in Demand – Specialist term | 55 days |
| 482 | Skills in Demand – Labour Agreement | 7 months |
| 189 | Skilled Independent visa – Points Tested | 7 months |
See also: Your guide to Australian work visas
The Australian migration family stream and visitor visas
These are residential visas to reunite Australian citizens and permanent residents with loved ones from other countries. The processing times are:
| Visa subclass | Visa name | 90% of applications processed in |
|---|---|---|
| 600 | Visitor visa – Tourist | 31 days |
| 600 | Visitor visa – Sponsored Family | 78 days |
| 600 | Visitor visa – Business Visitor | 23 days |
| 801 | Partner visa – Permanent | 16 months |
| 100 | Partner (Migrant) visa | 17 months |
| 300 | Prospective Marriage visa | 27 months |
| 309 | Partner (Provisional) visa | 25 months |
| 820 | Partner (Temporary) visa | 24 months |
Factors that influence visa processing times
There are many circumstances that can affect how long your Australian visa takes to get processed. These include factors such as:
- Whether your visa application is complete and all the supporting documentation is included
- The time taken to respond to Australian Home Affairs’ requests for additional information
- How long it takes to receive information from external agencies. This includes, but is not limited to, health tests, character tests, and national security requirements
- How many places are available in the migration programme
How we can help you move to Australia
Unsure which supporting documents to include in your Australian visa application? Curious about a visa type not covered above? That’s where we come in. With over 20 years of experience in migration law, we provide tailored guidance and treat every case with the individual attention it deserves.
Our team is here to simplify the process and give you confidence at every stage of your journey. With offices in Cape Town, Melbourne, and London, we’re well-positioned to support you wherever you are, helping you navigate the complexities of migration during this challenging time.
Considering the move to Australia? If you’d like more information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at [email protected] or by calling +27 (0) 21 657 1526.
Our registered migration agents can offer you expert advice and representation for moving to and gaining permanent residency in Australia.
You can also take our free Australian visa assessment.
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