How long it takes to process a visa application?
All Australian visa applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA). The processing times which are published on the DHA’s website give a rough indication of how long your Australian visa may take, although these times may vary depending on application volumes, available spots in the migration program, and particulars within your unique circumstances.
Circumstances that affect processing times
Processing times are impacted each month by changes in
- application volumes,
- seasonal peaks,
- complex cases, and
- incomplete applications.
Processing times include applications lodged online and by paper. Where available, you should lodge your application online as it helps streamline processing arrangements.
2021 Australian Visa application processing times
Due to COVID-19, some visa processing times have been affected and applications may take longer to finalise.
Processing times are not available for all visa subclasses.
Last updated: 17 September 2021
| Visa | Stream | 75% Of Visas Processed | 90% Of Visas Processed | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 – Partner (Migrant) visa (subclass 100) | 19 months | 27 months |
Processing time for subclass 801 Partner (permanent) visa and 100 Partner (permanent) visa is from date of eligibility (2 years after the 820/801 or 309/100 application is lodged) to finalisation. |
|
| 101 – Child (subclass 101) | 15 months | 24 months | ||
| 102 – Adoption (subclass 102) | 18 months | 29 months | ||
| 117 – Orphan Relative (subclass 117) | 78 months | 112 months | ||
| 124 – Distinguished Talent (subclass 124) | 23 months | 26 months | ||
| 132 – Business Talent (subclass 132) | Significant Business History | 32 months | 33 months | |
| 132 – Business Talent (subclass 132) | Venture Capital Entrepreneur | Processing times are not available | Processing times are not available | |
| 151 – Former resident (subclass 151) | Processing times are not available | Processing times are not available | ||
| 155 – Resident Return 5 Year (subclass 155) | 53 days | 65 days |
Generally, applications that meet the residence requirements will be processed within 5 working days from lodgement. Applications that do not meet the residence requirement will take longer to finalise, as published here. |
|
| 157 – Resident Return 3mth (subclass 157) | 4 months | 4 months | ||
| 159 – Provisional Resident Return (subclass 159) | Processing times are not available | Processing times are not available | ||
| 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186) | Direct Entry Pathway | 7 months | 10 months | |
| 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186) | Agreement Pathway | 7 months | 11 months | |
| 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186) | Transition Pathway | 17 months | 21 months | |
| 187 – Regional Sponsor Migration Scheme (subclass 187) | Direct Entry Pathway | 35 months | 43 months | |
| 187 – Regional Sponsor Migration Scheme (subclass 187) | Transition Pathway | 10 months | 17 months | |
| 188 – Business Innovation & Investment (Provisional) (subclass 188) | Business Innovation | 30 months | 35 months | |
| 188 – Business Innovation & Investment (Provisional) (subclass 188) | Investor | 28 months | 33 months | |
| 188 – Business Innovation & Investment (Provisional) (subclass 188) | Significant Investor | 15 months | 24 months | |
| 188 – Business Innovation & Investment (Provisional) (subclass 188) | Premium Investor | Processing times are not available | Processing times are not available |
Processing times are usually expedited if all required documents are up-to-date and submitted with the visa application. If you don’t include a required document or you have information missing, this can slow down the processing time. Our registered migration agent can help you assemble the required documents and prepare them, along with your visa application.
Need help with getting Australian Visas?
NO BORDERS LAW GROUP: #1 TRUSTED MIGRATION AGENTS
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +61 (07) 3876 4000
Consultation: https://www.noborders-group.com/form/free-consultation
We will help applicants by exploring your visa options and securing the application. If your would like to discuss applicants visa options and evaluate the pathway to permanent residency, please enquire or book a consultation to get expert advice with one of our knowledgeable and experienced Migration Agents/Lawyers on 07 3876 4000 or email: [email protected].