Visa Processing Time
Visa processing time for on-hand visa applications is a top priority for the government, with Home Affairs significantly reducing the time required to finalise them. Efforts to improve visa processing times include reallocating resources, recruiting new staff, and streamlining processes without compromising program integrity. These measures have already decreased the number of pending visa applications.
Visa processing times have seen notable improvements, particularly for temporary visa programs. Despite the progress, some visa programs still face challenges due to many older cases and increasing new applications. Home Affairs is working diligently to finalise these older applications, which currently impact processing times. However, once these are cleared, processing times are expected to improve further.
Median processing times for key visa programs vary. For instance, skilled permanent visas typically take six months, while partner visas (first stage) take 18 months. Temporary skilled visas are processed in 28 days, student visas in 86 days, and visitor and working holiday maker visas in less than a day. These times are aggregate calculations, and variations may occur as both new and older applications are processed.
Median Visa Processing Times (May 2024)
| Visa Program | Category | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Permanent | Skilled | 6 Months |
| Permanent | Partner (First Stage) | 18 Months |
| Temporary | Skilled | 28 Days |
| Temporary | Student | 86 Days |
| Temporary | Visitor | < 1 Day |
| Temporary | Working Holiday Maker | < 1 Day |
*Note: Times may vary between visas within categories. Partner visa times exclude applications affected by Ministerial Direction 80.
Factors Influencing Application Processing Times
Our review of applications is unique to each case, and the duration needed to process applications can differ due to several factors, including:
- the completeness of your application, including all required supporting documents,
- your speed in responding to requests for further details,
- the time required to conduct necessary verifications on the provided supporting information,
- the duration needed to obtain additional data from external bodies, particularly concerning health, character, and national security criteria,
- the number of available spots in the migration program for permanent migration visa applications,
- the time it takes to participate in a Citizenship Ceremony or to receive a Citizenship Certificate for citizenship applications.
Tips
Submit applications with all necessary supporting documents. Use ImmiAccount checklists to ensure completeness. For up-to-date processing time, go to the Department Home Affairs Website.
Have you applied for a visa and it’s taking longer than expected? Want a Migration Agent to apply on your behalf and ensure a valid application has been made? Book a consultation now!
