EMPLOYER VISAS APPLICATION PROCESSING TIMES
On this page you can find processing times for the 186 ENS visa, 187 RSMS visa and the 482 TSS visa.
| VISA TYPE | STREAM (IF AVAILABLE) | 75% OF APPLICATIONS PROCESSED IN | 90% OF APPLICATIONS PROCESSED IN |
|---|---|---|---|
| 186 Employer Nomination Scheme | Agreement | 6 months | 13 months |
| 186 Employer Nomination Scheme | Direct Entry | 7 months | 12 months |
| 186 Employer Nomination Scheme | Transition Pathway | 15 months | 18 months |
| 187 Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme | Transition Pathway | 9 months | 11 months |
| 187 Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme | Direct Entry | 38 months | 51 months |
| 400 Temporary Work (Short Stay) | 31 days | 45 days | |
| 400 Temporary Work (Short Stay) | Highly Specialised Work | 23 days | 46 days |
| 403 Temporary Work (International Relations) | Pacific Labour Scheme | 8 days | 11 days |
| 403 Temporary Work (International Relations) | Seasonal Worker Programme | 9 days | 14 days |
| 403 Temporary Work (International Relations) | Government Agreement | 59 days | 12 months |
| 403 Temporary Work (International Relations) | Foreign Government Agency | 8 months | 15 months |
| 403 Temporary Work (International Relations) | Domestic Worker (Diplomatic or Consular) | Processing times are not available. | Processing times are not available. |
| 403 Temporary Work (International Relations) | Privileges and Immunities | 27 days | 82 days |
| 407 Training | 4 months | 10 months | |
| 408 Temporary Activity | Australian Government Endorsed Events | 4 months | 6 months |
| 408 Temporary Activity | Domestic Work for Executives | Processing times are not available. | Processing times are not available. |
| 408 Temporary Activity | Exchange Arrangements | Processing times are not available. | Processing times are not available. |
| 408 Temporary Activity | Superyacht Crew | 6 months | 8 months |
| 408 Temporary Activity | Special Programmes | 11 months | 14 months |
| 408 Temporary Activity | Religious Work | 8 months | 14 months |
| 408 Temporary Activity | Research Activities | 3 months | 12 months |
| 408 Temporary Activity | Invited for Other Social and Cultural Activity | 8 days | 19 days |
| 408 Temporary Activity | Sporting Activities | 32 days | 3 months |
| 408 Temporary Activity | Entertainment Activities | 53 days | 24 months |
| 417 Working Holiday | 28 days | 3 months | |
| 462 Work and Holiday* | 10 months | 20 months | |
Important
Visa processing times were significantly delayed due to the impacts of COVID-19 and international border restrictions and closures. As a result of Australia’s border reopening to all fully vaccinated travellers from 21 February 2022, the visa processing times are now slowly reducing as processing has resumed.
Circumstances that affect processing times
We assess applications on a case-by-case basis, and actual processing times can vary due to individual circumstances including:
- whether you have lodged a complete application, including all necessary supporting documents
- how promptly you respond to any requests for additional information
- how long it takes to perform required checks on the supporting information provided
- how long it takes to receive additional information from external agencies, particularly in relation to health, character, and national security requirements
- for permanent migration visa applications, how many places are available in the migration programme
- for citizenship applications, the time taken to attend a Citizenship Ceremony or receive a Citizenship Certificate.