DIBP have announced an update to the current processing times for Australian visa applications. All applications are taking longer to process. In particular, concern surrounds the 457 visa program with 75% of cases taking over 2.5 months. 457 applications that take 6 months are likely to be caused by incomplete evidence submitted with the application. Using an experienced migration agent Perth is essential if you want to avoid these protracted processing times. Contributory Parent visas are also taking long time with 2.6 years for 75% and 90% of cases. Spouse applicants can now expect to wait 3.6 years from date of application before being granted permanent residency.
Visa application processing times
Last updated: 14 March 2017 – source: www.border.gov.au
| Visa type | Description | 75% of applications processed in | 90% of applications processed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| 400 | Temporary Work (Short Stay Activity) (Short Stay Specialist) | 9 days | 16 days |
| 403 | Temporary Work (International Relations) (Government Agreement) | 32 days | 43 days |
| 403 | Temporary Work (International Relations) (Foreign Government Agency) | 28 days | 43 days |
| 403 | Temporary Work (International Relations) (Seasonal Worker Programme) | 9 days | 13 days |
| 407 | Training | 65 days | 77 days |
| 408 | Temporary Activity (Entertainment Activities) | 7 days | 16 days |
| 408 | Temporary Activity (Sporting Activities) | 22 days | 32 days |
| 408 | Temporary Activity (Religious Work) | 67 days | 76 days |
| 408 | Temporary Activity (Research Activities) | 47 days | 69 days |
| 408 | Temporary Activity (Special Programmes) | 66 days | 75 days |
| 408 | Temporary Activity (Invited for Other Social and Cultural Activity) | 8 days | 14 days |
| 417 | Working Holiday | 14 days | 34 days |
| 457 | Temporary Work (Skilled) | 86 days | 6 months |
| 461 | New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship (Temporary) | 8 months | 11 months |
| 462 | Work and Holiday | 7 days | 19 days |
| 476 | Skilled – Recognised Graduate | 4 months | 4 months |
| 485 | Temporary Graduate (Graduate Work) | 5 months | 6 months |
| 485 | Temporary Graduate (Post-Study Work) | 71 days | 90 days |
| 500 | Student (Independent ELICOS Sector) | 55 days | 71 days |
| 500 | Student (Schools Sector) | 55 days | 86 days |
| 500 | Student (Vocational Education and Training Sector) | 43 days | 76 days |
| 500 | Student (Higher Education Sector) | 24 days | 52 days |
| 500 | Student (Postgraduate Research Sector) | 48 days | 4 months |
| 500 | Student (Non-Award Sector) | 29 days | 46 days |
| 500 | Student (Foreign Affairs or Defence Sector) | 15 days | 35 days |
| 590 | Student Guardian | 71 days | 4 months |
| 600 | Visitor (Tourist) | 20 days | 30 days |
| 600 | Visitor (Sponsored Family) | 41 days | 58 days |
| 600 | Visitor (Business Visitor) | 6 days | 15 days |
| 600 | Visitor (Approved Destination Status) | 3 days | 5 days |
| 600 | Visitor (Frequent Traveller) | 5 days | 12 days |
| 602 | Medical Treatment | 25 days | 56 days |
| 651 | eVisitor | 1 day | 3 days |
| 771 | Transit | 6 days | 9 days |
| 988 | Maritime Crew Visa | 4 days | 6 months |
| 100 | Partner | 15 months | 23 months |
| 101 | Child | 9 months | 15 months |
| 117 | Orphan Relative | 22 months | 26 months |
| 143 | Contributory Parent (Migrant) | 32 months | 33 months |
| 155 | Five Year Resident Return | 2 days | 6 days |
| 173 | Contributory Parent (Temporary) | 32 months | 32 months |
| 186 | Employer Nomination Scheme (Direct Entry Pathway) | 9 months | 11 months |
| 186 | Employer Nomination Scheme (Transition Pathway) | 8 months | 9 months |
| 187 | Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Direct Entry Pathway) | 11 months | 12 months |
| 187 | Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Transition Pathway) | 8 months | 9 months |
| 188 | Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) (Business Innovation) | 16 months | 18 months |
| 189 | Skilled – Independent | 4 months | 6 months |
| 190 | Skilled – Nominated | 4 months | 7 months |
| 300 | Prospective Marriage | 12 months | 17 months |
| 309 | Partner (Provisional) | 11 months | 15 months |
| 489 | Skilled – Regional (Provisional) (Skilled Regional – GSM) | 5 months | 6 months |
| 489 | Skilled – Regional (Provisional) (State/Territory Nominated visa classes – GSM) | 5 months | 7 months |
| 801 | Partner | 16 months | 20 months |
| 802 | Child | 7 months | 8 months |
| 820 | Partner | 18 months | 20 months |
| 864 | Contributory Aged-Parent (Residence) | 15 months | 15 months |
| 887 | Skilled – Regional | 7 months | 10 months |
| 892 | State/Territory Sponsored Business Owner | 15 months | 17 months |
