Processing on-hand visa applications is a government priority. In most instances, we have reduced the time it takes to finalise visa applications.
Actions taken to improve processing times
We have focused resources on visa processing. This includes recruiting new staff.
Wherever we can, we aim to streamline the processing of applications without compromising program integrity.
These actions have already reduced the number of on-hand visa applications.
Improved processing times
Visa processing times have already improved across most visa programs, particularly across temporary visa programs.
Some visa programs have a large number of older cases on-hand as well as increasing numbers of new applications. We are working through these as quickly as possible, and are focused on finalising older applications.
Processing times are currently impacted by older applications on-hand, but this will improve once we have worked through them.
Median processing times for key programs
The information below shows the median visa processing times for key visa categories. This is the most accurate way to show how long it is taking to decide most visa applications.
Visa processing times vary between different visas in these categories. In some cases it may take longer to decide some visa applications.
Processing Times by visa category (median)
Permanent Visa Program
| Visa Category | February 2025
| Comments
|
|---|
| Skilled (Permanent) | 12 Months | We are focusing on reducing processing times for all permanent visas. As we are deciding both new and older existing applications, processing times may change each month. This may continue as we progress the oldest applications in the Permanent Visa Program.
|
Partner (First Stage)
| 13 Months | We are focusing on reducing processing times for all Partner visas. We are focusing on deciding older and complex applications. This will affect overall processing times which may change each month. This may continue as we progress the oldest applications in the Partner Visa Program.
|
Temporary Visa Program
| Visa Category | February 2025
| Comments
|
|---|
| Skilled (Temporary) | 70 Days | We receive many incomplete applications where we need to request further information. This delays the processing of applications. As we decide older applications, the overall monthly program processing time will vary.
|
Student
| 36 Days | We are processing student visa applications lodged outside Australia under Ministerial Direction No. 111. For more information see About this visa. We recommend applications be lodged well in advance of course commencement and with all supporting documentation. |
| Visitor | Less than 1 Day | |
| Working Holiday Maker | Less than 1 Day
|
|
How to view processing times
If you have made a visa application you can check processing times information using our visa
processing times guide.
Information on visa processing times for visas is updated regularly as new data is available.
Processing times are available for most visas.
Information is not available for:
- visas that are closed to new entrants
- family visas that are capped and queued
- visas that have too few decisions in the month to provide a reliable indicator of processing time.
To help ensure applications are processed as quickly as possible, submit your application with all necessary supporting documents. The checklists provided on
ImmiAccount will help in making sure you include all required documents in your application.
Student visa processing priorities
Student visa applications lodged outside Australia are processed according to government priorities, which are outlined in
Ministerial Direction No. 111.
