Processing Skilled Visas
Processing times
You can find information on processing times for skilled visas at
global processing times.
The order in which we assess skilled visas is set by Ministerial Direction. See
Skilled visa processing priorities.
When you submit all the required information with your visa application, we may be able to process your application faster. See Check twice, submit once.
Planning levels for Permanent and Provisional visas
Each year the Australian Government plans the number and types of visas provided through Australia's Migration Program.
This includes the Skill stream of the permanent Migration Program.
The planning levels set out under the Migration Program show the number of skilled visas we are planning to grant each program year under each of the relevant categories.
Grant limits on temporary and short stay visas
Most temporary and short stay work visas are demand driven. There are no limits on the number of visas that can be granted each program year.
However, grant limits apply to the first Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462) and the Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES) stream under the Temporary Work (International Relations) visa (subclass 403). You can find more information about these programs at
Status of country caps and
Temporary Work (International Relations) visa (subclass 403) Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES).
