Australian Work Visa: How Long Does It Take?

The processing time for an Australian working visa can vary depending on the type of visa you’re applying for, your specific circumstances, and the complexity of your application. Here are some common Australian working visa types and their typical processing times:

1. Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (subclass 482):

• Processing Time: Usually takes about 2 to 3 months for the visa to be processed, but it can take longer if additional documentation or information is required.

• Eligibility: This visa allows employers to sponsor foreign workers in occupations that are in demand in Australia. It can be valid for 1 to 4 years, depending on the occupation.

2. Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189):

• Processing Time: This can take around 6 to 12 months or even longer, depending on the complexity of the application and whether your occupation is in high demand.

• Eligibility: This visa is for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer or family member and do not need a state or territory nomination. It’s based on a points system where your skills, qualifications, age, and English language proficiency are assessed.

3. Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190):

• Processing Time: Similar to the Skilled Independent Visa, it generally takes about 6 to 12 months.

• Eligibility: This visa requires a state or territory government nomination. It’s available to skilled workers who meet the points test and are nominated by an Australian state or territory.

4. Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417 and 462):

• Processing Time: Processing time for this visa is typically around 1 to 2 months.

• Eligibility: This visa is for young people (aged 18–30 or 35 depending on your country) who want to work and travel in Australia for up to 12 months.

5. Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (subclass 186):

• Processing Time: This visa typically takes about 6 to 12 months to process.

• Eligibility: It allows skilled workers nominated by their Australian employer to live and work permanently in Australia.

Factors That Affect Processing Times:

• Application Completeness: Incomplete applications or missing documentation can delay the process.

• Visa Category: Some visa categories, especially those with high demand or complex eligibility requirements, may take longer to process.

• Health and Character Checks: If additional checks or information are needed (such as police clearances or medical exams), this can also impact processing time.

• Nationality and Background: Processing times can also vary based on your nationality and whether the Australian government needs to assess the application more thoroughly.

It’s important to check the most up-to-date processing time estimates on the Department of Home Affairs website, as times can fluctuate based on demand and other factors.