We estimate visa processing by reference to the time taken for your file to be allocated to a case officer (‘time to allocation’). In most cases, visas will be approved at the time of allocation, however, if additional documents are requested, processing times may be significantly longer:
Please see below estimated visa processing times based on our recent experience. Processing times do vary substantially between applications and it is normal for applications to take more and less time than that specified below. Some applications are separated into high risk and low-risk categories. Risk is generally determined based on nationality, sponsored occupation, immigration history, and some other factors. Please note that this information is provided as a guide only to help you understand what to expect from the Department of Home Affairs. It does not constitute a guarantee that your application will be processed within a particular timeframe:
| Visa type | Estimated time to allocation |
| 100 – Partner Visa (Migrant) | 14-24 months |
| 143 – Contributory Parent Visa | 4-5 years |
| 155 – Resident Return Visa (2 out of 5 years met) | Less than 1 week |
| 155 – Resident Return Visa (beneficial ties) | 6-8 months |
| 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme (low risk) | 2-4 weeks |
| 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme (high risk) | 4-6 months |
| 187 – Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (low risk) | 2-4 weeks |
| 187 – Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (high risk) | 4-6 months |
| 188 – Business Innovation & Investment Visa (Provisional) | 18-22 months |
| 189 – Skilled Independent Visa | 3-7 months |
| 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa | 3-7 months |
| 300 – Prospective Marriage Visa | 24 months |
| 309 – Partner Visa (Provisional) | 24 months |
| 400 – Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa (USA) | 2 days |
| 400 – Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa (Europe) | 2 weeks |
| 400 – Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa (Asia) | 2 weeks |
| 461 – New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship Visa | 24-27 months |
| 482 – Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (low risk) | 2-3 weeks |
| 482 – Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (high risk) | 4-6 weeks |
| 485 – Temporary Graduate Visa | 3 months |
| 489 – Skilled Regional Visa (Provisional) | 3-7 months |
| 500 – Student Visa | 4-8 weeks |
| 600 – Visitor Visa | Less than 4 weeks |
| 801 – Partner Visa (Permanent) | 18-24 months |
| 864 – Contributory Aged Parent visa (Temporary) | 4 years |
| 866 – Protection Visa | 36 months |
| 887 – Skilled Regional Visa | 24 months |
| 888 – Business Innovation & Investment visa (Permanent) | 12 months |
If your visa is not listed here or you wish to enquire about progress during the processing of your application, please contact our administration team at hello@hammondtaylor.com.au.