A guide to visa processing times
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 the 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 or 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 (25% to 75% estimated by DHA) |
100 – Partner Visa (Migrant) | 5-18 months |
143 – Contributory Parent Visa | 5-6 years |
155 – Resident Return Visa (2 out of 5 years met) | 1-3 days |
155 – Resident Return Visa (beneficial ties) | 6-8 months |
186 – Employer Nomination Scheme (Direct Entry Pathway) | 4-7 motnhs |
186 – Employer Nomination Scheme (Agreement Pathway)) | 2-5 months |
186 – Employer Nomination Scheme (Transition Pathway) | 5-16 months |
187 – Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Direct Entry Pathway) | 24-37 months |
187 – Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Transition Pathway) | 4-15 months |
188 – Business Innovation & Investment Visa (Provisional) | 13-25 months |
189 – Skilled Independent Visa | 23-36 months |
189 – Skilled Independent Visa (New Zealand stream) | 18-19 montnhs |
190 – Skilled Nominated Visa | 4-8 months |
300 – Prospective Marriage Visa | 7-23 months |
309 – Partner Visa (Provisional) | 5-20 months |
400 – Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa | 4-31 days |
400 – Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa (Highly Specialised Work) | 4-20 days |
461 – New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship Visa | 7-23 months |
482 – Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (short-term) | 2- 12 months |
482 – Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (medium-term)) | 1-3 months |
482 – Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (labour agreement) | 1-3 months |
485 – Temporary Graduate Visa (Graduate work) | 10-11 months |
485 – Temporary Graduate Visa (Post-study work) | 7-12 months |
489 – Skilled Regional Visa (Provisional) | 20-28 months |
500 – Student Visa | 4-8 weeks |
600 – Visitor Visa | Less than 4 weeks |
801 – Partner Visa (Permanent) | 3-12 months |
864 – Contributory Aged Parent visa (Temporary) | 5-6 years |
866 – Protection Visa | Not disclosed |
887 – Skilled Regional Visa | 18-21 months |
888 – Business Innovation & Investment visa (Permanent) | 21-25 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.