How visa processing times are calculated
On this page
What do the percentiles mean?
- 50%: half of applications were decided within this time.
- 90%: most applications were decided within this time.
Times are about past decisions, so they do not promise your timeline.
What slows an application?
Incomplete applications or missing documents, health and character checks, high volumes and caps, occupation priority, sponsorship verification, extra checks for some countries, errors such as a wrong passport number, biometrics delays, the wrong subclass, and policy changes.
How to avoid delays
- Lodge a complete, decision-ready application.
- Do medicals about 4 to 6 weeks before lodging; results are generally valid for 12 months. See medical exam.
- Check ImmiAccount often and reply quickly.
- Keep passport details current.
Example figures cited (50% / 90%)
| Visa | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist (600) | 18 days | 31 days |
| Student, higher education | 28 days | 3 months |
| Graduate 485 | 30 days | 68 days |
| Skilled 189 | 6 months | 7 months |
| Skilled 190 | 14 months | 17 months |
| Partner 820 | 19 months | 24 months |
These differ from our August 2026 Home Affairs figures on the main page. Use that page and the official tool.
FAQ
Can I speed it up?
Paying someone to promise speed is a scam sign.
Where is the official tool?
Home Affairs' Global Visa Processing Times tool.