September 3rd, 2024 at 02:08 am

Australia Visa Processing Time Update 2024 | Australia Visa Processing Time

The time it takes to process visas for various categories as of September 2024 is determined by the Department of Home Affairs’ available resources in addition to demand. Travelers, students, skilled professionals, and those wishing to settle permanently still choose Australia as their destination.

This blog provides advice on how to expedite the processing of Australian visas, as well as an overview of the main visa categories’ current processing timelines as of September 2024.

1. Visitor Visa Subclass 601

People can go to Australia for work, leisure, or to see friends and family if they have a visiting visa. Seasonal demand has resulted in some unpredictability in the duration of visitor visa processing as of September 2024. The typical processing time for Tourist Stream Subclass 600 is three to six weeks; however, applications submitted during peak periods or with insufficient supporting documentation may take longer.

If all eligibility requirements are met, the 601 Visa Electronic Travel application process can frequently be finished in a few minutes. Processing times for applications requiring a human review could reach two weeks.

2. Student Visas Subclass 500

International students continue to find Australia appealing, but those who want to start their studies as soon as possible must consider the length of time it takes to complete student visas. Depending on the course level, the applicant’s place of origin, and the thoroughness of the application, processing times for student visas can differ.

Due to rising demand, courses beginning in early 2025 are being handled more slowly; processing periods for these courses currently take five to sixteen weeks, but they can take up to six months for postgraduate research.

3. Skilled Migration Visas

Skilled migration is still a common pathway for those wishing to work and live permanently in Australia, and the length of time it takes to secure these visas is a reflection of the complexity and rigorous evaluation method necessary.

Applications for employment on the priority list may be handled faster—in as little as four months—than those of other candidates for the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa. The Points-tested Pathway typically takes 18 to 19 months to process. The Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa processing period may take 16–17 months to complete.

Processing timelines that are specific to each state may also vary, with certain states prioritizing applications in highly sought-after fields because of their regional focus. There may be shorter processing times for candidates nominated by regional areas, especially in areas where there is a high demand for skilled labor. Processing times for Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional Visas might vary from 17 to 23 months.

4. Temporary Skill Shortage Visa Subclass 482

Employers in Australia may use the TSS Visa to sponsor talented foreign workers where Australian candidates are scarce for a given position. The current processing time for a TSS Visa is 13 days to 5 months. However, applications for positions in regional areas that are placed on the priority Skilled Occupation List may be processed more quickly.

5. Partner Visas

The length of time it takes to process the Onshore Partner Visa under the 820 temporary pathway and the 801 permanent track could range from 11 to 30 months. Applications that include the required paperwork and evidence of a long-term collaboration could be processed faster.

Similar to their onshore counterparts, Subclass 309 and 100 Offshore Partner Visa processing timeframes normally range from 10 to 25 months. Extended processing times may be experienced by candidates hailing from high-risk countries or those requiring extra security checks.

Improved Processing Times for Australian Visas

Processing times for the majority of visa programs—particularly the Temporary Visa programs—have already improved. Together with a sizable number of earlier cases that are still waiting, the Department of Home Affairs is now handling an increasing number of fresh applications for specific Visa programs. Processing delays are now being slowed down by older applications on file, but things will improve once the agency removes them.

Tips for Migrants

• Apply early: Applications should be sent far in advance of the dates of planned trips to reduce delays brought on by periods of high demand.
• Make sure you have complete documentation by sending in all required files and data at the time of application.