186 Visa Processing Time

Sc 189 update - Processing Priorities

If you have already lodged a Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa application, these dates indicate which applications the Department of Home Affairs is currently prioritising for processing.

Applications that were lodged in or before:

June 2026 – Construction, Healthcare, Teaching, Agriculture, Aquaculture, Fishing, and Resources sectors, or in Australia's law enforcement and defence interests.
June 2026 – Visa applications where the primary applicant was in Australia at the time they lodged their application.
November 2025 – Visa applications where the primary applicant was outside of Australia at the time they lodged their application and whose application is not combined with another person’s application at any time.
November 2025 – All other visa applications from applicants who were outside Australia when they applied.

186 Direct Entry Processing Times

186 Visa Direct Entry streamThis visa lets skilled workers, who are nominated by an employer, live and work in Australia permanently.

186 Temporary Residence Transition stream Processing Times

186 Visa Transition Entry streamThis visa lets skilled workers, who are nominated by an employer, live and work in Australia permanently.

186 Labour Agreement stream Processing Times

186 Labour Agreement streamThis visa lets skilled workers who are nominated by their employer live and work in Australia permanently. The Labour Agreement stream might be for you if you currently work, or will work, for an employer who is party to a labour agreement.

Am I eligible for a 186 visa?

Book a meeting today for a commitment free briefing with our Registered Migration Agents in Melbourne to find more about your visa options.