186 Visa Processing Time 2026: How Long It Takes

186 visa processing times (as at 9 November 2026)

Stream	50% processed in	90% processed in
Direct Entry stream	22 months	24 months
Temporary Residence Transition stream	22 months	24 months
Labour Agreement stream	44 days	13 months

The Department notes that it is receiving a high volume of applications in this group, which has affected the time it takes to allocate and assess applications.

These times are a guide only, taken from the Department’s global processing times tool on 9 November 2026, and your own application may take more or less time.

Am I eligible for a 186 visa?

How long does a 186 visa take?

Processing times for the 186 visa depend on the stream, the occupation and how complete the nomination and visa applications are. As at 9 November 2026 (the Department’s global processing times tool), 50% of Direct Entry and Temporary Residence Transition applications were processed in 22 months and 90% in 24 months, while 50% of Labour Agreement stream applications were processed in 44 days and 90% in 13 months. The Department says a high volume of applications has affected how long it takes to allocate and assess them. The nomination and visa are usually processed together. The Department of Home Affairs updates its global processing times each month. See our employer sponsored visa processing times page for the latest figures.

What affects 186 processing times?

Stream: Temporary Residence Transition and Direct Entry applications currently have the same published processing times, but a Transition application can be simpler to assess because the applicant’s work history with the employer is already known to the Department.
Occupation and location: occupations in health, teaching and regional Australia are often given priority.
Accredited sponsors: nominations from accredited sponsors receive priority processing.
Complete applications: missing documents, an expired skills assessment or English test, or late health checks are the most common causes of delay.
Employer information: the Department checks the business’s financial capacity, genuine need for the position and compliance history, so up to date financial documents help.

Can I work while my 186 visa is processed?

If you apply in Australia, you will usually receive a bridging visa that keeps the work conditions of your current visa. If you are on a 482 visa, keep working for your sponsor in your nominated occupation until the 186 visa is granted.

Are the nomination and the 186 visa processed together?

Usually, yes. Most employers lodge the nomination and the visa application at the same time and the Department assesses them together. If the visa application is lodged later, the nomination is generally decided first.

Which rules set the order in which 186 applications are processed?

Ministerial Direction 122, in effect from 19 September 2026, sets processing priorities for skilled visas other than the 482, including the 186 visa. As noted above, nominations by accredited sponsors and some occupations, such as health and teaching, are often given priority.

Can I travel overseas while my 186 visa is being processed?

A bridging visa A does not let you return to Australia once you leave. If you need to travel, you generally need to apply for a bridging visa B before you go. Check your bridging visa conditions before you book travel.

What should I do if my circumstances change while I wait?

Tell the Department about changes such as a new address, passport, job or family situation. Changes to your role or employer can affect the nomination, so get advice before you change jobs. Book a video consultation if you are unsure.

Book a video consultation with our registered migration agents to find out more about your visa options.