Employer Visas application processing times

On this page you can find processing times for the 186 ENS visa, 187 RSMS visa and the 482 TSS visa.

Visa Type Stream (if available) 75% of applications processed in 90% of applications processed in
186 Employer Nomination Scheme Agreement 6 months 13 months
186 Employer Nomination Scheme Direct Entry 7 months 12 months
186 Employer Nomination Scheme Transition Pathway 15 months 18 months
187 Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme Transition Pathway 9 months 11 months
187 Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme Direct Entry 38 months 51 months
400 Temporary Work (Short Stay) 31 days 45 days
400 Temporary Work (Short Stay)  Highly Specialised Work 23 days 46 days
403 Temporary Work (International Relations)  Pacific Labour Scheme 8 days 11 days
403 Temporary Work (International Relations) Seasonal Worker Programme 9 days 14 days
403 Temporary Work (International Relations) Government Agreement 59 days 12 months
403 Temporary Work (International Relations) Foreign Government Agency 8 months 15 months
403 Temporary Work (International Relations) Domestic Worker (Diplomatic or Consular) Processing times are not available. Processing times are not available.
403 Temporary Work (International Relations) Privileges and Immunities 27 days 82 days
407 Training 4 months 10 months
408 Temporary Activity Australian Government Endorsed Events 4 months 6 months
408 Temporary Activity Domestic Work for Executives Processing times are not available. Processing times are not available.
408 Temporary Activity Exchange Arrangements Processing times are not available. Processing times are not available.
408 Temporary Activity Superyacht Crew 6 months 8 months
408 Temporary Activity Special Programmes 11 months 14 months
408 Temporary Activity Religious Work 8 months 14 months
408 Temporary Activity Research Activities 3 months 12 months
408 Temporary Activity Invited for Other Social and Cultural Activity 8 days 19 days
408 Temporary Activity Sporting Activities 32 days 3 months
408 Temporary Activity Entertainment Activities 53 days 24 months
417 Working Holiday 28 days 3 months
462 Work and Holiday*   10 months 20 months
482 visa processing times
Important

Visa processing times were significantly delayed due to the impacts of COVID-19 and international border restrictions and closures. As a result of Australia’s border reopening to all fully vaccinated travellers from 21 February 2022, the visa processing times are now slowly reducing as processing has resumed.

Circumstances that affect processing times

We assess applications on a case-by-case basis, and actual processing times can vary due to individual circumstances including:

  • whether you have lodged a complete application, including all necessary supporting documents
  • how promptly you respond to any requests for additional information
  • how long it takes to perform required checks on the supporting information provided
  • how long it takes to receive additional information from external agencies, particularly in relation to health, character, and national security requirements
  • for permanent migration visa applications, how many places are available in the migration programme
  • for citizenship applications, the time taken to attend a Citizenship Ceremony or receive a Citizenship Certificate.

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