Processing times are subject to change.  These times are guidelines only and we cannot guarantee that your application will be processed within this time.  The times quoted are for straightforward applications; complicated applications or those with health or character issues are likely to take longer to process than the timeframes below.  Please refer to the tips and processing pages for each application steam for up to date information and more detail about what may affect the processing times of individual applications.

Skilled Migrant

Expression of Interest (with job offer)

We will contact you with our first assessment within 10 working days of your EOI being drawn from the pool.

Expression of Interest (without job offer)

We will contact you with our first assessment within 20 working days of your EOI being drawn from the pool.

Skilled Migrant application (with job offer)

We expect to decide your application within one to three months from the date the application is submitted.

Skilled Migrant application (without job offer)

Applications are placed in a managed queue.  Once the application is allocated we expect to decide your application within one to three months. 

• Further information on timeframes from submission to allocation
• Further information on Skilled Migrant processing times
• Tips for Lodging Expressions of Interest DOC
• Tips for Lodging Residence Applications under the Skilled Migrant Category

Family Residence Applications

Family Partnership and Family Dependant Child

We expect to decide your application within one to three months from the date the application is submitted.

Family Parent / Sibling / Adult Child

Due to this application stream being oversubscribed, applications are placed in a managed queue.  Once the application is allocated we expect to decide your application within four to six months.

• Information on timeframes from submission to allocation
• Further information on Family Residence processing times
• Tips for Lodging a Residence Application under the Family Category

Temporary Entry

Temporary Entry Visas

Over 90% of temporary entry visa applications are processed within 25 days, however this can vary.  Please allow a minimum of 4 weeks for your application to be processed.

Work to Residence Visas

Applications will be completed within 5 working days if there are no complications.

Further Resident Visas

Applications for Permanent Resident Visas, Second and Subsequent Resident Visas and Transfers of Resident Visas to new passports are processed by the Temporary-entry team.  These applications are usually processed within two weeks, however this may vary.  Please allow a minimum of 4 weeks for your application to be processed.

• Further information on Temporary Entry processing times
• Tips for Lodging a Temporary entry application DOC