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Data · Updated monthly
Australian visa processing times: partner and employer visas.
As at November 2026, Home Affairs reports that half of onshore partner visa (820) applications are decided within 21 months and 90% within 30 months. Offshore partner visas (309) take 21 months for half and 35 months for 90%. A Skills in Demand (482) Core Skills visa takes 6 months for half; the Specialist Skills stream takes 59 days. These are the department's own figures, which we update every month.
Written by Rosa Nobarani, Principal Solicitor · Figures as published by Home Affairs, last updated 2 November 2026 · Last reviewed 11 November 2026
Partner visas
Partner and Prospective Marriage visas.
Time from lodgement to decision for recently decided applications.
| Visa | 50% decided within | 90% decided within |
|---|---|---|
| Partner visa, onshore temporary (820) | 21 months | 30 months |
| Partner visa, onshore permanent (801) | 6 months | 19 months |
| Partner visa, offshore provisional (309) | 21 months | 35 months |
| Partner visa, offshore permanent (100) | 9 months | 18 months |
| Prospective Marriage visa (300) | 18 months | 31 months |
The permanent stage (801 or 100) is generally assessed once two years have passed since the combined application was lodged.
Employer visas
Skills in Demand, Employer Nomination and regional visas.
| Application | 50% decided within | 90% decided within |
|---|---|---|
| Standard business sponsorship (482) | 15 days | 4 months |
| 482 nomination | 36 days | 9 months |
| 482 visa, Core Skills stream | 6 months | 9 months |
| 482 visa, Specialist Skills stream | 59 days | 3 months |
| 482 visa, Labour Agreement stream | 6 months | 10 months |
| 186, Direct Entry | 22 months | 24 months |
| 186, Temporary Residence Transition | 22 months | 24 months |
| 186, Labour Agreement | 44 days | 13 months |
| 494, Employer Sponsored | 10 months | 20 months |
| 494, Labour Agreement | 86 days | 13 months |
Home Affairs notes a high volume of 186 applications, which has slowed allocation and assessment. Some skilled applications are prioritised; see the department's skilled visa processing priorities.
What slows it down
Why some applications take longer.
Missing documents
Incomplete applications wait for a request for information. Lodge with health checks, police certificates and evidence ready where you can. See how to respond to a request.
Health or character issues
A health condition, a waiver, or a criminal record adds assessment steps and can add months.
Inconsistent information
Dates or details that don't match across forms and statements lead to further questions, or a section 57 letter.
Processing priorities
Home Affairs processes some visa groups ahead of others. Two people who lodge on the same day can wait very different times.
FAQ
Questions about processing times.
How long does a partner visa take in 2026?
For the onshore 820, Home Affairs reports half of applications decided within 21 months and 90% within 30 months. For the offshore 309, half within 21 months and 90% within 35 months (figures last updated 2 November 2026).
Can I speed up my partner visa?
There is no paid priority service. The best way to avoid delay is a complete, consistent application, with health checks and police certificates done when Home Affairs asks.
How long does a 482 visa take?
Sponsorship approval: half within 15 days. Nomination: half within 36 days. The Core Skills visa: half within 6 months; Specialist Skills: half within 59 days. The steps can be lodged together.
Why is the 186 taking so long?
Home Affairs says it is receiving a high volume of 186 applications, which has slowed allocation. Half of Direct Entry and Transition applications are currently decided within 22 months.
How often is this page updated?
Monthly, from the Home Affairs global visa processing times guide. The date at the top shows when the department last updated its figures.
Source: Home Affairs global visa processing times, last updated 2 November 2026, checked 11 November 2026. General information only, not legal advice.
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