Subclass 186 Visa Processing Time Calculator

Estimate your grant date for Subclass 186, 189, or 190 skilled visas based on current Home Affairs processing times.

Subclass 186

Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS)

Estimate Your Grant Date

Select your pathway and lodgement date to see when you might receive your grant.

Current Processing Times

Agreement Pathway

For workers nominated under a labour agreement between an employer and the Australian Government.

8
months (50%)
11
months (90%)
Last updated: 17 Jul 2026

Direct Entry Pathway

For skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer with an occupation on the relevant eligible skilled occupation list.

9
months (50%)
12
months (90%)
Last updated: 17 Jul 2026

Transition Pathway

For workers who hold a subclass 457 or 482 visa, or an eligible bridging visa, and have usually worked in eligible sponsored employment for at least 2 years.

9
months (50%)
14
months (90%)
Last updated: 17 Jul 2026

186 Visa Processing Time in Australia

Current Subclass 186 visa processing times are 8–11 months for the Agreement pathway, 9–12 months for Direct Entry and 9–14 months for Temporary Residence Transition. These figures cover 50% to 90% of recently decided applications.

How long does an Australian 186 visa take?

The timeframe depends on the ENS stream and the circumstances of the application. Use the calculator above with your lodgement date to estimate a 50th-to-90th-percentile grant window.