Subclass 189 Visa Processing Time Calculator

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

Subclass 189

Skilled Independent Visa

For invited skilled workers and eligible Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport holders; it also covers on-hand New Zealand stream applications lodged before that stream closed.

Estimate Your Grant Date

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

Current Processing Times

New Zealand Stream (closed)

For eligible New Zealand citizens with an application lodged before this stream closed to new applications on 1 July 2023.

months (50%)

months (90%)

Last updated: 17 Jul 2026

Points Tested Stream

For invited skilled workers who meet the points test requirement.

months (50%)

months (90%)

Last updated: 17 Jul 2026

189 Visa Processing Time in Australia

The current Points-Tested Subclass 189 visa processing time is 6–8 months for 50% to 90% of recently decided applications. The closed New Zealand stream remains listed only for applications lodged before 1 July 2023 and currently shows 53–61 months.

How long does an Australian 189 visa take?

Recently decided Points-Tested applications took approximately 6 to 8 months. Actual processing varies with completeness, checks and places available in the migration program.