We are experiencing significant delays and inconsistencies in visa processing across multiple visa categories.
The Department of Home Affairs has confirmed that priority processing requests are not available, even in urgent circumstances. Escalation requests are generally not being entertained and are viewed as contributing to system congestion.
Although the Department publishes estimated processing times, these do not reflect what we are seeing in practice. Based on current trends, our practical estimates are outlined below.
Skills in Demand (Subclass 482) Work Visas
Processing times remain highly inconsistent and are changing frequently. The timeframes below are indicative averages only and subject to constant change:
| Specialist Skills Salary above $141,210 | Core Skills Salary below $141,210 | |
| Accredited Sponsors | 1 to 6 weeks | 1 to 5 months |
| Non Accredited Sponsors | 1 week to 2 months | Around 7 months |
Permanent Residence Applications (Subclass 186 and others)
We continue to see very limited permanent residence visa grants. Processing timeframes are now commonly reaching 20 months or longer.
As a result, we are seeing police clearances and health examination results expiring during processing and being re-requested by case officers.
Subclass 400 (Temporary Work – Short Stay Specialist) Visas
These visas are processed offshore by the relevant Embassy or High Commission, and processing times vary significantly depending on the applicant’s location at the time of lodgement.
- Applications lodged in Europe and the Americas are generally taking 1–3 weeks.
- Other locations may experience longer timeframes
Looking Ahead
Processing delays are expected to continue and may worsen toward the end of the financial year.
1 July 2026 reminders
The following salary threshold will increase on 1 July 2026:
| Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) | currently $76,515 |
| Specialist Skills Income Threshold | currently $141,210 |
| Fair Work High Income Threshold | currently $183,100 |
| English/LMT exemptions (may or may not be increased) | currently $96,400 |
Ajuria Lawyers will continue to monitor developments closely and provide updates as further information becomes available.
If you would like to discuss the impact of these delays on your workforce planning, please contact our team.
