186 Visa Processing Time in Australia: What to Expect in 2025

Overview of the 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa

The Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa is a permanent residency (PR) visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian employer. It allows foreign workers to live and work in Australia indefinitely, offering a direct pathway to PR for eligible applicants.

There are three streams under the 186 Visa:

1. Direct Entry Stream: For applicants with a skilled occupation and relevant work experience.
2. Temporary Residence Transition Stream: For 457 or 482 visa holders who have worked with their employer for at least three years.
3. Labour Agreement Stream: For applicants sponsored under a labour agreement between an employer and the Australian Government.

This visa is highly sought after due to its permanent residency benefits, but processing times can vary depending on various factors. In this guide, we’ll explore the expected processing timelines for 2025, common reasons for delays, and strategies to speed up your application.

Factors That Affect Processing Time

The processing time for a Subclass 186 visa is influenced by multiple factors, including the stream under which you apply, the complexity of your case, and the completeness of your application. Some of the key factors that affect how long your visa takes to process include:

• Nomination Approval by the Employer: Before the visa is granted, your employer must nominate you for the role, and their application must be processed first. Any errors or delays in their submission can directly impact your visa timeline.
• Completeness of Your Documentation: Missing documents, errors, or unclear evidence can trigger a Request for Further Information (RFI) from the Department of Home Affairs, adding weeks or even months to processing times.
• Skills Assessment and Work Experience Verification: If applying under the Direct Entry Stream, you may need a skills assessment, which can take several months to complete.
• Medical and Character Checks: Delays in undergoing health examinations or obtaining police clearance certificates from different countries can slow down your application.
• High Application Volume: If there is an increase in applications, processing times can extend due to workload pressures on case officers.
• Policy Changes or Global Events: Changes in migration policies, staffing at immigration offices, or external factors like pandemics can cause processing fluctuations.

How Long Does It Take? Current Processing Estimates

As of 2025, the average processing times for the Subclass 186 Visa vary based on the stream under which you apply. According to the Department of Home Affairs, the estimated processing times are:

Direct Entry Stream:

• 25% of applications processed in 4 months
• 50% of applications processed in 6 months
• 75% of applications processed in 8 months
• 90% of applications processed in 10+ months

Temporary Residence Transition Stream:

• 25% of applications processed in 3 months
• 50% of applications processed in 5 months
• 75% of applications processed in 7 months
• 90% of applications processed in 9+ months

Labour Agreement Stream:

Processing times vary significantly, as they depend on the specific labour agreement between the employer and the Australian Government. These applications can take 6 months to over a year in some cases.

While these are official estimates, actual processing times can be shorter or longer, depending on the factors affecting individual applications.

How to Speed Up Your 186 Visa Application

If you’re looking to fast-track your 186 visa application, there are several proactive steps you can take to minimize delays:

1. Ensure Your Employer’s Nomination Is Approved Early
   • The visa application cannot be processed until your employer’s nomination is approved. Encourage your employer to submit their nomination as soon as possible and ensure it is complete and error-free.
2. Submit a Decision-Ready Application
   • A fully documented application reduces the chance of receiving a Request for Further Information (RFI). Ensure that:
     • All required documents are attached.
     • Medical checks and police clearances are completed in advance.
     • Evidence of work experience and skills assessment (if applicable) is provided upfront.
3. Use an Experienced Migration Lawyer or Agent
   • Professional guidance can help avoid common mistakes, ensure proper documentation, and communicate with the Department of Home Affairs if delays occur.
4. Monitor Your ImmiAccount Regularly
   • Track your application status and respond immediately if additional documents are requested.
5. Apply Through a Low-Risk Nationality Category
   • Some nationalities are considered lower risk, leading to quicker processing. If eligible, submitting under a priority processing category can sometimes help.

Common Reasons for Delays and How to Avoid Them

Despite best efforts, delays can occur due to various reasons. Some common causes of processing slowdowns include:

• Incomplete Employer Nomination: If your employer’s nomination application is delayed, your visa cannot be processed until it is finalized.
• Errors in Personal Information: Inconsistencies in names, addresses, or work experience history can trigger verification delays.
• Delays in Health and Character Checks: Processing of medical tests and police clearances can take longer in certain countries.
• Skills Assessment Taking Too Long: If you require a skills assessment, apply for it as soon as possible, as processing can take months.
• Government Workload and Backlogs: A high number of visa applications being processed at the same time can slow down decision-making.

To avoid unnecessary delays, double-check your application for completeness before submitting and follow up regularly with your employer regarding nomination approval.

What to Do If Your Application Is Taking Too Long

If your 186 visa application is taking longer than expected, there are steps you can take to follow up and seek updates.

1. Check Processing Time Updates Online
   • The Department of Home Affairs website provides regular updates on processing times for all visa categories. Ensure your visa is still within the normal processing window before taking further action.
2. Contact the Department of Home Affairs
   • If your application is significantly delayed beyond the published processing times, you can submit an online enquiry through ImmiAccount or call the Global Service Centre (GSC) for assistance.
3. Request for Urgent Processing (If Eligible)
   • In exceptional circumstances, such as urgent work commitments, medical emergencies, or humanitarian reasons, you may submit a request for priority processing. Approval is granted only in very limited cases.
4. Seek Assistance from a Migration Agent
   • If delays are unexplained and causing complications, an immigration lawyer or registered migration agent may be able to liaise with the Department on your behalf.
5. Be Patient but Proactive
   • Visa processing can sometimes take longer than expected due to factors outside your control. However, regularly checking for updates and responding quickly to any requests for information can help prevent further delays.

Final Thoughts on 186 Visa Processing in 2025

The Subclass 186 Visa is one of the most desirable pathways to Australian permanent residency, but processing times vary based on individual circumstances and external factors. In 2025, applicants can expect processing times to range between 4 to 12 months, depending on their visa stream and application completeness.

By ensuring a well-prepared application, staying proactive, and addressing potential issues early, applicants can avoid unnecessary delays and increase their chances of timely approval. If you’re considering a 186 Visa, proper planning and professional guidance can make the process smoother and more efficient.

Also Read; Australian Partner Visa Fees in 2025: What You Need to Know