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Understanding the 189 visa processing time is one of the most important steps for skilled professionals planning permanent migration to Australia. Whether you are applying from offshore or already living in Australia, knowing the realistic waiting period helps you plan employment, relocation, finances, and family arrangements properly. This guide explains the full 189 visa application process, expected timeframes, offshore vs onshore differences, delay factors, and what happens after invitation — in a structured, data-backed and practical format.
The Subclass 189 visa (Skilled Independent Visa) is a points-tested permanent residency visa under Australia’s General Skilled Migration (GSM) program. It does not require state nomination or employer sponsorship.
Key features:
Permanent residency from grant
No state or employer tie
Work and live anywhere in Australia
Access to Medicare
Pathway to citizenship (subject to residency requirements)
Because it is independent and competitive, the 189 skilled visa processing time depends heavily on application quality, occupation demand, and assessment queues.
The 189 visa processing time varies depending on occupation demand, application quality, and overall migration program intake levels. Based on published departmental processing indicators and recent case patterns, most Subclass 189 visa applications are finalised within a broad range of several months to over a year from the date of complete lodgement.
Important: Processing times are not fixed deadlines. They are dynamic and influenced by application volumes and migration program planning levels.
To properly estimate 189 processing time, you must understand the complete pathway.
Before entering the Expression of Interest (EOI) stage, applicants must complete a structured 189 visa eligibility check. This is not just a checklist exercise — it determines whether your profile is legally eligible and competitively positioned under the points-tested system.
A proper eligibility assessment includes:
Occupation suitability – Your nominated occupation must appear on the relevant skilled occupation list and align with your actual qualifications and employment history.
Positive skills assessment – Issued by the relevant assessing authority, confirming that your qualifications and work experience meet Australian standards.
Points threshold compliance – Meeting the minimum required points is essential, but higher scores significantly influence invitation likelihood.
English language requirement – Competent English is mandatory; higher scores can increase ranking points.
Age requirement – Applicants must fall within the eligible age bracket at the time of invitation.
Health and character readiness – Applicants should anticipate medical examinations and police clearances from all relevant countries of residence.
The Expression of Interest (EOI) is submitted through SkillSelect and acts as your formal indication that you wish to be considered for the Subclass 189 visa.
However, submitting an EOI does not mean your visa is under processing.
EOIs are ranked based on points claimed.
Invitations are issued periodically to the highest-ranking candidates in each occupation.
Occupation ceilings and migration program allocations influence selection.
There is no fixed or guaranteed invitation timeline.
Applicants with higher points generally receive invitations faster, but occupation demand plays an equally important role.
Once invited:
You generally have a limited timeframe to lodge your visa.
Documents must match what was claimed in the EOI.
Points miscalculations can lead to refusal.
This is where the official 189 visa processing time after invitation begins — once the full application is lodged.
You submit:
Identity documents
Skills assessment
Employment evidence
English test results
Health checks
Police clearances
After lodgement, the case enters processing.
The most commonly asked question is:
Once you submit your complete application after receiving an invitation, the official 189 visa processing time after invitation begins. From this stage onward, the timeline depends less on your points score and more on documentation quality, verification requirements, and overall migration program allocation.
In practical terms, decision-ready applications may move within the lower band of published processing ranges, while complex cases may extend significantly longer.
Some occupations are processed in line with broader workforce planning priorities. If your occupation falls within a high-demand or strategically prioritised sector, queue movement may be more predictable.
A fully documented, consistent application significantly reduces the risk of delays. Missing employment evidence or unclear claims often trigger additional document requests, which pause assessment.
If medical results require further review or specialist reports, this can extend the 189 visa grant waiting time.
Applicants who have lived in multiple countries may experience longer character verification timelines, particularly if external agency checks are required.
Employment claims are carefully assessed. Inconsistent reference letters, unclear salary records, or self-employment documentation gaps can slow processing.
Applications are assessed by case officers in batches. Processing speed may vary depending on queue distribution and application volumes at a given time.
One of the most common questions applicants ask is whether applying from outside Australia affects the 189 visa processing time and overall Australia visa processing time compared to applying while already onshore.
Important clarification:
There is no official rule that offshore applications are slower or faster. Differences usually arise from document complexity, not location.
The 189 visa grant waiting time begins from:
The date of complete lodgement
Submission of required medicals and PCC
Confirmation that no further documents are required
Applications that are “decision-ready” generally move more predictably.
Inconsistent employment letters
Unclear salary evidence
Gaps in work history
Delayed medical results
Points discrepancy review
This table helps migration planning and realistic relocation scheduling.
High-demand occupations with many EOIs can move differently compared to niche roles.
Migration program ceilings directly influence queue movement.
Self-employment claims, overseas documentation, and multiple dependants increase scrutiny.
Medical referrals or character clarifications can extend timelines.
If claimed points are audited, the file may pause.
While you cannot control government queues, you can control documentation quality.
Submit complete employment evidence
Align EOI claims exactly with documents
Provide clear salary and tax evidence
Complete medicals promptly
Submit police certificates early
Double-check points calculation
A well-prepared file reduces risk of additional information requests, which significantly extend 189 visa approval time.
Migration laws and processing queues are dynamic. The 189 visa processing time:
Is not guaranteed
Can change without notice
Depends on program quotas
May be influenced by policy shifts
May vary by occupation demand
Applicants should avoid making irreversible relocation decisions (resignation, selling property, school withdrawals) until a formal grant is received.
Because the visa grants permanent residency immediately:
You can relocate anytime before the initial entry deadline.
Job search may begin during processing (if permitted by visa status).
Financial planning should account for uncertain grant timing.
School planning for children should remain flexible.
Strategic migration planning reduces stress during waiting periods.
It varies depending on occupation demand and application quality. Complex applications take longer than decision-ready ones.
It depends. 190 includes state nomination, which adds an extra step but may influence invitation speed.
Once lodged, processing begins. Timelines vary depending on document completeness and checks.
Not necessarily. The processing time for 189 visa offshore depends on documentation and health/character checks.
There is no guaranteed speed advantage for onshore applicants.
There is no premium processing. However, a decision-ready application reduces delay risk.
From the date of complete application lodgement.
You may receive a request for further information, which pauses progress.
Yes. High-priority sectors may be processed differently depending on program needs.
It is generally safer to wait for visa grants before making irreversible commitments.
The 189 visa processing time depends on application quality, occupation demand, and overall migration program intake. While published ranges offer guidance, actual timelines vary based on documentation accuracy and case complexity.
Applicants who complete a proper 189 visa eligibility check, submit a decision-ready application, and understand the full 189 visa application process are better positioned for smoother outcomes.
For structured preparation and risk assessment, professional guidance from experienced consultants such as AUM Global can help ensure your application is compliant and strategically prepared.
There are no guaranteed timelines — but strong preparation reduces uncertainty.
