Key Points
- Australia has extended processing times for multiple visa categories in 2025.
- Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa processing now ranges from two to seven months.
- Subclass 407 Training visa processing has tripled to approximately nine months.
Overview
Australia’s Department of Home Affairs has updated expected processing times for several key visa categories in response to increased application volumes and heightened vetting procedures. The most notable changes affect the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482), now taking between two and seven months to process, a significant increase from the prior range of one to three months.
Similarly, the newly introduced Skills in Demand visa streams have seen rising wait times. The Specialist Skills stream now requires nine to 39 days (up from seven), while the Core Skills stream takes 30 to 47 days (previously 21). Training visas under subclass 407 have experienced one of the most significant changes, with processing timelines stretching to approximately nine months—triple the previous average.
Meanwhile, Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visas continue to hold steady processing durations of 12 to 18 months. These delays reflect both the surge in global demand for Australian work visas and an increased emphasis on applicant scrutiny to ensure integrity and compliance in the immigration system.
Looking Ahead
Employers and foreign nationals planning for migration to Australia in 2025 should adjust their timelines to accommodate longer visa processing windows. It is advisable to submit applications as early as possible, particularly for time-sensitive assignments or workforce planning. Immigration counsel can assist with navigating category-specific requirements, evaluating eligibility, and exploring alternative visa pathways in the face of longer processing times. Continued updates from the Department of Home Affairs are expected as the government works to manage demand and improve system efficiency.
