Understanding Australia PR Visa Processing Times in 2025

Australia remains a top destination for skilled migrants seeking permanent residency (PR) through its General Skilled Migration (GSM) program. The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189), Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190), and Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) are popular pathways for professionals worldwide. However, processing times for these visas can vary significantly due to multiple factors. This blog explores the global application processing times for these visas in 2025, based on the latest data from the Australian Department of Home Affairs, and provides insights into what influences these timelines.

Overview of Australia PR Visa Processing Times

The Australian Department of Home Affairs updates its visa processing times monthly. These times reflect the duration required to finalize 50% and 90% of applications, but they are not guarantees, as individual circumstances can cause variations. Below, we outline the processing times for Subclass 189 visa processing time, Subclass 190 visa processing time, and Subclass 491 visa processing time as of May 2025, along with key factors that affect these timelines.

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

The Subclass 189 visa is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, state, territory, or family member. It allows holders to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia indefinitely.

Subclass 189 Visa Processing Time (as of May 2025):

• 50% of applications processed in 0 days (immediate processing for some cases, likely due to high-priority or straightforward applications).
• 90% of applications processed in 5 months.

Key Details:

• Applicants must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect and receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA). The waiting time for an ITA can range from 1 to 12 months, depending on the occupation and points score.
• Once the ITA is received, applicants have 60 days to submit a complete visa application, including all supporting documents from the Australia PR visa documents checklist.
• If additional documents are requested by a case officer (typically around the 5.5 month mark), processing may take an additional 45–60 days after submission.
• Recent improvements have reduced processing times significantly, with some applications finalized in as little as 74 days, compared to up to two years previously.

  Check Your Eligibility for Subclass 189

Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

The Subclass 190 visa is a permanent residency visa requiring nomination by a state or territory government. It is also points-tested and allows holders to live, work, and study in the nominating state or territory.

Subclass 190 Visa Processing Time (as of May 2025):

• 50% of applications processed in 15 months.
• 90% of applications processed in 22 months.

Key Details:

• Similar to the Subclass 189, applicants must submit an EOI and receive an ITA. The processing time begins after the visa application is lodged and the required fee is paid.
• Subclass 190 visa eligibility includes meeting state-specific requirements, which can be complex.
• A case officer may request additional documents within the first three months, and if all documents are satisfactory, a direct visa grant may occur after 19 months. If further documents are needed, expect an additional 45–60 days after resubmission.
• The longer processing times compared to Subclass 189 reflect the additional layer of state or territory nomination requirements.

  Are you Eligible for Subclass 190? Check Now

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)

The Subclass 491 visa is a provisional visa for skilled workers willing to live and work in regional Australia. It has two streams: Family Sponsored Regional and State/Territory Government Nominated Regional.

Subclass 491 Visa Processing Time (as of May 2025):

Family Sponsored Regional:

• 50% of applications processed in 22 months.
• 90% of applications processed in 25 months.

State/Territory Government Nominated Regional:

• 50% of applications processed in 22 months.
• 90% of applications processed in 25 months.

Key Details:

• The Subclass 491 visa is a temporary visa valid for up to 5 years, with a pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa after meeting certain conditions (e.g., living and working in a regional area for at least 3 years).
• Processing times are longer due to the regional focus and additional verification requirements, such as state/territory nomination or family sponsorship conditions.
• The processing timeline can vary based on the occupation, nomination details, and application completeness.

  Apply for Australia PR visa with Subclass 491

Factors Affecting Visa Processing Times

Several factors influence how long it takes to process a PR visa application, as outlined by the Department of Home Affairs:

1. Completeness of Application: Submitting a complete application with all required documents (e.g., skills assessment, English test results, health and character checks) is critical. Incomplete or incorrect documents can lead to delays or rejections.
2. Response Time to Requests: Case officers may request additional information, typically around 5.5 months for Subclass 189 or within 3 months for Subclass 190. Submitting response on the raised request will help in getting application processed faster.
3. External Checks: Health, character, and national security checks can take varying amounts of time, especially if external agencies are involved.
4. Migration Program Quotas: The number of available places in Australia’s migration program affects processing speed. High demand occupations or visa categories may face longer wait times due to limited quotas.
5. Occupation and Points Score: High demand occupations on the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL) or those with higher points scores (80+ for Subclass 189) are often prioritized, leading to faster processing. Using an Australia skilled visa points calculator can help you assess your score.
6. Volume of Applications: Large number of applications (can be because of start of the academic year or holiday seasons) can also slow processing due to high volumes.

  Connect with our Australia PR Visa Experts

Tips to Minimize Delays in PR Visa Processing

To improve your chances of a smooth and timely visa application process, consider the following:

• Ensure Accurate Documentation: Double-check all documents, including skills assessments, English test results (e.g., IELTS or PTE), and health/character certificates, before submission.
• Respond Promptly: Monitor your ImmiAccount for requests from case officers and respond quickly to avoid delays.
• Choose the Right Visa Category: Select a visa that aligns with your skills and eligibility. For example, Subclass 189 is ideal for those who want flexibility to live anywhere in Australia, while Subclass 190 or Subclass 491 may suit those eligible for state/territory nomination or regional work.
• Aim for a High Points Score: A score of 80+ can expedite the ITA process, especially for competitive occupations.
• Consider Professional Assistance: You can connect with our best immigration consultants for Australia PR Visa, who can help you in navigating complex requirements and ensure a complete application.

Application Fees for Australia PR visa

The application processing fees for the Australia PR Visa is as follows:

Subclass 189:

• Primary applicant: AUD 4,765.
• For additional applicant (18 and over): AUD 2,385.
• For additional applicant (Under 18): AUD 1,195.

Subclass 190 and Subclass 491:

• Primary applicant: AUD 4,770.
• For additional applicant (18 and over): AUD 2,385.
• For additional applicant (Under 18): AUD 1,190.

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Why Processing Times Vary Across Visa Subclasses

The differences in processing times between Subclass 189, Subclass 190, and Subclass 491 stem from their unique requirements:

• Subclass 189 is prioritized due to its focus on highly skilled workers who can contribute anywhere in Australia, resulting in the fastest way to get PR in Australia (5 months for 90% of applications).
• Subclass 190 involves state/territory nomination, which adds an extra layer of verification, leading to longer processing times (15–22 months).
• Subclass 491 has longer timelines (22–25 months) due to its regional focus and additional checks for family or state/territory sponsorship.

Applying for an Australian PR visa in 2025 requires careful planning and patience due to varying processing times. The Subclass 189 visa offers the fastest pathway, with 90% of applications processed in 5 months, while Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 visas take significantly longer (15–25 months). By ensuring a complete application, responding promptly to requests, and targeting a high points score with the Australia skilled visa points calculator, you can minimize delays. Start your journey to Australian permanent residency with confidence by understanding these timelines and preparing thoroughly.