Update on Subclass 186 Visa program processing times

The Department of Home Affairs has recently updated processing times for the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa, with indicative timeframes refreshed regularly based on real-time decision data. 

Australia's permanent Migration Program is capped annually at 185,000 places for the 2025–26 program year (July–June).  The permanent migration program includes both skilled and family stream. Once the skilled stream allocation is reached, no further visa grants in these visa subclasses can occur until the commencement of the new migration program. Surging subclass 186 applications, high demand for limited places, shifting government priorities, and resource constraints continue to prolong processing times across all streams.

Subclass 186- Temporary Transition Pathway

50% of applications processed in 13 months

90% of applications processed in 19 months

Subclass 186 Direct Entry Stream

50% of applications processed in 17 months

90% of applications processed in 20 months

Subclass 186- Labour Agreement Stream

50% of applications  processed in 33 days

90% of applications processed in 9 months

Skilled visa applications, including Subclass 186 applications,  are processed according to government policy priorities in the following order:

• For employer sponsored visas, visa applications in relation to an occupation to be carried out in a designated regional area.

• Visa applications in relation to a healthcare or teaching occupation.

• For employer sponsored visas, visa applications where the applicant is nominated by an Approved sponsor with Accredited Status.

• For permanent and provisional visa subclasses, visa applications that count towards the migration program, excluding the Subclass 188 (Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional)) visa.

• All other visa applications.

Book a consultation to speak to one of experienced Registered Migration Agents today.

Disclaimer: The information provided herein is of a general nature only and does not constitute immigration advice. For more detailed and case-specific information or advice, please get in touch with SCA Connect.