Australia’s skilled migration program is under growing pressure as visa processing delays continue to create roadblocks for both businesses and migrants. The Department of Home Affairs has made it clear that no priority processing will be offered (even in urgent or compassionate circumstances), despite consistent advocacy from the Migration Institute of Australia (MIA) and others.
This lack of flexibility is causing real-world consequences. Australian businesses are finding it harder to fill critical skill shortages, and migrants are left in limbo, unable to move forward with their lives.
Visa Processing Delays in Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482)
The Skills in Demand visa is one of the key tools for addressing workforce shortages. But processing times are stretching out, particularly under the Core Skills stream:
- 50% of applications: processed in around 57 days*
- 90% of applications: up to 4 months*
Even the Specialist Skills stream, designed to move faster, is feeling the squeeze:
- 50% of applications: 7 days*
- 90% of applications: up to 55 days*
These delays make it harder for employers to plan and bring in skilled workers when they’re needed most.
* This guide is based on the Department of Home Affairs current published visa processing delays as of June 30th, 2025.
Temporary Work Visa (Subclass 400) Bottlenecks
Short-term specialist roles are also being impacted. The Temporary Work visa (Subclass 400) is facing inconsistent processing times depending on where the application is lodged.
For the Short Stay Activity stream:
- 50% of applications: processed within 7 days*
- 90% of applications: within 24 days*
For employers needing specialist support quickly, these unpredictable timelines are proving a major obstacle.
* This guide is based on the Department of Home Affairs current published visa processing times as of June 30th, 2025.
Permanent Residency Delays Causing More Paperwork
Processing for permanent residency visas has also slowed significantly. While some business nominations are being approved, the actual visa grants are often held up—sometimes beyond 18 months. This has serious flow-on effects, including the expiry of documents like police checks and medicals, which then need to be resubmitted, delaying the process even further.
Industry Frustration Mounts
According to the MIA, escalation requests are now being dismissed or blamed for contributing to application backlogs—leaving employers and applicants with no clear pathway forward. Key sectors like construction, healthcare, agriculture, and cybersecurity are bearing the brunt of the impact.
With the end of the financial year on the horizon, additional delays are expected.
How AVIE Can Help
At AVIE, we understand the pressure visa delays can create for employers and skilled migrants alike. If your business or future in Australia is being impacted by visa wait times, our expert migration agents are here to help.
Reach out to Australian Visa and Immigration Experts now so we can help you achieve your goals: Book an appointment.