Australia work visa processing time for Indians 2026
How long each Australia route takes once you apply, and how early Indians should start gathering documents so nothing expires or runs late.
Processing time by route
| Visa | Decision | Start preparing |
|---|---|---|
| Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) | 8–24 weeks | about 12 months before moving |
| Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) | 24–52 weeks | about 28 months before moving |
“Start preparing” adds the time to gather every document in order and two weeks of slack to the decision time.
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Check my eligibilityFrequently asked questions
- How long does an Australia work visa take for Indians?
- Typical processing is 8–24 weeks for the Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) and 24–52 weeks for the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189), counted from the date you apply. Add time for gathering documents.
- What is the fastest Australia work visa for Indians?
- The Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482), at 8–24 weeks after applying.
- How early should Indians start preparing a Australia work visa?
- For the Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482), start about 12 months before your move. That covers gathering documents in the right order, the decision wait, and two weeks of slack. Processing time alone understates it, because documents often take longer than the decision.