Australian Visa Bureau   »   Visas and Immigration   »   Making an Australian Visa Application   »  Australian Skilled Visa Application Priority Processing Order

Australian Skilled Visa Application Priority Processing Order

While the Australian visa application process is specific to individual applications and can take any length of time from a few weeks to a few years, understanding the Australian visa application priority processing order will help to give some idea of where you stand in relation to other applications.

How does the priority processing order work?

The priority processing order is two sets of directions for the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) that clearly states the order in which immigration officers will process skilled Australian permanent and provisional visa applications. 

If your application is regarded as Priority 1 on the permanent visa or provisional visa list, then your application can be processed anywhere between a few weeks to a few months.  For Priority 2,3 and 4, applications will take much longer to be processed.  All timeframes are dependent on the demands of the Australian economy and DIAC, and as such the priority of your application is subject to change.

IMPORTANT: Understanding the differences in processing times can make a huge difference to the Australian visa application you choose to use, should you be eligible for multiple visas. 

Anyone interested in applying under the General Skilled Migration Program should first complete the Online Assessment to find out their eligibility under the skilled visa classes. It is only after being assessed that you will be advised on the appropriate route to take and provided with information regarding the appropriate Australian visa application form.

 Complete the online Australian Visa Application Form

Processing for Permanent Australian Visas

As of 01 January 2009, the processing order for permanent Australian visa applications will run as follows:

1. Employer-sponsored permanent migration applications;
2. State/Territory-nominated applications;
3. Applicants whose nominated skill is on the Critical Skills List (CSL);
4. Applicants whose nominated skill is on the Migration Occupations in Demand List (MODL);
5. All other Australian visa applications.
   

 Online Australian Skilled Visa Assessment

Priority Processing for Provisional Visas

As of 01 January 2009, the processing order for provisional Australian visa applications will run as follows: 

1. State/Territory-nominated applications;
2. Applications with family sponsorship from a member living in Australia and whose nominated skill is on the Critical Skills List (CSL);
3. All other applications.  

If you are interested in migrating to Australia and would like to find out the best possible route, REQUEST A CALL from the Australian Visa Bureau team, or complete our Online Assessment to find out your eligibility under the skilled visa classes.

 Skilled Assessment Australian Visa Application Form