Australia · Live Data

DHA Processing Times

Current Department of Home Affairs (DHA) visa processing times for Indian students and skilled migrants. Updated from official DHA sources.

Last updated: March 2025. DHA processing times vary by visa type and applicant country. These are indicative for Indian nationals. Always verify current times on the official DHA website.Check DHA official times

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Student Visas

3 visa types

Student visa (subclass 500) — India

Median processing time for Indian nationals from lodgement to decision

90th percentile: 60 days

29 days

→ Stable

Student visa extension/renewal

For students continuing studies at Australian institutions

35 days

→ Stable

Student Guardian visa (subclass 590)

For parents/guardians of student visa holders

45 days

→ Stable

🎓

Graduate Visas

2 visa types

Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) — Diploma/Bachelor

Timeline from 485 lodgement to grant. High volume currently.

10–12 months

↑ Increasing

Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) — Masters/PhD

Same processing timeline regardless of qualification level

10–12 months

↑ Increasing

🏆

Skilled Migration (PR)

3 visa types

Skilled Independent visa (189)

After invitation. Depends on completeness of application and background checks.

6–12 months

→ Stable

Skilled Nominated visa (190)

State sponsorship accelerates processing. Must be nominated by state first.

6–9 months

→ Stable

Skilled Migration (subclass 491) — Regional

Regional sponsor or state nomination required before invitation

6–12 months

→ Stable

💼

Employer Sponsorship

3 visa types

Employer Nomination Scheme (186)

Permanent residency. Requires employer sponsorship and skills assessment.

6–12 months

→ Stable

Temporary Skill Shortage visa (482) — old stream

Being replaced by Skills in Demand (SID) visa from December 2024

3–6 months

→ Stable

Skills in Demand visa (SID) — new

New visa from December 2024 replacing TSS 482. Faster processing.

4–8 weeks

↓ Improving

💕

Partner & Family

3 visa types

Partner visa (onshore)

High volume. Onshore applicants can remain in Australia while processing.

12–24 months

↑ Increasing

Partner visa (offshore)

Applicant must remain outside Australia until decision.

12–24 months

↑ Increasing

Dependent child visa

For children of visa holders or Australian citizens

8–16 months

→ Stable

Tips to Speed Up Processing

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Provide biometrics early: Complete biometric scan (fingerprints, iris scan) as soon as requested — don't wait.

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Medical exam upfront: For 500 Student visas, submit your medical examination immediately. Pre-emptive medicals can save weeks.

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Use ImmiAccount: Track your application status in real-time on the DHA ImmiAccount portal. Respond to requests immediately.

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Complete applications only: Incomplete applications restart the clock. Double-check all required documents before lodging.

Pro tip: For 500 Student visas from India, standard processing takes ~29 days (median). Ensure your CoE is issued, OSHC is arranged, and documents are complete to avoid delays.

485 Graduate Visa Timeline →Document Checklist →