189 Visa Processing Times: 2026 Official Figures
- Leading Edge
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
The Department of Home Affairs has streamlined the system in 2026, but high competition for permanent residency means timelines can vary significantly based on your points score and occupation.
Percentage of Applications | Current Processing Time (2026) |
25% of Applications | 4 Months |
50% of Applications | 8 Months |
75% of Applications | 12 Months |
90% of Applications | 18 Months |
2026 Trend: We are seeing "priority" grants for high-demand roles (Healthcare, Education, and Trades) being finalized in as little as 3 to 6 months if the application is "decision-ready" upon lodgement.
The Two-Stage Timeline: EOI to Visa Grant
When calculating your timeline, you must consider both the wait for an invitation and the visa processing time.
Stage 1: The Quarterly Invitation Rounds
In 2025-26, the Department moved away from ad-hoc rounds. Invitations are now issued once per quarter:
Q1: July – September
Q2: October – December
Q3: January – March
Q4: April – June
The Points Factor: If you have 90+ points, you are likely to be invited in the first round after submitting your EOI. If you have 75–80 points in a non-priority sector, your wait time could be 12+ months, or you may not receive an invitation at all.
Stage 2: Visa Lodgement to Grant
Once you receive your Invitation to Apply (ITA), you have 60 days to lodge your visa. From the moment you click "submit" in ImmiAccount, the clock starts on the 8 to 18-month average processing window.
Factors That Speed Up (or Delay) Your 189 Visa
Priority Occupation Status: Healthcare (Nurses, GPs), Secondary Teachers, and Construction Trades are currently at the front of the queue.
The "Decision-Ready" Rule: Applications submitted with medicals, police clearances, and English results already attached are being processed significantly faster.
Request for More Information (RFI): Every time a Case Officer asks for a missing document, your application is put on hold, often adding 60+ days to the timeline.
Security & Character Checks: Applicants from certain "high-risk" regions may face extended federal security clearances, which can add 6 months to the process.
189 vs. 190: Which is Faster in 2026?
If you are looking for the fastest route to PR, the Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) visa is currently processing slightly faster than the 189 for applicants with 75–85 points. While the 189 is more "flexible," the 190 often has more frequent nomination rounds through state governments like WA, NSW, and VIC.
How Leading Edge Migration Can Help
At Leading Edge Migration Perth, we specialize in high-points 189 applications. Our goal is to ensure your application is processed in the "25% bracket" (under 4 months) by ensuring zero errors and front-loading all necessary evidence.
Are you waiting for the next quarterly invitation round?
