Your Journey to
Immigration and citizenship
Australia offers various immigration pathways for skilled workers, students, families, and refugees, with visa options such as skilled migration, employer sponsorship, and partner visas. Permanent residents can apply for Australian citizenship after meeting residency, character, and language requirements, including passing a citizenship test. The process is managed by the Department of Home Affairs and emphasizes integration into Australian society, respect for democratic values, and community participation.
Explore visa options
Visit and Tourism
Enjoy holidays, working holidays, or short stays in Australia. These visas also cover unpaid business visitor activities, such as attending meetings.
Study
Apply for a visa to study, undertake training, or accompany a young student during their studies in Australia.
Work
Explore visas for short- or long-term employment, skilled and employer-sponsored roles, business and investment opportunities, or working holidays in Australia.
Live in Australia permanently
Find visa options that let you become a permanent resident and make Australia your long-term home.
Join your partner or family
Apply for a visa to live in Australia with your partner or family members who are Australian citizens, permanent residents, eligible visa holders, or New Zealand citizens.
Stay longer in Australia
If you are already in Australia, explore visa options that may allow you to extend your stay.
Visa processing times
We aim to process visa applications as quickly as possible while maintaining the integrity of Australia’s migration program.
Why processing times vary
Visa processing times can differ depending on factors such as:
Whether all required documents are provided at lodgement.
If the application is submitted online (which is generally faster).
How quickly applicants respond to requests for more information.
The time taken to receive checks from external agencies (e.g. health, character, national security).
The number of available places in the migration program (for permanent visas).
The complexity of the application.
Fluctuations in the number of applications received.
Updates to government policy or Ministerial Directions.
Deciding older, complex cases.
Current median processing times (July 2025)
Permanent visa program
Skilled (Permanent): 8 months
We are prioritising both new and older applications, so times may change month to month.Partner (Provisional/Temporary): 16 months
Older and complex applications remain a focus, which impacts overall processing times.
Temporary visa program
Skilled (Temporary): 4 months
Incomplete applications requiring further information may take longer.Student: 30 days
Applications should be lodged well in advance with complete documentation.Visitor: Less than 1 day
Working Holiday Maker: Less than 1 day
How to check processing times
You can view up-to-date processing times for most visas using the Visa processing times guide.
Processing time information is updated regularly, but may not be available for:
Visas closed to new applications
Family visas that are capped and queued
Visa types with too few applications for reliable data
Changing visas
Overview
If you want to stay in Australia longer, you must apply for a new visa before your current one expires. Check your options if your visa is ending soon.
Visa conditions
Some visas have a “no further stay” condition. You can check your conditions in VEVO. In limited cases, you may request a waiver.
Bridging visas
If you apply for a new visa before your current one expires, you’ll usually be granted a Bridging Visa A (BVA) to remain lawfully in Australia until a decision is made. The BVA starts when your current visa ends. Cancelling your visa does not activate your bridging visa.
Expression of Interest (EOI)
An EOI is not a visa application and does not give you a bridging visa. If your current visa is about to expire before you can apply for a skilled visa, you must apply for another visa to stay lawfully.
Work on a BVA
Your BVA may come with work rights, depending on conditions. If it doesn’t, you can apply for another BVA with work rights, usually by showing financial hardship. Some BVAs, such as those linked to judicial review or protection visas, do not allow work rights.
Fees and charges for visas
Visa costs are set in Australian dollars (AUD) and may change over time. The amount you pay depends on the date we receive your application. Make sure your payment method has enough funds to cover the fee.
Visa Application Charge (VAC): Paid in one or two instalments.
First instalment: Due when you lodge your application.
Second instalment: If required, due before the visa is granted.
Some visas have no VAC, or you may qualify for an exemption.
Sponsors or nominators may need to pay additional charges.
Other possible costs:
Assurance of support fees
Review of decision fees
Related costs (e.g. health checks, police certificates)
APEC Business Travel Card fees
About Us
Extenseur HR simplifies global healthcare recruitment and compliance, helping UK providers focus on delivering exceptional patient care.
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