Skilled Independent visa (189) — processing times

Indicative community data, not official, not advice. Always check the Department of Home Affairs for official processing times.

Estimated median (from official figures)

6.0 months

Typical range: 4.3 months – 9.0 months · 71 tracking

Sample figure shown until this visa reaches 30 community reports.

50% decided in 6 months, 90% within 8 months (official, to 31 May 2026)

Every report improves these numbers for the next applicant. No account needed.

189 visa landing page banner — Applications for the Skilled – Independent (subclass 189) visa (Points-tested stream) are prioritised in accordance with Ministerial Direction No. 119 .… (updated 29 July 2026) · Home Affairs ↗
189 visa permanently closed to new applications on 1 July 2023 — The Skilled Independent (subclass 189) (New Zealand stream) visa permanently closed to new applications on 1 July 2023. For more information see Recent… (updated 4 July 2023) · Home Affairs ↗
189 visa permanently closed to new applications on 1 July 2023 - 2nd version — The Skilled Independent (subclass 189) (New Zealand stream) visa permanently closed to new applications on 1 July 2023. For more information see Recent… (updated 4 July 2023) · Home Affairs ↗

Notices from the Department of Home Affairs — always read the full notice at the official source.