Waiting times for major Australian visas: Key dates

Camila Patiño
2 days ago
3 min read

One of the most frequently discussed topics in migration forums about Australia is the waiting time for different visas. Many migrants—just like you—are searching for clear, trustworthy answers about application timelines and what to realistically expect.

If you're planning to apply for a visa, or you're already in the middle of the process, it’s essential to have a reliable reference point to guide your expectations.

Below, we’ve prepared a complete summary with key dates and real waiting times for the most requested visas in Australia. Discover how the process unfolded for other migrants and prepare for your own journey!

Student Visa 500 – The First Step Toward Your Future in Australia.

Arrival date in Australia: January 30, 2018

The Subclass 500 visa is the first step for many migrants who come to Australia for study purposes.This is only the beginning of the process, but it’s important to understand what happens next after this visa.

State Nomination – Estimated Wait Time: 3 Months.

Once you obtain state nomination, you can move forward to the next stage.On average, this process takes around three months.

Key dates:

May 5, 2018: Nomination application submitted.
June 5, 2018: Request for additional information from TAS (and pre-approval)
July 30, 2018: Additional information submitted to TAS.
August 6, 2018: Nomination approved by TAS.

This process gives you state support, which opens more doors toward permanent residency.

489 Visa – How Long Does It Take to Be Approved?

Estimated wait time: 4.5 months

The Subclass 489 visa is a temporary visa that allows you to live and work in regional areas of Australia.Once state nomination is granted, this is the next major step.

Key dates:

August 9, 2018: Visa application submitted
November 20, 2018: Request for further information (new IELTS)
December 22, 2018: Additional information uploaded
January 15, 2019: 489 visa granted — marking our temporary residency!

Although it may seem like a long process, this visa allows you to settle in Australia while continuing your path toward permanent residency.

887 Visa – The Route to Permanent Residency

Estimated wait time: 25 months.

The Subclass 887 visa is the next step after spending time in Australia on a temporary visa.This visa is essential for those wanting to become permanent residents.

Key dates:

January 30, 2023: 887 visa application submitted.
November 15, 2022: Document updates (new IELTS and police clearance)
December 6, 2022: Request for more information (baby’s health certificate)
December 20, 2022: Additional information submitted.
February 16, 2023: Claim request submitted.
February 21, 2023: 887 visa granted.

It’s a long process, but once approved, you get automatic access to Green Medicare, offering full healthcare coverage.

Australian Citizenship – The Dream Come True

Estimated wait time: 25 months.

For those who have lived in Australia for a while and already hold permanent residency, the next step is Australian citizenship.The process is rigorous—but absolutely worth it.

Key dates:

May 29, 2024: Citizenship application submitted.
August 15, 2024: Interview appointment.
September 18, 2024: Citizenship test.
December 12, 2024: Approval notification received.
May 19, 2025: Invitation to citizenship ceremony.
June 18, 2025: Citizenship ceremony held.
June 19, 2025: Passport application submitted.

Becoming an Australian citizen is a major goal for many. And although the process can take time, the benefits are well worth the wait.

We know that the migration process to Australia can feel long and uncertain.But having a clear overview of real waiting times and key steps allows you to make informed decisions and manage your expectations with confidence.

Now that you’ve seen the real timeline across different visa types, you can plan ahead and ensure your own process flows as smoothly as possible.

If you have questions or need guidance, don’t hesitate to contact us through our new WhatsApp line for personalised assistance. At AustraliaPRO, our team of experts is ready to help you with every part of the migration process and ensure you meet all the required criteria.

Click here to book your free consultation now.

Warm regards,

Mafe Garcia.

Business Development Director.

AustraliaPRO – Your trusted partner in the migration journey to Australia.