Wishing to permanently settle down in Australia by taking 189 visas in 2025? If yes, and you are a skilled worker, then you must be worried about the 189 visa processing time and the factors that affect it. Well, you must know that the Australian Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) is a permanent visa for those who are not sponsored by an employer, state, or family member.
This visa helps skilled migrants to live and work anywhere in Australia indefinitely. Let’s read this blog post and understand everything about the 189 visa processing time and how you can ease the process for getting nominated for permanent residency in Australia.
Latest Blog: Confused Between Visa 189 & 190? Read This First!
What Is The Processing Time Of The Visa 189?
With the recent update from the Department of Home Affairs in 2025, the estimated processing time for an 189 visa Australia is around 8 to 9 months. However, this timeframe may vary depending on individual circumstances and the complexity of the application. With this, application volume, document completeness, and government processing capacity also play the biggest role in Skilled Independent Visa Australia processing time.
Here is the brief about the visa processing time in 2025-
- Invitation to apply (ITA): 1 to 12 months (which depends on points score and occupation demand)
- Application processing: 3 to 12 months
- 50% of applications: 6 Months
- 90% of applications: 7 Months
Numerous Factors Affecting The Processing Time Of Visas 189 In 2025
Several factors can influence the time it takes to process a 189 visa in Australia in 2025, which you will learn below.
- Volume and complexity of applications: Variations in the volume of applications received by the Department of Home Affairs could result in variations in the processing time for visa 189.
- Character, health, and medical certificate: The absence of these certificates may affect the processing time as a whole for visa 189, which may cause a delay in getting the visa in hand.
- Response time to requests for additional information: A delay in promptly responding to any requests from the Department of Home Affairs can affect the 189 processing time.
- Migration program availability: The number of places available in the migration program can affect 189 visa processing times for permanent visa applications.
- Security Clearances: Applications requiring additional background checks may take longer.
- Incomplete Applications: When applications are submitted incomplete, it can delay the processing time as the Department of Home Affairs needs to request further formalities.
- Increased Visa Demand: High volumes of visa applications can lead to longer processing times for the visa 189 in 2025.
- Biometric Data Collection: Biometric requirements, such as fingerprint scans and facial recognition, can add to processing times.
- Technical Issues: Unexpected technical outages affecting visa systems can also cause a delay in the processing time of the visa 189.
Read Also: What Is the 189 Visa Australia? Complete Guide to Requirements
189 Visa Cost
The number of applicants and the place of application are two variables that affect the cost of the Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189. The Cost of a 189 visa, for instance, is $4,765 for primary applicants, $2,385 for dependent applicants who are 18 years of age or older, and $1,195 for dependent applicants who are 18 years of age or younger.
However, there might be an extra 189 visa cost for police clearance ($50 to $100 per country), skills evaluations ($500 to $2,000, depending on the occupation), and health checks ($350 to $500 per applicant). The English Language Test (IELTS/PTE) can cost anywhere from $250 to $400.
Quick Reasons For 189 Australia Visa Refusals in 2025
There can be numerous 189 visa refusal reasons in 2025. Knowing the reasons is important to understand the potential pitfalls and take corrective measures to avoid rejection. By overcoming these challenges, you can ensure that your application is thorough and accurate, increasing your chances of a successful outcome.
- Passport Issues: Your application might face problems if your passport is damaged or doesn’t stay valid for at least six months.
- Character Concerns: You might not get a visa if you fail the character test because of a big criminal record or links to organized crime.
- Missing Paperwork: Not having enough essential documents or leaving some out can lead to rejection.
- Incomplete Application: Your visa could get rejected if you don’t tell the truth or skip parts of the form filling.
- Fake Info or Incomplete papers: Giving false papers or misleading information can cause your visa to be refused.
- Financial Requirements: Not demonstrating sufficient 189 visa fee to pay can affect your application.
- Slow Responses: If you don’t answer requests or send extra documents when asked within the given time, your visa might be denied.
- Health Issues: Some medical conditions might mean you don’t meet the health requirements, leading to rejection.
Read Also: When Will Be The Next 189 Invitation Round? New Update 2025
Secrets Tips For the Success Of 189 Visa Processes In 2025
The 189 visa rejection rate can vary on several factors, but it is estimated that around 30% of applications may be rejected by the Department of Home Affairs due to improper documentation or inability to meet points requirements. But if you are applying for the Skilled Independent subclass 189 for PR in Australia with all your efforts, you surely don’t want your application to get rejected for some reason. So, here are some of the tips provided for you that will help in a smooth visa process without any hassle.
- Submit a complete application with all required documents.
- Give a quick response to requests for additional information or documents.
- Ensure you meet the character, health, and financial requirements.
- Use the ImmiAccount checklist to verify you have attached all necessary documents.
Wrap Up – Consult an Expert Migration Agent To Smoothen Your 189 Visa Process
The 189 visa processing time can vary based on several factors, depending on the applicant’s circumstances or the complexity of the application. By consulting the professional Migration Agents Perth, you get guidance to ensure a smooth and successful 189 Visa process. Here, the Migration Agent will assist you in the visa process, requirements, and other details so that you can get PR in Australia.
FAQs
What is the processing time for 189 visas in 2025?
189 Visa Processing The processing time for a 189 Visa in 2025 depends on your occupation and application completeness, which can take around 4 to 12 months.
Are there any options to speed up my 189 Visa process?
While you can’t directly expedite the 189 visa processing, you can take steps to potentially streamline your application, like-
- Ensure accurate documentation
- Submit medicals early
- Apply with a high points score
Is 75 points enough for applying for a 189 Visa?
If you have 75 points, you can get an invitation, but higher scores (80+ points) can increase your chances of receiving an ITA faster.
What are the circumstances if my 189 visa is delayed?
If your 189 visa is delayed, you first have to find out the reasons for delays, like not meeting the points requirements, incomplete documentation, or high application volumes. You can even track your application status on ImmiAccount.
Is family included in my 189 Visa application?
Yes! You can eventually include your family in 189 visa applications, which include your spouse or de facto partner, dependent children under 18, and children over 18 (if financially dependent).
Is the 189 Visa called the permanent visa?
Yes, the 189 Visa offers permanent residency and allows you to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely.
What are the circumstances of my 189 Visa refusal?
If your visa is refused, you may visit the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) to apply or submit a new application with stronger documentation.
What should I know about the 189 visa conditions before applying?
189 visa condition for Points- Tested
You must not marry or enter into a de facto relationship before arriving in Australia.
If your contact details have changed, ensure you update them immediately.
Please note that your visa may be cancelled if it is found that you were engaged, married, or in a de facto relationship before your visa was granted and failed to disclose this information to the Department.
