If you’re dreaming of swapping traffic jams for kangaroos and a cubicle for the coast, you might want to get your visa paperwork sorted sooner rather than later. Australia’s skilled migration system is currently moving at the speed of a slow kettle, especially in 2025.
Visa processing times have stretched like a rubber band left too long in the sun. The Department of Home Affairs says there’s been a spike in applications and tighter checks, which means longer waits across several categories. It’s hitting skilled workers and international trainees the hardest.
407 Training Visa Delays
Take Priya Singh, for example. She applied for a 407 Training visa in August last year, expecting to be here by Christmas. Fast forward eight months, and she’s still stuck in Mumbai, watching her plans gather dust.
“I applied for a 407 Training visa back in August,” said Priya Singh, a software intern from Mumbai. “I was expecting a decision in three months, but it’s been nearly eight—and I’m still waiting.”
The 407 visa, which once took a breezy three months, now drags out to nine. That’s not a hiccup, it’s a full-blown delay. And it’s not the only one.
The 482 Temporary Skill Shortage visa, popular among employers needing a helping hand from abroad, now takes anywhere from two to seven months. That’s more than double the wait at the higher end.
Australia Skills in Demand visa streams feeling the squeeze
Even the brand-new Skills in Demand visa streams are already feeling the squeeze. The Specialist Skills stream used to be a reliable seven-day turnaround—now it might take up to 39. The Core Skills stream’s gone from three weeks to nearly seven.
So what does all this mean for those wanting to make the move? Well, healthcare, construction, and IT industries rely heavily on overseas talent. If you’re part of that pipeline, these delays could throw a spanner in your plans. Training programs, job offers, and start dates might need reshuffling.
Interestingly, the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) hasn’t changed. It is still sitting pretty at 12 to 18 months. It is slow but at least consistent.
Migration consultants are urging people to get their ducks in a row early – every document, every form, all shipshape, before you hit submit.
“We’re seeing a lot of frustration, especially from smaller companies who depend on international interns or critical hires,” said Lila Morrison, a Sydney-based migration consultant. “The backlog is real, and it’s likely to grow.”
If you’re heading Down Under in 2025, it’s still possible. You’ll just need more time, more patience, and possibly a Plan B while you wait. No one said chasing the Aussie dream would be quick, but it’s still worth it.
Planning your own move?
Leave a comment below – Are you waiting on a visa or navigating the paperwork? We’d love to hear your story and swap some tips.
