Blog / Permanent residence
How long does Australian permanent residence take in 2026?
Short answer
It depends on the visa. On Home Affairs figures published 9 November 2026, 90% of applications were decided within 9 months for the 189, 16 months for the 190, 24 months for the 186 Direct Entry stream and 11 months for the 191. These times run from lodgement and do not include waiting for an invitation or nomination.
Key facts
- 189 (points-tested): 90% within 9 months.
- 190: 90% within 16 months.
- 186 Direct Entry: 90% within 24 months; Temporary Residence Transition: 24 months; Labour Agreement: 13 months.
- 191: 90% within 11 months; 887: 11 months; 858 Global Talent: 24 months.
- Partner, permanent stage: 801 90% within 19 months; 100 18 months.
Checked against Home Affairs every day. Last checked 11 November 2026.
Cite this page
AusVisaClock. “How long does Australian permanent residence take in 2026?.” Updated 9 November 2026. https://ausvisaclock.com/blog/how-long-does-australian-pr-take/
The figures come from the Department of Home Affairs. You may quote them with a link to this page.
Permanent visa processing times
| Visa | 50% decided within | 75% | 90% decided within |
|---|---|---|---|
| 189 Skilled Independent visa Points-Tested | 90 days | 4 months | 9 months |
| 190 Skilled Nominated visa | 8 months | 14 months | 16 months |
| 186 Employer Nomination Scheme Direct Entry Pathway | 22 months | 23 months | 24 months |
| 186 Employer Nomination Scheme Transition Pathway | 22 months | 23 months | 24 months |
| 186 Employer Nomination Scheme Agreement Pathway | 44 days | 12 months | 13 months |
| 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Regional Provisional Visa | 7 months | 8 months | 11 months |
| 887 Skilled Regional visa | 10 months | 10 months | 11 months |
| 858 Global Talent visa Distinguished Talent / Global Talent (Independent) | 16 months | 19 months | 24 months |
| 801 Partner visa | 6 months | 11 months | 19 months |
| 100 Partner visa | 9 months | 13 months | 18 months |
The full path is longer than the processing time
For skilled visas, the steps before lodging (skills assessment, English test, Expression of Interest and waiting for an invitation or nomination) often take longer than processing. Employer-sponsored applicants wait for the nomination to be approved. Partner applicants reach the permanent stage about two years after applying.