Blog / Guides
My visa is past the processing time. What does that mean?
Short answer
Being past the published 90% time means your application is among the slower 10% of recent decisions; it does not mean it has been forgotten or refused. Home Affairs says contacting it before the processing time has passed is usually not useful. After that, check ImmiAccount for requests and use the department’s enquiry form.
Key facts
- The published times are the period within which 25%, 50%, 75% and 90% of recently decided applications were finalised. One in ten took longer than the 90% figure.
- Common reasons for a longer wait include requests for more information, health or character checks still open, and applications that were incomplete when lodged.
- AusVisaClock checks the department’s figures every day; the latest release was published 9 November 2026.
Checked against Home Affairs every day. Last checked 11 November 2026.
Cite this page
AusVisaClock. “My visa is past the processing time. What does that mean?.” Updated 9 November 2026. https://ausvisaclock.com/blog/visa-past-processing-time-what-to-do/
The figures come from the Department of Home Affairs. You may quote them with a link to this page.
Check these first
- ImmiAccount: any request for information, health examination or biometrics you have not completed.
- That your contact details and passport are current in ImmiAccount.
- Whether your visa’s processing time has changed: the figures move with each monthly release.
Who can help
AusVisaClock only reports published figures. For advice about your own application, speak to a registered migration agent or an Australian legal practitioner.