Temporary Work Visa Processing Times
The table below details the processing time service standards for work visas.
Note: We aim to process applications within these service standards, however, actual processing times may vary depending on a range of factors.
See: Processing Time Service Standards
| Visa Application | Lodged in Australia | Lodged outside Australia | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low Risk | High Risk | Low Risk | High Risk | |
| Temporary Work (Short Stay Activity) (subclass 400) |
n/a | n/a | 1 working day | 1 month |
| Temporary Work (Skilled) (subclass 457) |
2 months | 3 months | 2 months | 3 months |
| Other Temporary Work Visas (subclass 401, 402, 403, 405, 410, 416, 418, 420, 422) |
2 months | 3 months | 2 months | 3 months |
Definition – low/high risk
The terms 'Low risk' and 'High risk' show whether passport holders are eligible to apply for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). Low risk applies to nationals from countries which issue ETA eligible passports. A list of these can be found on the department's website. High risk countries are those which are not ETA eligible.
See: ETA Eligible Passports
More information on working in Australia is available on the department's website.
See: Workers