Information checked 8 November 2026 Waiting for a skilled visa decision? Start by identifying the processing category that applies to your application. Home Affairs publishes queue snapshots for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) and Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491). These indicate the lodgement...
Information checked 8 November 2026
Waiting for a skilled visa decision? Start by identifying the processing category that applies to your application. Home Affairs publishes queue snapshots for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) and Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491). These indicate the lodgement periods the Department is processing.
This is a visa processing update, not a state nomination invitation round. The dates below are queue indicators. They do not guarantee when a particular application will be decided.
Current 190 and 491 processing queue dates
Home Affairs identifies applications lodged in or before these months:
| Category | 190 | 491 |
|---|---|---|
| Listed priority sectors | October 2026 | June 2025 |
| Primary applicant in Australia at lodgement | April 2026 | March 2025 |
| Other offshore categories* | February 2025 | February 2025 |
*For each visa, Home Affairs separately lists offshore applications not combined with another person’s application at any time, and all other offshore applications. Both currently show February 2025.
Priority sectors cover construction, healthcare, teaching, agriculture, aquaculture, fishing and resources, plus Australia’s law enforcement and defence interests. Both pages cite Ministerial Direction No. 122 and warn that dates and timeframes can fluctuate during the transition to new priorities.
Official sources: Home Affairs — subclass 190 · Home Affairs — subclass 491.
How should you read this snapshot?
Read your category before comparing dates. A recent priority-sector application and an older application in another category may be assessed on different timelines. Comparing only visa lodgement dates can create the wrong expectation.
“Onshore” in this table refers to where the primary applicant was when the application was lodged. Your current location alone does not establish that category.
Two simple examples
Example 1 — a priority-sector applicant: Anita sees a date close to her own lodgement month. She should check whether the relevant priority applies to her application rather than assume that proximity guarantees a decision this week.
Example 2 — an applicant now living in Australia: Ravi applied offshore and later entered Australia on another visa. He should use his location at lodgement when reading this particular queue comparison, rather than assume that his move changes the category.
What can applicants do while waiting?
- Review your own ImmiAccount correspondence and respond to requests within the specified deadline.
- Keep your contact information and relevant circumstances up to date.
- Check your current visa conditions before working or making travel plans.
- Keep a record of your lodgement date and supporting documents so your adviser can explain your position accurately.
Frequently asked questions
Does this mean all applications before the listed month have been decided?
No. Treat the publication as an indication of the processing queue, not confirmation of the status of every earlier application.
Are these invitation dates for an EOI or state nomination?
No. This snapshot concerns visa applications already lodged with Home Affairs. An Expression of Interest, state nomination invitation and visa application are different steps.
Can I calculate a guaranteed waiting period from the table?
No. Subtracting the listed month from today does not produce an individual processing-time guarantee.
Explore our Australian permanent residency and skilled migration services for further guidance.
Speak with Global Consult
Need help understanding your application category or a request from Home Affairs? Request a private assessment with Global Consult. Share your name, email, phone number, visa subclass, lodgement date and the question you need answered through our private form.
General information only. Check the live Department pages before relying on these dates. Yogendra Poudel (MARN 1797600), Deepak Chhetri (1688108), Ajay Giri (2619181), Subodh Poudyal (2619554).
