Australia has released updated visa processing times, and the gap between visa streams is growing fast.

According to the latest Department of Home Affairs data, 90% of Temporary Skill Shortage Subclass 482 applications under the Core Skills stream now take up to 8 months. That is one month slower than March.

Meanwhile, the Specialist Skills stream is moving quickly, with some visas approved in just seven days. Experts say Australia is prioritising high-salary and high-productivity workers under its new migration strategy.

Processing delays are also hitting Subclass 186 and Subclass 494 visas. Employers are now being told to prepare for longer hiring timelines, submit decision-ready applications, and plan workforce needs much earlier than before.