What is the 888a visa processing time?

Answers

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  James Hall

  ANZ Migrate

  February 07, 2026

  If it were 188, you'd be looking at closer to 10 years. Fortunately, 888 processing times are not that long, and we're seeing them processed easily within a year, expect around 4 - 8 months typically. While standards for assessing factors like business management have become stricter for the 188, we haven't seen similar changes for the 888. Remember, the various visa tests are set out in legislation, and the processing officer must follow them (otherwise, the decision is defective and may be invalidated as a jurisdictional error). You don't need to worry about preferences or focus on other visa areas; these are not relevant to your visa decision. Bottom line, if the requirements are met, your visa is going to be granted. Email Signature

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  Venkateswaran Palat Krishnan

  Aran Legal

  February 07, 2026

  Since you have already secured your Victorian state nomination, the most rigorous part of the vetting process is behind you. The state government has already reviewed your business activity and confirmed that you have met its high standards. While no specific timeline is provided by the Department of Home Affairs, here is what is happening now: The Department will verify the claims in your application—specifically focusing on your direct management, financial figures, and employee records. Once these checks are completed and the Department is satisfied that you meet the federal visa requirements, your visa will begranted. The lack of a specific timeframe is simply due to the high volume of background checks the Department performs across all permanent visas. Because you have already met the Victorian state nomination criteria to apply for the visa, the federal process is now primarily a confirmation of those facts. As long as your business remains compliant and you continue your management role during this waiting period, you are on a very clear path to permanent residency.