Australia’s 491 & 190 Visa Chaos: Why Are Newer Applications Jumping the Queue?

If you’re waiting for your Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) or 190 (Skilled Nominated) visa, you’re not alone in feeling the whiplash from the Department of Home Affairs’ (DHA) sudden processing shake-up. Applicants are baffled as newer applications leapfrog older ones, leaving many in limbo. Here’s the inside scoop on what’s happening and what it means for your visa journey.

The Processing Puzzle: Old vs. New Applications

Recent weeks have revealed a stark shift in DHA’s approach:

• Newer applications (lodged August 2023 to April 2024) are being processed rapidly, with some grants issued in 10–11 months.
• Older applications (pre-June 2023) are also seeing movement.
• But July to October 2023 applicants? Many are stuck in a black hole, with no updates or clarity.

This non-chronological pattern has sparked frustration and anxiety. Why prioritize newer files while leaving mid-2023 applicants stranded?

Why Is DHA Skipping Months? The Hidden Agenda

The answer might lie in processing time statistics.

• Current 491 visa processing times sit at 19–22 months—a figure DHA likely wants to avoid inflating further.
• By fast-tracking newer applications, the department can artificially reduce the average processing time, making timelines appear more efficient in official reports.

While this strategy may improve optics, it leaves thousands of applicants in the dark, questioning the fairness of the system.

Key Trends in Recent Grants

Data from recent weeks highlights the erratic pattern:

• March/April 2024 lodgments granted in 10–11 months (onshore applicants dominate).
• August/November 2023 applications taking 14–16 months.
• Pre-June 2023 files finally seeing movement after 2+ years of waiting.

Onshore applicants are faring better, suggesting DHA may prioritize those already contributing to Australia’s economy. Offshore candidates, meanwhile, face slower progress.

If You Lodged Between July–October 2023: What Now?

The silence for mid-2023 applicants is deafening, but don’t lose hope. Industry experts speculate DHA may circle back to these “skipped” files once newer applications are cleared. However, the lack of transparency is undeniably stressful.

What you can do:

1. Stay patient but proactive: Ensure all documents (police checks, medicals, etc.) are up-to-date.
2. Monitor forums and updates: Join communities tracking grant patterns for real-time insights.
3. Avoid withdrawing your application: Restarting the process could mean even longer delays.

The Bigger Picture: Is This a Long-Term Strategy?

While DHA’s approach seems tactical, the inconsistency risks eroding trust in Australia’s migration system. For a country reliant on skilled migrants to address labor shortages, transparency and fairness in visa processing are critical.

How We Can Support Your Journey

At CDR for Australia, we understand the emotional and logistical toll of visa uncertainty. Whether you’re an engineer, IT professional, teacher, or social worker, our team specializes in skill assessments (VETASSESS and others) and visa guidance to strengthen your application.

If you’re struggling with delays or need help preparing a bulletproof submission, reach out to us. Let’s turn your Australian dream into a reality—no matter how unpredictable the process gets.

CDR for Australia Your trusted partner for skill assessments and migration success. Engineers | IT Professionals | Teachers | Social Workers | VETASSESS Occupations