Short answer: for visa holders applying online, the ATO says to allow up to 28 days from when it receives your completed application. Your TFN is then posted to your Australian address.
No private service — including ours — can make the ATO process your application faster. Be wary of anyone promising a TFN "in 24 hours".
What affects the timing
| Factor | Effect |
|---|---|
| Details match your passport exactly | Normal processing |
| Name, date of birth or passport number mismatch | Can trigger a manual check and add weeks |
| Incomplete or wrong postal address | Letter delayed or returned |
| Applying twice | Slows down both applications |
| Paper applications | Generally slower than online |
| Postal delays and public holidays | Can add a few days |
What to do while you wait
- Start work. Tell your employer you've applied; you have 28 days to give them your TFN.
- Open a bank account. You don't need a TFN to open one — you can add it later.
- Don't apply again. It doesn't speed anything up.
Not arrived after 28 days?
Contact the ATO with the receipt or reference number from your application. Make sure your address was entered correctly and that your name is on your letterbox if you share a house.
Can I apply before arriving in Australia?
Not online. Visa holders use the online application once they're physically in Australia, so apply as soon as you have a postal address.
Related: How to apply for a TFN · What is a TFN?