Australian immigration news once again brings bad news for those waiting for permanent visas. Processing of pending visas has begun but priorities are set towards those in urgent need to travel, and those with critical skills.
Even though onshore and offshore applicants have been waiting for more than a year, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA), warned about further delays in visa processing time. 75% of Subclass 190 visa applications are being processed in 6 months, and 90 % of applications are being processed in 9 months. However, some applicants have been waiting two years to have their application processed.
The Department of Home Affairs (DHA), is now prioritizing travelers who are immediate family members and parents of Australian citizens and permanent residents, as well as eligible visa holders (skilled, student, humanitarian, working holiday maker and provisional family visa holders).
“As borders reopen and more people become eligible for travel, many of these applications are now being finalised. As we clear these older cases, published processing times may increase.” - Immigration Minister Alex Hawke
This is obviously causing frustration amongst applicants waiting for their visa application to be processed. Furthermore, the news of further delays is helping fuel uncertainty regarding the waiting time still in place.
If you have applied to Australia, reduce your uncertainty by adding your case to MyImmitracker, where you can see the dates when you can expect to get your status updates. Your case means a lot!