We are seeing significant delays and inconsistencies for visa processing across many visa categories as we get closer to the end of year. The Department continues to make it clear that no priority requests can be made even in urgent circumstances. Any escalation requests are seen as clogging the system.
Case officers are dealing with higher volumes with less resources, potentially as they prepare for the upcoming changes to the TSS and PR programs. Ajuria Lawyers is holding a webinar on 24 October 2024 at 11am AEDT to discuss the upcoming changes to Australian work visa programs commencing November 2024. A link for registration can be found here.
Whilst the Department of Home Affairs publishes estimated processing times, however these are not what we are experiencing in practice. Our estimates are:
TSS Work Visas
Very inconsistent processing which are changing all the time. Please note these are guidelines of averages only.
Non-Accredited Sponsors
Up to 6 months
Accredited Sponsors
Up to 3 months
Permanent Residence
We continue to see very limited permanent residence visa grants with processing timeframes now reaching 12 months and over. While some business nominations continue to be approved, visa grants are being delayed. This is resulting in police clearances and health exam results expiring and being requested again by case officers.
400 Visas
These are processed by the offshore Embassy/High Commission and processing is different depending on the location of the person at the time the application is lodged. Most processed in Europe and the Americas are taking anywhere from 1-3 weeks whereas other offices may take longer. There is also a significantly higher refusal rate on these applications.
Medical examination delays
Ongoing delays in obtaining bookings for medical examinations in Australia leading to delays with grants. Visas cannot be granted until medicals are done.
Upcoming changes and uncertainty
Businesses may consider lodging TSS renewals and PR applications as soon as possible as the Government has flagged changes to the migration program coming into effect late November 2024. Whilst we do not yet know the extent of the changes and how employees will be affected, we are receiving many queries from anxious employees, and businesses may wish to look at transitioning TSS visa holders to PR before these changes come in.
The delays in visa processing will be exacerbated as we head into the end of 2024 and the month of January when processing typically slows down further.
In the meantime, Ajuria Lawyers will continue to keep clients updated with any changes.
