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FAQ – Post-lodgement
The following information is aimed towards employer sponsored visa types, primarily the subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa and the subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa.
- What are the processing times?
- Can I check the status of my application?
- When do I need to do my health check?
- Will I get a bridging visa?
- When does a bridging visa become active?
- Can I work on an active bridging visa?
- Can I travel on an active bridging visa?
- Will I be required to provide biometrics?
1. What are the processing times?
Processing times can vary significantly and are difficult to predict. We can give you an estimate based on current published information and recent experience, but no guarantee can be given because each application is different.
The Department’s published processing time information should be used as a guide only, as it is based on recently finalised applications and is not specific to your application.
2. Can I check the status of my application?
Your application will be lodged through one of our firm’s ImmiAccount accounts. Once the application has been finalised, you can import it into your own account. We ask that you do not do this before a decision has been made, as it can affect our ability to manage the application.
ImmiAccount provides only limited status information. Detailed case-progress updates are not generally available, and the Department does not usually respond to routine requests for processing updates.
In practice, the key updates are usually when further information is requested or when a decision is made. We do not need to check ImmiAccount constantly for these updates, because the Department generally issues system notifications when action is required or a decision is made.
3. When do I need to do my health check?
If you need a health check, we will generate or obtain the relevant referral details once the Department’s system permits this and then send you instructions on the tests required and how to make a booking.
Health examinations may be reused in some circumstances if they were completed recently, but whether they remain valid depends on the Department’s rules and the timing of the decision on the new application. We will advise whether it is sensible to complete them immediately or wait.
4. Will I get a bridging visa?
If you lodge a valid application in Australia while holding a substantive visa, you will generally be granted a Bridging visa. If you lodge while holding a Bridging visa A or B, you may also receive a further bridging visa depending on the circumstances. If you lodge while holding no substantive visa and meet the criteria, a Bridging visa C may be relevant.
If you are outside Australia when you lodge, you will not be granted a bridging visa to let you enter Australia. Bridging vsas can be complex and each case will differ depending on the person’s circumstances.
5. When does a bridging visa become active?
A bridging visa usually does not come into effect until your current substantive visa ceases, unless the terms of that bridging visa say otherwise.
6. Can I work on an active bridging visa?
It depends on the conditions attached to the bridging visa that is granted to you. In many cases a Bridging visa A granted after a temporary visa application carries through the work rights linked to your previous substantive visa, but this is not universal and must be checked in VEVO or the grant notice.
A Bridging visa C is commonly granted without work rights, although in some cases an application can be made for work rights if the legal criteria are met.
You should always check the actual visa conditions on VEVO rather than assuming the position. We can also advise further depending on your circumstances.
7. Can I travel on an active bridging visa?
A Bridging visa A or Bridging visa C will not let you leave and re-enter Australia. If you leave Australia while holding one of those visas, it will generally cease and you may not be able to return unless you hold another visa.
If you need to travel while you hold a Bridging visa A, you will need to apply for and be granted a Bridging visa B before departure. A Bridging visa B must be applied for while you are in Australia.
If you plan to travel while on a bridging visa, please let us know well in advance so we can advise you.
8. Will I be required to provide biometrics?
Biometrics may be requested after lodgement for applicants from certain countries or in certain circumstances. If a biometrics request is issued, it must be followed exactly and the collection must be completed at an approved collection site or through an approved process.
If we receive a biometrics request for you, we will let you know immediately.