Delays in visa processing have been an issue for some time. While the Australian Government has made visa application processing a priority and the time taken to finalise a visa has been reduced, delays still occur. An issue which is common globally, visa processing delays are the result of many factors.
The Department of Home Affairs provide s a general timeframe for processing visa applications, however there are circumstances that may cause a visa application to be processed outside of the given timeframe. Visit the Department of Home Affairs website for the visa processing times guide tool.
What can cause visa processing delays?
- General processing delays can be a result of the following factors:
High application volumes: A high number of applications received by the department can contribute to an increased workload which can slow down visa processing. - Backlogs: A large number of older applications on hand that are yet to be processed along with increasing numbers of new applications can cause delays.
Shifting priorities: The Department of Home Affairs may decide to prioritise specific visa categories which can delay the processing of applications in other visa categories. - Staffing issues: Staff shortages within the department can impact the capacity to process applications, causing delays and potentially a backlog of applications.
Visa applications are processed on a case-by-case basis and individual circumstances as well as the complexity of each application can also impact processing times. The following circumstances can cause a delay in visa application processing:
– Whether a complete application was lodged, including all supporting documentation
– How quickly requests for more information are addressed
– How long it takes to perform required checks on the supporting information provided
– Whether a paper or online application was submitted. Submitting an online application streamlines the process resulting in quicker processing times
– How long it takes to receive information from external agencies particularly those relating to health, character and national security requirements
– How many places are available in the migration program for permanent visa applications
While these factors directly affect visa processing timeframes, immigration policy reform can also contribute to visa processing delays.
How does immigration policy reform impact visa processing?
Immigration policy is always evolving to ensure it meets the needs of the Australian economy and its population. Changes in government, the introduction or restructuring of visa categories or subclasses and the changing needs of Australia as a country can all contribute to a need for migration policy reform. These changes are implemented to enhance the integrity of Australia’s immigration system.
At times, these changes in policy can also affect visa processing times. The following aspects or changes to migration policy reform can impact processing times:
– Updated visa requirements
– Changes to visa eligibility criteria
– Visa fee increases
– Changes to migration program planning levels
– Changes the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT)
What is being done to improve visa application processing times?
Given visa processing is a priority for the Australian Government, measures have been put in place to help improve processing times.
The Department of Home Affairs has focused more resources on visa processing. The recruitment of more staff and streamlining processes has already helped improve processing times.
The Department of Home Affairs encourages applicants to ensure their visa application is complete when lodged as this combined with the measures put in place by the department can help reduce visa processing times.
To learn more about any aspect of immigration, contact the team of registered migration agents at Visa Solutions Australia.
