The application for an Australian visa can be a life-transforming act of trying to get a job, study, rejoin a family, or even the possibility to acquiring permanent residence. The most frequent question asked by the applicants is –
When do I stand the best chance of lodging my application?
Timing plays an important role and can affect the possibility of the visa grant, and even the speed of processing.
Experienced immigration lawyers Perth will help you in strategising the approach; however, it’s good to know general timelines and seasonal factors.
Australia has a large number of visa types tailored to various purposes, such as student visas, skilled migration, family reunion, partner and visitor visas. The categories have their own rules of eligibility, documents, and procedures of evaluation. The DHA is responsible for processing and regulating visa applications. This would depend on the type of visa applied for, how many applications they receive, and what is happening around the globe.
Due to this dynamic system, no single month can be said to be perfect to applying. Nevertheless, you can find favourable conditions (processing speed, job demand cycles, and university intake periods) that can considerably increase your chances of success.
When you are planning to study in Australia, it is necessary to get your visa during the admission period of universities or colleges. Generally, educational institutions in Australia offer two prominent intakes, these being February/March and July/August.
Thus, it really depends on which country you reside in and how many applications you have made; the processing of the visa can take weeks or even months, therefore, you have plenty of time.
This guarantees that you have your visa in time to make travel plans, get accommodation and also enrol in orientation programmes.
In the case of skilled workers intending to relocate under the General Skilled Migration (GSM) programme, applications should be submitted shortly, depending on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) and State or Territory Nomination updates.
Australia periodically updates these lists, usually at the beginning of every financial year (July) or mid-year, to reflect the labour market requirements. When a new occupation list is published, some jobs can be eliminated or created depending on the demand. It is better to apply shortly after a renewed list is released, in case your career is in demand.
There is also the Expression of Interest (EOI) under the SkillSelect system, which works on invitation rounds. The earlier you submit your EOI, the more chances of being selected you have because invitations are standard, especially at the beginning of the financial year.
July-October, when a new year of migration programs starts and new quotas become available.
Family and partner visas usually have a longer waiting time due to the large number of Australian visa application process involved in verifying these applications. Certain visas may require up to 12-24 months before a decision is made.
When you intend to follow a partner, spouse or family member to Australia, it is prudent to apply long before you have set any date of travel or relocation. Processing times may be different, based on your case’s complexity and the documents provided. Using 6-12 months in advance before you actually intend to move is better.
In onshore partner visas, you should apply early to have your bridging visa become effective so that you can live in Australia legally until your approval.
At least 6-12 months prior to travelling or settlement plans.
At times, employers in Australia need skilled workers, especially at the inception of projects and during their peak seasons. If you have a plan for a job application, you should make your application align with your employer’s sponsorship approval.
The applications also usually entail several processes, such as sponsorship, nomination, temporary work visa and visa application, and it is thus crucial to time the three.
February to May or August to October, when (usually) businesses and the Department of Home Affairs are generally quicker in processing applications.
Depending on the season, the processing time of tourist and visitor visas might be different. The period of December-January (summer holidays) and April (Easter break) is when visitor applications are high in Australia. Application in these months may result in delays.
Opt for low peak months (February-May and August-October).
The time it takes to apply for a visa in Australia will vary depending on your purpose of travel, your visa type and numerous other factors. Visa rules and processing times are changing regularly, so it is advisable to stay up-to-date.
Being organised could also assist you. If you are ever in doubt about the time frame, the qualifications of a visa application, or the most current changes to immigration law, having skilled visa lawyers Perth can provide you with peace of mind and competency.
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