Application Processing Times for 'Completed'
Visa Applications

PROCESSING OF COMPLETE APPLICATIONS

A 'complete' applications includes all the required forms, fee and supporting documents when it is lodged.  A checklist of required documents is at Attachment C in the application guidelines.

Important Notice — ACT Government processing

The Australian Government has made changes to the skilled migration visa regime, which are scheduled to commence from 1 July 2012.

Due to these changes, the ACT Government advises that 'complete' applications (hard copy) should be lodged with our office by 1 May 2012 in order to be processed before the changes come into effect.

Applications submitted after 1 May 2012 are unlikely to be processed before the changes commence. Applicants who are not processed before the changes commence will need to complete a new application under the new skilled migration visa regime from 1 July 2012.

PRIORITY OF PROCESSING

Complete applications will generally be processed within 60 working days.  Applicants should note that this timeframe may vary depending on demand.

Please do not contact the SBM Unit to enquire about the progress of the applications unless the delay is beyond the published processing dates below.

CURRENT PROCESSING DATES

As at 24 April 2012, we are currently assessing applications received by the SBM Unit on:

  • Complete applications
    • Subclass 176 / 886 visas: 28 February 2012
    • Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme: 12 April 2012
  • Incomplete applications
    • Subclass 176 / 886 visas: 14 February 2012
    • Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme: 15 March 2012