Cathockey

Just received my VISA GRANT by email! It took just over 10 weeks from the date I lodged my online application. Off to book flights....finally! Good Luck everyone...hang in there! The waiting WILL pay off in the end!

Just received my VISA GRANT by email! It took just over 10 weeks from the date I lodged my online application. Off to book flights....finally! Good Luck everyone...hang in there! The waiting WILL pay off in the end!

I believe "application processed further" means you have been assigned a case officer.... that's good news!

Hi Pavy, I emailed immigration 3 weeks after my application. I wrote the following: "Good Morning, Re: Status update for TRN number - XXXXXXXXXX Could you kindly provide a status update for my 457 visa application which I lodged myself 3 weeks ago? I believe I have attached all the relevant documentation to support my application. I am aware of the backlog you have recently experienced, however I was hoping to get an indication of the current status of my application if at all possible. Many Thanks in advance" And I received this reply: (from Melbourne office) "The application has not yet been allocated to a case officer for assessment. Due to high lodgement rates the general allocation time is currently 8 weeks from the date of lodgement." I think I received a case officer after 5 or 6 weeks. I'm not sure as he/she is working directly with my sponsoring company. This week is 10 weeks. Good Luck!

Ahhh, my email from the Melbourne office said it may take up to 8 weeks to assign a case officer. Tomorrow is 10 weeks waiting for me. I've had a case officer for a few weeks now, but he/she only works 2 days a week....!

e457.melbourne@immi.gov.au or e457.sydney@immi.gov.au (depending on processing office) - I emailed them after 3 weeks and I received a reply within a couple of days, even though I didn't have a case officer yet.

If you are communicating with your CO, he/she will be able to provide the most up to date information on your visa progress. The status hardly changes online, trust me. I would ask for a more comprehensive update from your CO....

e457.melbourne@immi.gov.au or e457.sydney@immi.gov.au (depending on processing office) - I emailed them after 3 weeks and I received a reply within a couple of days, even though I didn't have a case officer yet.

Hey guys.... I heard from my sponsoring company this week. Apparently my case officer only works on Tuesdays and Thursdays! Might explain why it's taking so long! Been 9 weeks now! My start date is now being moved because of the delay, and once my contract has been updated, I should receive visa approval either next week or the week after. Really hoping this is the case! Good Luck everyone! Hope you all hear some positive news soon! The waiting is a killer!

Cthads - which processing office was that?

Hi Superman, Haven't received much of an update this week, however the DIAC has been in contact with my sponsoring company to gather further information for the nomination to be approved, which I think is positive. I'm not yet sure if I have an allocated case officer yet - will find out next week when I speak to my company again. Apparently all "IT" categories are being heavily scrutinised. I'm in "ICT Project Manager". Next week is week 9. Who else is going through the Melbourne processing office? That's where my app is so wondered if anyone had heard of timescales/average turnaround times?

Hi Superman, On the date I lodged my application, "health requirements finalised" automatically appeared aswell. Therefore I've assumed that I will not be asked to do a medical, as from reading other peoples responses this is requested very soon after being lodged (UK passport/low-risk country). I have not received 1 email correspondence from DIAC yet. My sponsoring company has told me that the nomination hasn't yet been approved, although these can happen simultaneously. Hoping for progress next week which will be week 8. Here is my full online status: [TABLE=width: 100%, align: center] [TR] [TD]Application [/TD] [TD]457 Business Long Stay Primary [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD] 29/07/2013 [/TD] [TD]Application received - processing commenced [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD] 29/07/2013 [/TD] [TD]Application fee received [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD] 21/08/2013 [/TD] [TD]Application being processed further [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD][/TD] [TD][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD=colspan: 2][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Person 1 [/TD] [TD][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD] 29/07/2013 [/TD] [TD]Health requirements finalised [/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE]

I lodged on the 29/07. First online update appeared on the 21/08 - "Application processing further". Haven't heard anything since... apparently 8 weeks is the average at the moment due to the backlog from June/July...

Hi Katie3736. I just wanted to ask whether you were asked to do any sort of skills assessment in the "ICT Project Manager" category? I have submitted my app in the same category and I have been waiting 6 weeks now. How many years experience do you have? Thks in advance