Hi,
I'm a long time reader of this forum but never contributed. I was fortunate enough to have my 186 visa approved a few weeks back and thought I'd share the details and give some hope to others, especially Marketing Specialists on here who are still waiting:
So here goes:
Direct Entry 186, Marketing Specialist (low risk country)
Nomination and Visa Application: 23 September 2016
Medical number 1 undertaken: 13 December 2016
Renewed AU and home police checks uploaded circa Jan 2018 (this was a suggestion from my MA as it had been over 12 months)
Nomination Approved: 22 May 2018
Further Medicals Requested: 23 May 2018
Medical number 2 undertaken: 24 May 2018 (so lucky to get an appointment so quickly)
Medicals on Immi system by 25 May 2018
Visa Granted: 30 May 2018
No additional information other than the medical was requested.
All up my application took 20 months and 7 days!
Good luck to everyone, I know it doesn't mean much when you are waiting but everything will work out in the end. Stay strong and positive.