over_the_moon

I suspect other data points would also provide a better picture with regards to processing times. I do not recommend this information is shared due to privacy concerns but all applicants should logically and subjectively consider: Language test scores Length of time working for the company Salary Health concerns Nominated occupation in relation to the industry the company operates in Age Residential address (statistically some postal codes may have a lower compliance rates than others) CV Reference letters LinkedIn profile and other online platforms Country Other citizenships I have no doubt an individual with a high level of proficiency in English earning a decent salary with a solid history with an established company that was willing to commit to a DE application (and pay the levy) soon after the 457 with no health concerns would make the decision for a CO easier. Extra points if your LinkedIn profile with 500+ connections confirms the above. The CO is ultimately a resident just like us with KPI's and their own biases that would ultimately play a role. Some of our documentation expired as an example but the CO used their discretion to push it through because ultimately they knew the result would more than likely be the same and there is no need to clog the system for the sake of bureaucracy.For the record, the documents only recently expired and were still within the discretionary time frame. These systems become more automated over time and all these individual data points start forming models that will be used to evaluate applications. I suspect the reduced processing time post the SAFe levy has more to do with automation due to the reduction in complexity allowing the CO to perform a quick evaluation before moving on. That's my 2 cents, your mileage may vary. I am a BA, my brain is wired to deconstruct business processes. Apologies if the above offends anyone, I am simply providing my insight as an individual that has worked on many similar systems. Immigration for Australia is all about boosting the economy and reducing risk. Each application will be weighted based on their economic contribution (less potential cost) with fraud detection mechanisms built in.

Yes I was. I received our 457 in February 2018 and have been in Australia since. It must be noted, the company I work for is a large IT company that sponsors staff regularly. I suspect it's an easy decision when it's a large company, the nominated occupation is directly aligned with the requirements of the business and the business is in good standing with the department. Our 457's would get approved in 24 hours and other colleagues have also received their ENS 186 DE around the 5 month mark.

Long time silent reader. I am in shock, I can't believe it's my turn to say I have received my golden email! We are so excited to be able to put down roots in this wonderful country and contribute to society. Occupation: ICT Business Analyst Birth Country: HR Stream: ENS DE Number of applications: 4 Nomination and visa applied 24 October 2018 Visa and nomination approved on the 3rd of April 2019 No further documents requested. One day you simply receive an email from your MA saying congrats and that's it, your life is forever changed. I keep checking my vevo app thinking it's not real.