tom991

Hi all, I'm a long time lurker on this forum but wondered if anyone could help me please. I'm in the UK and have accepted a job as a scientist in Qld. The 186 DE visa application and nomination were lodged in Feb 2021 and being overseas I came to expect a (very!) long processing time. Although the occupation isn't on the PMSOL my employer applied for a travel exemption under 'critical skills' and this was granted two weeks ago. My MA advised that with the critical skills exemption the Department will now prioritise my application and expected a reply from them in the next 4 weeks. We're now two weeks in and I'm constantly checking my emails every morning to see if there's been any news and it's driving me mad, and the not knowing when I'll be able to pack up my life and move is extremely frustrating as I'm sure you can relate. I just wondered if anyone here had any experience of a realistic timeframe for offshore 186 grants once an exemption for 'critical skills' has been obtained please? Thank you for your help!