Narito87

Here are some of the reasons why: 1. You can't get the VET loan as has been pointed by @Athens07 2. You can't properly accept defence job 3. You can't accept some government projects if you are in IT 4. You can't move to another area because your queue will be either lost or waiting time prolonged 5. You can't leave the country without having lots of issues getting your citizenship afterwards, ask @Ding And this is all just for a 15 minutes virtual call where you say: Yes. Basically people have to put on hold their life, career, plans for another half a year just to confirm something they have already committed for all these years. For those that already got approved - the most complicated part. During the COVID times this process should be completely redefined, it is not how it has been before.

By the way, does anybody know which email for virtual ceremony request in NSW is valid? I sent it to: virtual.ceremony.nsw@homeaffairs.gov.au a couple of times, however absolute silence. Neither automatic nor actual reply. Thanks!

I did send an email to my state address a month ago, however never received a reply. Something tells me it is going to be a one-way communication - either waiting until public in-person ceremonies are resumed, or virtual ceremony invites will be sent via email. It seems to be lots of people started to request virtual ceremonies, so now they don't accept any more requests even if it is related to education etc. That's why estimate another 6-9 months window just to wrap things up. Yes, being approved it is 99.99% done, however if they don't speed up virtual ceremonies/create another fast track ways for people to make a pledge (which I honestly don't see any blockers for - again, visit Post office, Centrelink for instance - 10 minutes business, done) - we will have to wait almost a year.

Congratulations! Plot twist - DHA is reading this forum Now welcome to our waiting club. I have a feeling due to constant lockdowns they will eventually resume virtual ceremonies, however the question is when and at which capacity. I do really hope that it will be less than 6 months for most of us (since approval). Sincerely hope. For NSW things do not look very optimistic though unfortunately. Let's see...

Ding, I fully understand your frustration, however here is my advise: 1. If DHA tells your case in processing, there is nothing much you can do but wait. I had a similar situation with my PR which took over a year to process. Sometimes you just really get unlucky with an officer, which causes you much more delays than it should be. I've been there. Yes it is unfair, but nothing to do about it. 2. Even if you get approved right now, I doubt things will go fast - my friends who had their ceremonies cancelled a day before it supposed to be (due to COVID) are still waiting for any information. 3. Good strategy right now is just unwind your mind and forget about the process until they notify you. I attached the processing time at this moment, and as you can see from the date of application to decision it is 15 months. Considering your overseas case you are most likely in that 10% which can take longer. I also bet you are not alone, and there are thousands of people stuck just like you, not aware of this forum to share same story.

I'm very curious why does it take so long for majority of people from approval to ceremony. It is not the first year of COVID, and considering the process takes 10-15 minutes overall per person, it could've been redesigned to be a digital option by default. It is understandable to have a long wait time for all background checks, definitely. However when you receive an approval letter and still have to wait up to 9 months - there is a feeling something is not really right. Especially during COVID the pledge should be accepted at any facility such as Centrelink, Post office etc. Just bring your approval letter, do a pledge in front of a personnel, receive your certificate - 10 minutes fast-track. We are going to have lockdowns and spikes in the next 2-5 years, so having traditional approach may not be the right strategy. I could be wrong, but just some thoughts...

To add more data: Area: Bayside council, Sydney NSW From application to approval: 3 months (March 2021 -> May 2021) Waiting for ceremony.