kosmonaft

Just wanted to share that my mother got her a Visa today.
This is her timeline:

• 25.10.2021 -> Apply for travel exemption (no visa application)
• 27.10.2021 -> Apply for e651 Visa
• 01.11.2021 -> Travel exemption granted
• 03.11.2021 -> re-apply for Travel exemption (with visa application)
• 03.11.2021 -> 2nd Travel exemption granted
• 10.11.2021 -> e651 Visa Granted

13 hours ago, Pillar_85 said:

I did my exemption first, but had a previous ViSa still in-date. Recently applied for a new visa, I hope the system talks to itself!  I did call up to check, they said -it automatically gets flagged if you have a exemption as it’s linked to your passport.

TBH everything is so confusing and they are changing it all the time. Before 01.11.2021 they were saying to apply for exemption if you don't have a visa. Now they changed it and require to have visa application when applying for exemption.

As well calling the Department of Home Affairs is useless. I called them 3-4 times in the last few days and every single time I get different information.

The first time they told me they don't know anything and they can't help me.
Second time was to be patient and wait. It's normal that 1 visa is Approved immediately and 2nd is not (for the same exemption)  
On Friday I called just to check if my mother visa has information that she has an exemption. They told me that they have this information but unfortunately because it's my mother application she need to submit Form 956 to authorise me to have access to her application (we did this on Friday).
I called yesterday after submitting Form 956 and they told me that they can't see if the Visa application has a flag that the person has an exemption. That only the Immigration agent to who the application is assigned have this information. They told me to wait and stick with the the Estimated processing time. I told them that this is insane and every single time I'm getting different information. I quoted some information from their website such as 

Quote

The Department is prioritising processing of visa applications for travellers who are exempt from our travel restrictions to help those who need urgent travel

 But they still can't tell me if my mother visa is prioritised and how eventually to check.

54 minutes ago, Pillar_85 said:

Apologies, so you applied for a 651 visa September 2020 and it’s only just come through?

Yes, I applied (in his name) in September 2020.
Once we got the exemption few hours later his visa got processed as well (01.11.2021).

53 minutes ago, Pillar_85 said:

I applied for the exemption on the 2nd October. 
 

Hopefully my visa comes through soon. I’m meant to be flying in less that two weeks. 

Good luck with that.

In our first exemption application I put only the Reference Number of my Dad's visa application.
For my Mum I only attached the Immi Letter for visa application.
It's been a week already and still no decision for my mother.

I reckon I did mistake applying for exemption on 26th of October and on 27th of October applying for a visa.
It should be the other way around. However when I applied the Immi website was saying apply for exemption if you don't have a visa.

I tried calling the Department of Home Affairs and no one can give me any information. They are saying to wait and that my Dad got fortunate to get Visa approval so soon after exemption. Which is not true as I know many people who got Visa approval hours after getting the exemption.

It's super annoying as I need to book tickets and Holiday

@falpat Any update on your Dad visa?

3 hours ago, Pillar_85 said:

Out of interest when did you apply for your Dad’s visa? 

in September 2020 (last year)  

My mom is still waiting here Visa to be Approved.
On Wednesday (3rd of November) I applied for a new exemption for her (which include her Visa Reference Number) which was approved after 53minutes.
Unfortunately no update on her Visa application

This morning I got my dad's visa approved.

However my mum's one is still with "Received" status.
I hope they will review the visa application asap as I applied for her Visa after applying for exemption.
Then upload the letter in the exemption application as I couldn't edit the application.
Calling the Department of Home Affairs didn't help as they told me that I can Cancel the exemption application or try to upload the letter as they can't edit an application either

46 minutes ago, Irfan sam said:

Hi,

i have just query about certificate, will post man will drop into letter box or will be handed over by knocking door? Please advice if anyone knows or recently recieved?

Regards

Won't leave it in the letter box. The certificate is coming as Registered Letter. So they need to hand it to you or you will get a notice that it's for pickup in the post office

6 hours ago, falpat said:

Hi, I know this is an old thread, but wondering if anyone has any experience of current proccessing times for the 651 evisitor visa? The immi website says 31 days, but I'm really hoping it will be quicker to get my Dad here at the start of Dec. 

Thanks

I'm curious as well. I applied for exemption last Monday and after 7 days (5 working days) I got approval, however the 651 visas for my parents are still in "Received" status.
I applied for my father's Visa in September 2020 :-|