Visa Processing Times

[tommo64]

Hi All,

 

Recieved an e-mail from a migration agent today saying the processing times for a skilled independent visa are currently 18-24 months:shocked:

 

Does anyone know if this is correct or are themselves experiencing delays of this magnitude? I had reckoned on 9-12 months.

[Guest Gollywobbler]

Hi Tommo

 

As far as I know, the waiting time is nothing like 18-24 months unless you add in all th time for the pre-planning, preparing the skills assessment and so forth. Even then, I'd guess that a fair amount of dawdling would need to go on to stretch the timescale to 24 months.

 

Have a look at Austimelie, I suggest, The link is here:

 

timeline

 

Cheers

 

Gill

[tommo64]

Hi Gill,

 

Thanks for that. I checked out that site and it would seem you're right - I did a search based on similar circumstances to mine, i.e., TRA, MODL, etc., and the timescales ranged from about 2 months to 6 from application to final decision in most cases!

 

I suspect this agent, who is proposing employer sponsorship may have been trying to dissuade us from going down the skilled independent route. Thinking about their commission no doubt!

 

Well that's a relief - I'd like to get to Oz before retirement age preferably!

 

I've book-marked that site - it really useful. Thanks again,

 

Tom

[Guest Gollywobbler]

Hi Tommo

 

Does "64" indicate that you were born in 1964? If so, have you turned 45 yet? If you have, then skilled independent migration will be out of the question, which could be why the Agent is suggesting Employer Sponsorship instead.

 

If you are coming up for 45, you will have to move like greased lightnining in order to get the skills assessment under your belt and then the visa application must reach the ASPC on the day before your 45th birthday at the very latest even if you have to fly to Adelaide and deliver it yourself. I am not kidding.

 

Cheers

 

Gill

[tommo64]

Hi Gill,

 

Oh my, you're very astute! Yes I was born in '64 - a vintage year I like to think!:cool:

 

I don't actually turn 45 until January 2009, but yes, I am getting close to the wire, so to speak. My skills assessment application should go in early in the new year. If successful, I intend to submit the visa application in April, by which time I will have the necessary work experience to claim the extra MODL points I so desperately need.

 

It is because of this tight timescale that I was concerned abouts this agent's comments. Judging by the info on the Austimeline site, I don't think there will be too much to worry about - fingers crossed.

 

Cheers,

 

Tom

[Guest Gollywobbler]

Hi Gill,

 

Oh my, you're very astute! Yes I was born in '64 - a vintage year I like to think!:cool:

 

I don't actually turn 45 until January 2009, but yes, I am getting close to the wire, so to speak. My skills assessment application should go in early in the new year. If successful, I intend to submit the visa application in April, by which time I will have the necessary work experience to claim the extra MODL points I so desperately need.

 

It is because of this tight timescale that I was concerned abouts this agent's comments. Judging by the info on the Austimeline site, I don't think there will be too much to worry about - fingers crossed.

 

Cheers,

 

Tom

 

Hi Tom

 

Don't worry. Technically, as long as the ASPC receive your visa application the day before your 45th birthday (calculated according to the time in Canberra, not according to GMT) your age will "freeze" at 44 for the purposes of processing your application. So you should have plenty of time for an orderly and thorough approach to the process.

 

Cheers

 

Gill