current visa timescales slipping

[gar374]

Had an email from our agent today letting us know the visa timings are slipping a bit.

 

We applied in August and expected to have a case officer in about 10 weeks, now 12 to 16 weeks. Following medical and police check uploads, the visa grants are taking 6 to 8 weeks apparently.

 

So we were hoping to have a visa as a nice wee xmas present but it looks like thats not going to happen now, could be as late as March!

 

Ah well, let the waiting game continue.

 

G

[cocolevi]

That's not good for you then. Is that a time of year normal occurrence thing x

[Ashlenelouise]

cocolevi - i was going to ask the same thing, im hoping to lodge EOI in january .. pending on passing this IELTS on the 6/12/14 .. hope its back to normal processing times by then .. xx

[Steely]

We have lodged for a parent visa 143, and had the following update from our agent today also:

 

DIBP have advised the following:

“As we have a 5 month backlog of applications waiting for acknowledgment letters, we now have a task force in place so this time will gradually reduce. Currently we are sending out letters for applications lodged on 24 April 2014.”

As your application was lodged on 30^th May 2014, you are still well within their guidelines.

[gar374]

I dont know if its a time of year thing or a change in process thing.

Just a bit gutted tbh. We could front load our police checks and medicals to get a few weeks back but were not in that much of a rush really. It doesn't stop us feeling dissapointed though. Were still unsure when the best time to go will be. I think we'll make a start on preperations in the new year and see how far we get.

You never know, they may be quicker than what they've stated.

[DyLeB]

Things slow down a lot over Christmas and Jan with the school summer holidays.

[gar374]

That makes sense, cheers.

[Keith]

It is disappointing, we too were hoping for an extra special Christmas! Maybe it will be a late present hey we can hope anyway. We were hoping to go in January but looks like we will just have to see what happens. Good luck with your plans.

 

Michelle

[Deb]

We found April a good time to come and a lot of the holiday rentals are cheaper then.

[Chook]

We found April a good time to come and a lot of the holiday rentals are cheaper then.

That's very true Deb - good advice. Rental availability and prices in December and January are horrendous.

Rather than making this your first Christmas away from family, make it your last and start the new year with a flourish. No pressies though, unless it's board shorts and sunscreen! It will be worth the wait.

[Matt&beck]

Yes also disappointing, we were hoping to have the kids a few weeks there before starting the school year with the rest of the kids. Never mind... Must find a way to embrace any delays

[Mark Beesley]

I am in the exactly same situation as yourself we lodged ours the 20th august, still not heard anything there quick enough to take your money off you tho. We got told they try to complete them within 6 months but I know they have a lengthy break over xmas. All good things come to those who wait