Australia visa processing news

Here are some recent news updates on Australia visa processing:

Changes to Visa Processing Times

• The Australian Government has announced that it will increase the processing times for certain visa applications, including the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) and the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190). The changes aim to reduce the backlog of applications and improve the overall processing efficiency. (Source: Australian Government Department of Home Affairs, March 2023)
• The Department of Home Affairs has also introduced a new online system for tracking visa applications, which allows applicants to check the status of their application and receive updates on processing times. (Source: Australian Government Department of Home Affairs, February 2023)

New Visa Application Fees

• The Australian Government has increased the visa application fees for certain visa subclasses, including the Student visa (subclass 500) and the Working Holiday visa (subclass 417). The fee increases aim to help fund the government's efforts to improve visa processing and border security. (Source: Australian Government Department of Home Affairs, January 2023)

Changes to Visa Eligibility

• The Australian Government has introduced new eligibility criteria for the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) and the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190). The changes aim to prioritize applications from highly skilled and qualified candidates who have strong English language skills and relevant work experience. (Source: Australian Government Department of Home Affairs, December 2022)
• The Department of Home Affairs has also introduced new requirements for applicants seeking to sponsor family members for a visa. The changes aim to ensure that sponsors have sufficient financial resources and accommodation to support their family members. (Source: Australian Government Department of Home Affairs, November 2022)

Visa Processing Delays

• The Australian Government has acknowledged that there have been delays in processing certain visa applications, including the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) and the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190). The delays are due to a combination of factors, including an increase in applications and a shortage of staff. (Source: Australian Government Department of Home Affairs, October 2022)
• The Department of Home Affairs has apologized for the delays and is working to clear the backlog of applications as quickly as possible. (Source: Australian Government Department of Home Affairs, September 2022)

New Visa Application Centres

• The Australian Government has opened new visa application centres in several countries, including India, China, and the Philippines. The new centres aim to improve the visa application process and reduce wait times for applicants. (Source: Australian Government Department of Home Affairs, August 2022)
• The Department of Home Affairs has also introduced a new online system for scheduling appointments at visa application centres, which allows applicants to book appointments at a time that suits them. (Source: Australian Government Department of Home Affairs, July 2022)

I hope this information is helpful!