Considering the processing times of visa applications during Covid, many people and their businesses were affected, not allowing them to receive timely decisions or to plan their relocation accordingly. Not only are we delighted in having survived such a tremendous global pandemic, but we have the freedom to pursue the continuous dream of a better life once again for ourselves, family, and children.
This brings today’s exciting news that many will appreciate and have been looking forward to, a reduction in the visa processing times especially under the General Skilled Migration Pathway. The GSM pathway has been designed to address Australia’s labour market needs and contribute to the economic growth by attracting skilled workers.
Australia’s Government has shown immense dedication and strived towards this massive improvement by streamlining the visa process.
Let’s have a look at how this has been achieved
The Department of Home Affairs has upgraded its online application platform. This improvement will expedite the processing timeline.
Introducing cutting-edge technology has significantly enhanced the efficiency of application assessment assisting the government to conduct and assess applications more rapidly and efficiently.
Improved channels of communication ensuring regular updates to applicants on the status of their visa applications.
The Australian government has invested in hiring additional staff and expanded on comprehensive training to handle the influx of visa applications.
Previous processing times were assessed between 12-24 months in comparison to the new timeline of 5-18 months.
| Visa | Stream | 25% of Visas Finalised | 50% of Visas Finalised | 75% of Visas Finalised | 90% of Visas Finalised |
| 189-Skilled Independent
| Points-tested | 5 months | 6 months | 6 months | 8 months |
| 190-Skilled Nominated
| State nomination | 70 days | 86 days | 4 months | 7 months |
| 491-Skilled work (provisional
| Regional Sponsorship | 6 months | 10 months | 14 months | 18 months |
| 491-Skilled work (provisional) | Family Sponsored Regional | 4 months | 7 months | 16 months | 30 months |
Processing times may vary depending on the type of visa, the applicant's individual circumstances, and the volume of applications received. However, the overall trend indicates a substantial improvement in processing times for the General Skilled Migration program as of July 2023.
