How Long is the Process to Immigrate to Australia?

Considering a move to Australia? A common question is, “How long does the immigration process take?” In short: it depends on a variety of things, including the type of visa you’re applying for, the required procedural steps involved and your personal circumstances. This post will give you a better understanding of the various factors impacting how long the process for Australian immigration can take.

HOW LONG IS THE PROCESS TO IMMIGRATE TO AUSTRALIA

The time it takes to immigrate to Australia varies widely depending on the visa type, personal circumstances, and current processing times with the Department of Home Affairs.

1. Skilled Migration Visas

For skilled migration visas, such as the Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa) and Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa), the processing time can take from 8 to 18 months.

After submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI), applicants may wait several months to receive an invitation to apply, depending on their points score and occupation demand. Once invited, the visa processing itself can take anywhere from 6 to 12 months.

2. Employer-Sponsored Visas

Employer-sponsored visas, like the Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482) visa, typically have shorter processing times due to the immediate demand from Australian employers. On average, these visas are processed within 1 to 6 months.

3. Family and Partner Visas

Partner visas, such as the Subclass 820/801 and the 309/100, can take anywhere from 12 to 24 months due to the high volume of applications. Parent contributory visas (including subclasses 143 and 864) generally have a longer processing time and can take up to 8 years to process. The Sponsored Parent isa (subclass 870) is faster, taking around 9 months to process, but this visa is temporary not permanent.

4. Resident Return Visas (RRVs)

Resident Return Visas (RRVs) including subclasses 155 and 157 allow someone to maintain or regain their status as a permanent resident of Australia when their travel validity expires or is near expiration.

This visa ensures that people with ongoing connections or commitments to Australia can continue to be part of Australian society, with a travel facility of up to five years depending on their circumstances. The processing time for this visa can take anywhere between 2 weeks to 9 months, depending on the individual’s circumstances.

5. Business and Investment Visas and Global Talent Visa

Previously, the Business Innovation and Investment Visa (BIIP – subclass 188), typically took 12 to 24 months from application submission to approval. However, this visa is no longer available as of 31 July 2024. A new BIIP visa is expected to become available soon with possibly new eligibility criteria and processing times – new information will be released about this visa when available.

The Global Talent Independent (GTI) visa (subclass 858) is in the process of being replaced by the National Innovation VISA (NIV) that aims to attract high-skilled migrants with highly sought-after and niche skills. More details about the NIV and its processing times will be released as they become available.

6. Regional Visas (Subclass 491)

The Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional Visa generally takes to process. This visa, which encourages skilled migrants to settle in regional areas, follows a similar timeline to other skilled migration visas, although processing times may vary based on demand and location-specific criteria.

Other Factors Impacting Processing Times

Additional factors, such as demand for specific occupations, health and character assessments, and the applicant’s home country, can also impact the processing timeline.

WHAT DOES THE IMMIGRATION PROCESS CONSIST OF?

Step 1: Choose the Right Visa

Each visa type has specific eligibility criteria, so it’s essential to select the one that aligns with your qualifications, career, or family goals. Working with a consultant, like Hitchcock & Associates, can help you choose the right migration path from the start.

Step 2: Complete a Skills Assessment

For skilled visas, a skills assessment is often required to verify that your qualifications and experience meet Australian standards. This step can be one of the most detailed and may take several weeks, so it’s wise to start early and ensure all documentation is completed as soon as possible.

Step 3: Take an English Language Test

For many visas, demonstrating English proficiency is essential. Applicants may be required to take a standardised test, such as IELTS or Pearson PTE, to prove they have the language skills needed to work and integrate into Australian society.

Step 4: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)

For skilled visas, the next step is to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect. This online profile allows you to share your skills, experience, and qualifications with the Australian federal and state governments. EOIs are points-based, meaning your score can determine how soon you might be invited to apply for a visa, depending on the demand for your occupation.

Step 5: Lodge Your Visa Application

Once you’ve received an invitation to apply (for certain visa types) or prepared your documents, it’s time to submit your visa application. This step involves compiling all required paperwork, which could include identification, qualifications, and employment records. If applying for a business or investment visa or RRV, you might need to gather any supporting financial documents. Hitchcock & Associates can guide you through this complex step, ensuring every document meets the correct immigration standards.

Step 6: Undergo Health and Character Checks

Australia takes public health and safety seriously, so all visa applicants (with the exception of resident return visa applicants) must pass health and character checks. This may involve medical exams and police clearance certificates from any country where you’ve lived for an extended period.

Step 7: Wait for a Decision

Processing times can vary based on the visa type and individual circumstances, but staying updated and responsive to any requests for additional information can help keep things moving smoothly. Hitchcock & Associates maintains regular contact with clients during this phase to provide updates and handle any additional requirements.

Step 8: Prepare for the Move

The last step is preparing for the big move! This includes everything from securing housing and employment (if needed) to organising finances and setting up essential services in Australia.

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WHAT HAPPENS IF MY VISA APPLICATION GETS REJECTED?

Receiving a visa rejection can feel disappointing, but it’s not necessarily the end of your journey to Australia. Here’s what to expect and some options you can explore if your Australian visa application gets rejected.

1. Understand the Reasons for Rejection

When your visa is unsuccessful, the Department of Home Affairs typically provides a written explanation outlining the reasons for the rejection. By understanding the specific reasons for your rejection, you can address the issues directly if you choose to reapply.

2. Consider Filing an Appeal with the AAT

For many visa types, applicants have the option to appeal the decision with the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT). The AAT is an independent body that reviews visa decisions to determine if they were fair and if any errors were made. Appeals must be filed within a specific time frame, typically within 21 days of receiving the rejection notice.

3. Address Documentation and Eligibility Issues

If your application was rejected due to incomplete or incorrect documentation, consider gathering the necessary documents and reapplying. In some cases,

4. Explore Alternative Visa Options

Not every visa pathway is the right fit for each applicant. If your initial visa choice didn’t work out, exploring other visa options may open new doors. For instance, if a skilled migration visa was unsuccessful , an employer-sponsored or family visa may be more suitable based on your circumstances. Hitchcock & Associates can help you review your options and identify alternative pathways that align with your background and goals.

5. Take Time to Improve Your Eligibility

In some cases, taking a break to improve your eligibility can improve your chances for success in the future. Whether it’s gaining more work experience or completing additional qualifications, these steps can enhance your profile. By investing time to strengthen your application, you can return with a stronger case, improving your chances of approval.

6. Seek Professional Guidance for Your Next Steps

Navigating visa rejection and reapplication can be complex. Working with migration specialists, like Hitchcock & Associates, can provide clarity on your options and ensure your application is optimised for success. Their expertise in handling visa rejections and appeals helps you make informed decisions, giving you a higher likelihood of a positive outcome the next time around.

CONCLUSION

The easiest way to make the migration process as swift as possible is to ensure you gather all the correct information, documents, and follow all required procedures correctly from the get-go. A single mistake can delay the process, dragging out timeline estimations. Working with Hitchcock & Associates ensures that your visa application process is efficient and error-free every step of the way.