What happens after I lodge my visa application?
Your visa application and supporting documents will be sent to the appropriate Australian Government Immigration
section for processing. A decision on your application may be made solely on the information provided. You are
encouraged to provide all relevant supporting documents at the time of lodgement. Your case officer will contact
you directly if further information is required.
How long will it take to make a decision?
Current processing times are available on the Department of Immigration and Border Protection website.
See: www.immi.gov.au/About/Pages/sevice-standards/service-standards.aspx
What if I have an urgent need to travel?
If you need to travel to Australia urgently you can advise staff at the time of lodgement. Only cases with compelling
or compassionate circumstances will receive priority processing. All other applications should be lodged well before
intended travel dates.
Can I pay for tickets before I have been granted a visa?
It is recommended that you do not make inflexible travel reservations unless you have been granted a visa. If you do
make travel arrangements and you have not received a visa decision, this does not constitute a compelling or
compassionate reason to expedite processing.
How will I be notified about outcome of my application?
Once a decision is made on your application, an email will be sent advising of the outcome. If a visa is granted, you
can print this notification for your records. Australia has a label free visa program which means you do not need a
visa label in your passport. Your passport and bio-data details will be stored electronically. If these details should
change, you need to advise the department prior to travel.