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Skilled Visas: State Sponsorship Processing Update
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| Author: |
Alan Collett and Sarah White |
| Date: |
Saturday, August 08, 2009 |
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Here is the first of what is intended to be a regular update on our experiences with the processing of State and Territory sponsorship of skilled visa applications, as prepared by Go Matilda consultant and Registered Migration Agent Sarah White, who manages most of our clients' applications for sponsorship.
Western Australia
Appears to be dealing with their backlog. The latest approvals we received (on the 24th and 27th of July) were lodged on 8th April 2009 and 16th April 2009 respectively. We are advising applicants to expect a wait of around 4 months.
Queensland
Seems to be struggling somewhat. Currently dealing with applications lodged in February and March 2009. Giving priority to those with medicals that are soon expiring. The change to the supporting document requirements in April has probably slowed the processing, as many applications will have been submitted incomplete, so QLD are having to go back to applicants to request additional documents.
The earliest outstanding application we have was lodged on 31st March 2009; we were told last week that it would be a further 6 weeks before a decision is made - it was a "low priority application."
Australian Capital Territory
The list is still closed. ACT also seems to be struggling with a backlog, not helped by having increased the supporting documents required, meaning that many applications were therefore lodged incomplete (as with QLD).
Many applicants are being asked for further documentation during processing. Currently applications for sponsorship under subclass 176 lodged in mid/late April are being processed.
South Australia
Processing timeframes are still around 4 weeks for permanent residency visas and 6 to 8 weeks for temporary visas.
New South Wales
Processing time is around 3 to 4 weeks. Subclass 475 sponsorship applications (processed by the relevant regional body) seem to be processed more quickly - around 2 weeks.
Victoria
The published time frame is 10 weeks, which mirrors our experience.
Tasmania
TAS has made it harder to gain sponsorship - they are now looking for a very strong commitment to the State: previous travel to TAS, job offer etc, as well as an IELTS score of 7 or more for many occupations. The published timeframe is 4 weeks.
If you are a skilled individual, are contemplating a move to Australia, and would like to apply for State or Territory Government sponsorship of your visa application please contact us.
Go Matilda has many years of experience assisting with applications for the sponsorship of Australian skilled visa applications, and we will be pleased to have a free initial discussion about your situation, your visa strategy, and how we might help, after which we can send you a no obligation proposal as to our fees.
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