Permanent visa processing times

[craigshap1]

Hi everyone

We are in the process of applying for a 190 visa. We have got our invitation, submitted our application and paid the fees. The application was submitted in april.

According to the website, processing time is usually 5-6 months. However, it seems it will certainly now be longer given the whole covid situation and borders being closed. From what I have read australian borders will only be reopened mid 2021. Does anyone have any idea as to processing of visas and how long it will take in this environment?

Also, should we be nervous that there could be a risk that the visa will not be processed and we will lose it due to the timing of border closures? Or are we still assured of eventually (albeit much later) getting it (assuming all our documents are in order) as we have already paid for it?

[ChrisH]

I can't really speak to the timing of the visas, it will probably take longer than they indicated.

 

As for you simply losing your application because of the border closures, I'm confident that won't happen.  The date of activation used to 1 year from the date of your medical or police clearance back when we got our 189. Visas only took 3 months to process back then so it was achievable.  When processing times got to the 9ish month mark they realised that its not giving people enough time to reach Australia so they changed the rule.

 

They will definitely do what is fair as there would be thousands of people in a similar boat to you.

[TeeTMI]

On 7/18/2020 at 6:17 PM, craigshap1 said:

Hi everyone

We are in the process of applying for a 190 visa. We have got our invitation, submitted our application and paid the fees. The application was submitted in april.

According to the website, processing time is usually 5-6 months. However, it seems it will certainly now be longer given the whole covid situation and borders being closed. From what I have read australian borders will only be reopened mid 2021. Does anyone have any idea as to processing of visas and how long it will take in this environment?

Also, should we be nervous that there could be a risk that the visa will not be processed and we will lose it due to the timing of border closures? Or are we still assured of eventually (albeit much later) getting it (assuming all our documents are in order) as we have already paid for it?

 

There is variation in processing times due to COVID-19.
One thing to be aware of is that the 190 visa is a Permanent Resident visa and at the current time (you would need to check into the future in case of changes) people holding PR are permitted to enter Australia. 

There are people being granted 189 and 190 visas that are choosing to make the move now and arriving in Australia.