Improved visa processing times

The Australian Government is pleased to announce that additional resourcing since 2022 has led to big reductions in average visa processing times. For example, the average processing time for a student visa application in 2023 has been reduced to as little as 16 days.

What this means for you

Quicker processing times will allow you to start your education in Australia sooner.

If you lodge an incomplete application, you will receive a notification in your ImmiAccount with a Request for Information (RFI) from the Department of Home Affairs.

When an RFI is received, you must provide the requested information as soon as possible.

If you do not provide the requested information before the specified date, the Department of Home Affairs will finalise your visa application without the information they requested. Not having all the information assessed means your visa may not be approved.

What you need to do

• You will still need to lodge a student visa application at least 6-8 weeks before course commencement.
• Regularly check your ImmiAccount for any requests from the Department of Home Affairs.
• Respond to any requests for further information or documentation as soon as you can – BEFORE the stated deadline (the sooner, the better).
• If you are having difficulty getting the required documentation, you should request an extension of time through your ImmiAccount.
• If you are requesting an extension, you should provide evidence of any actions you have taken to obtain the required information, such as a payment receipt or booking confirmation, in order to support your request for more time. 

We're looking forward to having you here with us in Australia!