[April 2017]: DIBP publishes online list of processing times for visa and citizenship applications

On 13 March 2017, the Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) published a list of processing times for various visa types and citizenship application programs. According to the DIBP, the recent move is part of the government’s goal of enhancing customer service by regularly updating client information and making processing arrangements faster and more efficient.

The list, which has been made online for the first time, will be updated monthly. It also comprises most of the visa subclasses and citizenship programs offered by the government. Subclasses that are currently unavailable to new entrants, capped, queued, and those with a low volume of applications will not be part of the list.

“Two processing times are displayed, indicating how long it is taking to finalise 75 and 90 percent of applications submitted globally,” explained the DIBP. “Processing times are impacted each month by changes in application volumes, seasonal peaks, complex cases, and incomplete applications. Processing times include applications lodged online and by paper. Where available, you should lodge your application online as it helps streamline processing arrangements.”

Applicants can also use Visa Finder to compare processing times for up to three different products.

The government also encouraged the public to submit complete applications in order for the DIBP to lodge the details of their application on time and to ensure that their application falls within the published processing times. “The checklists provided on ImmiAccount will assist in making sure you have included all required documents during the application process,” it concluded.