This achievement comes after a challenging period in 2022 when visa processing delays affected numerous global study destinations during the ongoing pandemic recovery
The Australian Department of Home Affairs has achieved a remarkable feat by significantly reducing the average processing time for student visas to a mere 16 days. This achievement comes after a challenging period in 2022 when visa processing delays affected numerous global study destinations during the ongoing pandemic recovery.
In an announcement made on LinkedIn, the Australian government shared this great news with international students, stating, “Good news for international students! Additional Australian Government resources allocated since 2022 have led to substantial reductions in average visa processing times. Student visas are now being processed in as little as 16 days on average.”
This accomplishment can be attributed to a strategic allocation of $48.1 million from the national budget over a 12-month period, combined with a series of targeted initiatives aimed at addressing visa processing delays.
Reports indicate that approximately 600 new staff members were recruited between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023, with the primary focus of bolstering support for temporary and migration visa processing. The processing of pending visa applications has become a top priority for the government.
To ensure a smooth visa application process, the department has advised prospective student visa applicants from outside Australia to submit their visa applications at least eight weeks before the start of their courses. This proactive approach can help students avoid unnecessary delays and ensure they have ample time to complete all necessary procedures before commencing their studies in Australia.
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The department further advised that students applying for a student visa from overseas should initiate their application at least eight weeks before the start of their courses
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This proactive approach, they stressed, would help ensure a smooth and timely visa application process
In an effort to streamline the admission process for incoming students, Australia has increased the financial capacity requirement for international students. Starting from October 1, 2023, student visa applicants will be required to demonstrate savings of at least AU$24,505 as proof of their financial capacity.
A spokesperson from the department informed The PIE News, “Almost 600 new staff were recruited between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023, and are now supporting temporary and migration visa processing. Processing on-hand visa applications is a government priority. In most instances, the Department of Home Affairs has reduced the time it takes to finalize visa applications. These actions have already reduced the number of student visa applications on-hand and improved student visa processing times.”
However, despite these promising statistics, the department issued a word of caution, emphasizing that while processing times have improved significantly, students should not become complacent when applying for visas. “Processing times are influenced by complex cases, changes in the volume of applications, and adjustments to Ministerial Directions,” the spokesperson warned.
The department further advised that students applying for a student visa from overseas should initiate their application at least eight weeks before the start of their courses. This proactive approach, they stressed, would help ensure a smooth and timely visa application process.
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