The Migration Act allows the Minister to set the priority in which GSM (general skilled migration) visa applications are to be processed. On 23 September 2009, a new ministerial direction came into effect and the following applications are subject to priority processing:- employer nominated visa applications
- regional sponsored visa applications
- applications where the nominated occupation is on the "critical skills shortage list" (there are a couple of subcategories here, depending on whether it is sponsored or not);
- MODL applications; and
- the rest.
"Q11 My application does not fall into one of the priority categories. When can I expect to have my application finalised? If your nominated occupation is not on the CSL and you have applied for an offshore GSM visa or intend to apply for an offshore GSM before the end of 2009, it is unlikely that your visa will be finalised before the end of 2012. If your nominated occupation is not on the CSL and you applied for an onshore GSM visa or intend to apply for an onshore GSM before the end of 2009, it is unlikely that your visa will be finalised before the end of 2011."
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http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/after-you-lodge.htm#processing
ReplyDeleteOnly these applications are subjected to priority processing:
1. applications from people who are employer sponsored under the ENS and the RSMS
2. applications from people who are nominated by a State/Territory government and whose nominated occupation is listed on the Critical Skills List (CSL)
3. applications from people who are sponsored by family and whose nominated occupation is listed on the CSL
The rest can take anywhere between 2 to 3 years. It basically says if you are not sponsored, don't bother!