Spouse visa, ASIO and "the visa year"

[swells]

After reading Sheelagh's reply to Stella's post, I was wondering if all applications pass through ASIO or only those from high-risk countries or with prior convictions? Perhaps this would explain why visa processing times have been extended from 1-5 months to 5-10 months.

Also, I read recently that visas are granted in accordance with the planning levels agreed to by government and that there are 60,300 places available in the family stream each year (July-June). Yet I have also read on most forums that there are no caps for partner visas. Can anyone clarify this for me?

Thank you!

[nvoorst]

Also, I read recently that visas are granted in accordance with the planning levels agreed to by government and that there are 60,300 places available in the family stream each year (July-June). Yet I have also read on most forums that there are no caps for partner visas. Can anyone clarify this for me?

Thank you!

Yes, there is a limit to the number of places available in any financial year. I am not sure how this is applied exactly. I have an offshore application which cannot be processed until after July, because there are no more available places, while an onshore application, which I lodged much later, was approved in 5 weeks.

[downundervisa]

Most of the delays are caused by workloads. A visa can often be approved in a single day........but this won't happen when there's a mountain of applications in front of it. Best thing is just to sit back and try to be patient. Don't spend your time worrying about ASIO checks.

[swells]

Thanks Nick and Jeff for your speedy replies, you've both been really helpful.

I agreed that, although not one of my virtues, patience really is the best way to approach these applications - without it you can really get yourself into a spin! Unfortunately my work contract expires at the end of July so I'm just trying to get a feel of whether to sign a new one or not - I don't want to be without work waiting for the visa, yet at the same time don't want to be tied down once the visa arrives.

Thanks again for your help.

[Stella]

Well, it's now two months since my CO sent my form 80 to ASIO for assessments. She told me 9-12 months. She even said that she put an "Urgent request" on the enveloppe when she sent it. I am impatiently waiting ...

I hope I DO NOT have to redo my Health examination and PC (since they both expire Janaury 18th). I hope to get my VISA approved way before then.

[joutzen]

Hi There
Am wondering if anyone could assist with timeframes on security checks for spouse visas. My husband is from North Africa and the status of his application is that the paperwork for security checks has been in progress since April 2010. Just wondering when this might be looked at, and how long security checks usually take.
Thanks

[Sara]

Hi There
Am wondering if anyone could assist with timeframes on security checks for spouse visas. My husband is from North Africa and the status of his application is that the paperwork for security checks has been in progress since April 2010. Just wondering when this might be looked at, and how long security checks usually take.
Thanks

Hi Joutzen, I am waiting for my husband's security check to be completed as well...I have been waiting 6 months since DIAC has requested his security check from Aus authoroties, I really hope it doesn't take too long...

Good luck to you.

[Sheelagh Blanckenberg]

Dear all

I certainly do appreciate how nerve-wracking as well as annoying it is to wait for security checks to be completed. However, it is generally right out of DIAC's hands and there is very little they can or will do to speed things up.

DIAC have no vested interest in dragging their feet on any application when it gets to the security checking stage. At the end of the day they want to get visa applications finalised as quickly as they can - helps with ensuring they meet their targets and get the monetary grants they require by meeting KPIs.

A modified quote from a post I made in another thread on this forum may be helpful to allay some fears:

Without beating around the bush and I hope I dont offend anyone by saying this, certain persons are considered extremely high risk nationals. The security checks done will therefore be extensive . Until every 'i' is dotted and every 't' is crossed, they will not be cleared and that is that. I have heard of some clearances taking several years or more. It all depends on the complexities involved, where the individual has lived and/or travelled, the collaboration/assistance given (or not given) by other countries overseas, etc etc. ASIO are unlikely to be the only agency involved - a lengthy process can quickly become even lengthier when other legal jurisdictions are involved.

While I certainly do not encourage it, if you are really very concerned about the time it is taking, contact your case officer to get an update no more than once a month after the lower limit of any time frame they have given you. (Stella you were given a 9-12 month time frame. This means dont contact the CO until at least 9 months have passed and you have heard nothing).

This will reassure you and will not get your case officer offside - which you will do if you become a serial pest by emailing and phoning every other day.