Mrs Kiwi 2

Hey guys, I used to use this forum years ago when I was planning my move to Oz. I have now lived here in QLD very happily for 11 years but have been on the 461 visa all that time due to disorganisation I guess.

Hubby and I are dying to finally apply for a permanent residency visa but I can’t because I am currently on a bridging visa pending the renewal of my 461 visa. The thing is, I submitted my 461 application in March 2018 (my 461 visa expired in May 2018) and have been on a bridging visa ever since - so nearly 3 years!

This is my 3rd 461 renewal and previously it took 6 months each time to be granted a renewal : obviously COVID-19 has thrown all normal rules out the window but there’s no info available anywhere on processing times.

So any help you can give me with regards to processing times would be much appreciated - on the department of home affairs website it simply says processing times not available and has done for months now.

r3b00t

HI Mrs Kiwi, Have heard from immi regarding your 461 renewal?
I am in the same situation, still waiting, I lodged for renewal almost 2 years ago. I need it to be granted asap to process a 186

spouse of scouse

Processing times

• 75% of applications: 32 months
• 90% of applications: 41 months

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visa...-temporary-461

Paul Hand

I'm seeing well over 2 years for onshore renewal 461 applications at the moment. I have no idea why they are taking so long!

r3b00t

Hi Paul, thanks for this. My theory would be that they probably monitor people income/tax-declaration over a few years, to assess how are they going financially. Just my opinion trying to explain this...

Pollyana

Is there now a financial requirement for the 461?

r3b00t

I don't know, it's a guess. They probably want to know if people struggle to make ends meet, before giving a whole new 5 years.

Paul Hand

No - there is absolutely no financial requirement. My view is that it's just a very low priority cohort of applicants as far as the Department is concerned.

It is actually a very 'generous' visa in terms of cost/benefit, particularly the 'roll over' option even after a relationship breaks down.

r3b00t

All, I got it granted, finally! 26months on

Pollyana

Congratulations!