Dorothy

No, you are not correct. Just because you personally don't know anyone who has been granted a visa in the past few days doesn't mean that any of the hundreds of thousands of visa applications have not been approved.

yasmin_s

Thanks Axe for your reply

Duncan_Mc

It looks like no processing of MODL and Other in 2009/2010

Axe

Please tell me this is supposed to read 2008/2009???

Surely it can't take another year to get though all the SS & CSL????

Pollyana

The thing to remember I guess is that DIAC can change the rules at any time - as they did this year - so even if they say they are "Unlikely " to process X or Y that doesn't mean they won't.....

Axe

I hear you Pollyana, I just find it hard to believe that DIAC initially thought that they'd be finished CSL in May, and now they're taking 13 months from then?

I have family on the MODL, it's been 18 months already, another year is a pretty long time!

Pollyana

It is a pretty drastic concept to come to terms with. I'd like to hear the views of a reputable agent, as presumably this letter is going to a lot of applicants. Would also be interesting to hear whether the poster concerned is going through an agent, and if so, what their views are.

I'm hoping its one of those worst case scenario letters that will be rendered useless by the next round of DIAC changes, but thats just a personal hope.

George Lombard

Hi Duncan,

This is pretty much what we've been telling people. Most low priority applicants are going to have to get themselves state sponsored with current occupations or seek new skills assessments, or hope that the global financial crisis recedes. One DIAC official is mentioning that those who are family sponsored at the moment may be the first to benefit if there is any relaxation, and there is an election next year, but otherwise very good that DIAC is finally coming clean about the delays.

Cheers,

George Lombard

reehan

Dear George,

You said low priority applicants can seek new assessment. This means if an IT professional gets new suitable assessment that is on CSL, he/she will be priority processed under same application?

Axe

It will be interesting to see if Tuesday's ASPC and BSPC updates reflect any of this information.

Pollyana

It will be interesting, you're right.

Thanks to George for a quick response there

Jen1977ni

No, a new fee will be incurred:

Can I provide a new skills assessment?
If you obtain a new skills assessment for an occupation listed on the CSL, this can generally only be considered with a new application. You must ensure you meet the legislative criteria in place at the time of lodgement. Any new application will require a new visa application charge.

shafanm

It is true DIAC can change the rules, but they also should remember that they have taken a large sum of money up front from many people, and we have played by the rules that existed prior to the change and we should be
treated by the same rules irrespective of the subsequent changes as they have accepted the fees, and our submission of application and DIAC acceptance, confirm that now DIAC is violating the terms of agreement, I am sure those with legal background would agree with me, if I am wrong please correct me.

Dorothy

You are incorrect. There is no agreement that you will be issued a visa within x number of days/weeks/months. Only that for a fee your suitability for a visa will be assessed and if DIAC feels you meet the criteria they will issue a visa. They haven't changed anything with the possible exception of processing times. If you're still meet the criteria you will still be eligible, it will simply take longer.

George Lombard

Dear Reehan,

Only under very limited circumstances.

Cheers,

George Lombard