why australian tourist visa is delayed

Australian visitor visa wait times have blown out with some nationalities in limbo for months

Tourists have been waiting three times longer to get their visas approved for travel to australia this year compared to pre-covid-19 times, with a new report showing specific impacts on visitors from one country..

Visa processing times for tourists and business travellers blew out this year. Source: SBS News

• Australian visitor visa wait times revealed.
• New report shows Chinese tourists waited four months for visas.
• Visitor numbers are also well down compared to pre-COVID levels.

Why have the wait times increased?

Certain countries experiencing longer delays

Australian visa changes: What Labor's 2022 federal budget means for migration

Arrivals are still a long way from pre-pandemic levels

Change in the origin of tourists

Business visa approvals drop by 320 per cent

What is Australia's 'golden ticket' visa and why is it being talked about?

Countries finding it harder to get visas approved

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How Long Will it Take to Get My Visa? Understanding Australia’s Visa Processing Delays

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*Disclaimer: The contents of this article do not constitute legal migration advice, are not intended to be a substitute for legal migration advice, and should not be relied upon as such. For professional migration assistance, always consult a Registered Migration Agent registered with the Office of Migration Agents Registered Authority (MARA) or contact the Department of Home Affairs . 

Whether you’ve recently applied for a skilled migration visa or you’re planning to soon, you’ve likely heard about the significant backlogs in visa processing. According to ABC News , the Australian Government is currently experiencing major delays; it’s estimated that it could take over six months to resolve the backlog of roughly a million unprocessed visas. With this in mind, you may be wondering: how long will it take for my visa application to be processed in Australia?

In this article, we walk you through Australia’s visa processing delays, what’s causing them and how to potentially avoid them.

• What is General Skilled Migration and State Nomination?
• Victoria’s 2022-23 Skilled Migration Program is Now Open 

Understanding Australia’s visa processing delays

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Australia’s borders were closed for nearly two years. This meant that skilled migration visa applications were essentially halted during that period. However, when Australia reopened its borders completely in February 2022, this reopened the door for visa applications. Now, the Australian Government is seeing a massive influx of visa applications and they are struggling to keep up with the demand. 

The Department of Home Affairs last updated its global processing times web page on 19 July 2022. On the web page, the Department notes that this list is updated monthly, taking these delays into account. 

Skilled migrants feeling the pressure

Amid these delays, many skilled migrant workers are feeling immense pressure and stress – so much so that several have taken to the streets to protest. On 14 August 2022 , skilled migrant protestors stationed themselves on the steps of Adelaide’s Parliament House, pleading with the Government to fast-track their permanent residency (PR) visa applications. In a tweet, 7News Adelaide stated that the “backlog [of visa applications] is so heavy, applications submitted prior to September 2020 are currently being assessed.” 

South Australian migrants have staged a protest in the city, pleading with the federal government to fast-track their permanent residency visas. 7NEWS Adelaide at 6pm | https://t.co/8ftPfFYTVQ #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/WRemNwTmRR — 7NEWS Adelaide (@7NewsAdelaide) August 14, 2022

What is causing the visa delays in Australia? 

While the influx of visa applications is one of the primary causes behind the backlog, the Department of Home Affairs has also shared that there are other contributing factors. These include:

• Lodgements of incomplete applications. 
• How promptly applicants respond to requests for additional information
• How long it takes the Department to perform checks on the information supplied
• How long it takes to acquire information from outside agencies (such as information on character, health, etc.)
• How many places are available in the migration program (for PR applications)

How to avoid visa processing delays

It’s important to remember that there is no guaranteed way to avoid visa processing delays. However, you can improve your chances of having your visa processed promptly by ensuring you submit a complete application with all the required documentation. The Department of Education, Skills and Employment also highlighted that the sector needs to help in this initiative, particularly providers and agents. 

Additionally, if the Department requests any extra information or documentation from you, aim to reply to these requests as soon as possible. 

My application is taking too long – what can I do?

If you are worried about the status of your application, you can get in touch with the Commonwealth Ombudsman or consult its visa delay fact sheet . However, the Ombudsman will not usually investigate individual complaints about processing times. If you can demonstrate compelling or compassionate circumstances, you can try to request that your application be prioritised by:

• Calling the Department of Home Affairs Service Centre on 131 881, or
• Contacting the relevant processing office(s)

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Australian government loses bragging rights on visa time frames

While ministers say they have fixed predecessors’ visa processing delays, published data suggests otherwise.

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Australia’s government has lost its bragging rights for fixing the massive visa processing delays of its predecessor, with accountability changes making the claim impossible to verify.

A year or so after its election in May 2022, the Labor administration said it was addressing the “ legacy of mismanagement left by the previous government ” including “an overwhelming visa backlog” and “ long excessive waiting times ”.

The migration strategy released last December was focused on “making the system work by being fast, efficient and fair”. Cabinet ministers said visa processing times had been slashed from 40 to 14 days for students and 11 to three days for vital regional workers.

However, according to a clearly flawed Department of Home Affairs (DHA) web page that tracks visa processing times , they have not changed at all for the past decade.

DHA said it had started revising the data on the web page six months ago. Its aim had been “to assist visa applicants to understand how long individual visa subclasses usually take to process in the context of the prevailing environment, following the reopening of Australia’s international borders and the government’s priority to reduce the visa backlogs”.

“Work is currently underway to update processing times that reflect finalisation numbers in accordance with the ministerial direction 107,” a spokesperson added.

The ministerial direction, issued in mid-December, instructed immigration officials to prioritise visa applications from people intending to study at “low-risk” institutions. Applications to study at other institutions, including the 18 universities currently rated as medium or high immigration risk, were to be put on the back burner.

Since then, vice-chancellors and agents have complained of significant processing delays affecting all universities, including low-risk ones. “Government slowdown/inaction on visa approvals – even for genuine students that were submitted well in timeframes required – is impacting all of us,” Australian National University international student recruitment boss Brendon Lutwyche complained in a  LinkedIn post .

“Is it a migration cap by stealth? Can you imagine the outcry if the government suddenly told Rio Tinto their three iron ore carriers berthed in Gladstone port wouldn’t be able to depart with their product?”

Tertiary education consultant Claire Field said the “policy intent” of the migration strategy had been right, but its implementation had been flawed.

In particular, DHA appeared to have “moved ahead” of the government’s announcements and started refusing visas based on yet-to-be-announced criteria – a suspicion shared by other international education operators, who say universities are receiving unfavourable risk ratings because of factors beyond their control.

While DHA says visa applications are assessed against current legal requirements, visa applications for higher education study are being rejected at unprecedented rates.

Although grant rates for higher education visas have declined across the board, well over nine in 10 applications from many SouthEast Asian and East Asian countries – including the top source market of China – are nevertheless approved. But success rates from key South Asian and African countries are at all-time lows.

In December, officials rejected approximately one in four applications from India, one in two from Kenya and Nepal, three in four from Pakistan and four in five from Nigeria.

International education researcher Angela Lehmann, a China expert, said universities were being given mixed signals . “Obviously we need regulation…but it’s not helping to facilitate diversification.”

Ly Tran, an international education and engagement expert at Deakin University , said the delays and rejections were unfair on students and risked “diplomatic ramifications” – particularly in countries like India, where Australia’s government has vowed to strengthen educational ties by “ supporting student mobility ”.

“International students are seen as tradable commodities,” Professor Tran said. “Now they are also seen clearly as political tools.”

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Australian Visa and Entry Requirements FAQs

Learn about visa requirements for entry to Australia for tourism purposes with this list of frequently asked questions. 

Please note this page is intended to provide general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Tourism Australia is not the Australian government visa granting authority. For information on visas to enter Australia, visitors should seek the most up-to-date information from Australian Government Department of Home Affairs .*

Ready to plan your trip? We're ready to welcome you! Here are some helpful tips for getting your visa sorted: 

• Be sure to secure the appropriate visa before travelling to Australia. Use the Visa Finder to explore your options.
• Ensure all details are correct and provide all required documents when you apply. An incomplete or incorrect application can delay your visa.
• Submitting multiple applications at the same time can slow the process. For visitor visas, submit one application per person, including children. 
• Questions? The Australian Government's Global Service Centre can help.

Australian Visa Information

Unless you are an Australian citizen, you will need a valid Australian visa to enter the country. New Zealand passport holders can apply for a visa upon arrival in the country. All other passport holders, regardless of age, must apply for a visa before leaving home. You can apply for a range of Australian visa types, including tourist visas and working holiday visas, via the ETA app or on the  Department of Home Affairs website.

There are different Australian visa types available for travellers to Australia. Knowing which Australian visa to apply for depends on the length of your stay, your passport and the purpose of your visit. You’ll also need to meet certain financial and medical requirements, be outside of Australia when applying and maintain health insurance for the duration of your stay. 

Electronic Travel Authority visa  (subclass 601) This visa allows you to visit Australia as many times as you want, for up to a year, and stay for three months each visit. This visa is available to passport holders from a number of countries and regions, who live outside Australia. A step-by-step guide on how to apply is  here .

All ETA-eligible passport holders must apply for an ETA using the Australian ETA app. Agents can assist you in the application process, but you must be physically present as a live facial image is required.

eVisitor  (subclass 651) This is a free visa for multiple visits to Australia for tourism or business purposes for up to three months at a time within a 12-month period. This visa is available to passport holders from a number of European countries and it cannot be extended.

Visitor visa  (subclass 600) The Visitor visa allows you to visit Australia, either for tourism or business purposes. It is open to all nationalities. Generally, a period of stay of up to three months is granted, but up to 12 months may be granted in certain circumstances. Applicants will have to pay a fee to submit their application.

The application process may differ depending on which visa you need.

You can only apply for the  Electronic Travel Authority visa  (subclass 601) through the Australian ETA app. A step-by-step guide on how to apply is located  here .

For other visas, you can apply online by creating an ImmiAccount and completing the application process. Be sure to submit your application well in advance of your travel date to allow enough time for processing. You may be asked to provide further supporting information. You will be notified in writing if your tourist visa is approved and it will be digitally linked to your passport. For more information on different visa types, and Australian visa requirements including how to apply for an Australian visa, visit the  Department of Home Affairs  website.

If you are already in Australia and hold a valid Electronic Travel Authority visa (subclass 601) you can extend your stay by applying for another visa, such as a Visitor visa (subclass 600). An eVisitor (subclass 651) cannot be extended.

See the Department of Home Affairs website for details.

Working Holiday Visas

Australia's Working Holiday Maker program allows visitors aged under 30 (or 35 in certain cases) who hold a passport from a participating country to travel and work in Australia. Working holiday visas are valid for one year, or up to three years if you meet certain conditions.

Find out more about working holiday visas here .

*Australian visa regulations (including visa application charges) change from time to time. The information provided here is valid at the time of publication, but visitors should check this information is still current by visiting the Australian Department of Home Affairs .

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Visa Application Backlog | Delays Impact Australia’s COVID-19 Recovery

In recent weeks a huge visa application backlog, estimated to number almost one million applications, has been causing delays in visa processing.

The large backlog has beset the Department of Home Affairs while Australia has been readjusting to open borders. This complicates efforts to attract skilled migrants at a time when the country is also challenged by direct competition with other migrant destination countries such as Canada, the UK, and the US.

What caused the Visa Application Backlog?

The visa application backlog has been created as a result of a number of factors including but not limited to:

• A large number of applications submitted but not actively processed during the COVID-19 border closure period.
• An increasing number of new applications being submitted since borders re-opened.
• A processing transition within the Department of Home Affairs from closed border arrangements (in which Travel Exemptions set the priority) to open border arrangements (in which there are no Travel Exemptions) .
• The Department experiencing staffing shortages due to COVID-19 isolation.  

A significant re-adjustment of visa processing arrangements was required when Australia re-opened its borders in December 2021 (this occurred later in some states such as WA, which re-opened in March 2022).

Prior to COVID-19, the applications that took one to two weeks to be finalised, as a result of the aforementioned factors, now take one to two months or more for completion.

Despite a steady improvement in processing the backlog, it is unlikely it will be resolved before Christmas. Industry groups have called upon the government to act quickly to assist with the delivery of new skills into the economy as soon as possible.

What is the government doing to manage the backlog?

The government has identified the clearance of the backlog as a major priority, discussing the matter at its first National Cabinet meeting in June. However, the new Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, and Multicultural Affairs, Andrew Giles has noted that it will take time:  

“People reallocated to dealing with the visa applications on hand need to be trained and skilled before they can go about this important work,” Giles said.   

Mr. Giles said that almost 140 new staff have been allocated to visa processing since May 2022:  

“Already, officers previously focused on travel exemptions have been redirected to visa processing…. Further, a surge capacity to work overtime, drawn from across the Department and the Australian Border Force has been established,” Mr Giles added.  

As part of the strategy to reduce the backlog, the Department of Home Affairs is prioritising offshore applications so that skilled migrants not currently in Australia can come to Australia to alleviate labour shortages.

We can see the scale of the task illustrated in the number of applications currently being finalised: approximately 745,000 visa applications were finalized from the beginning of June to the end of July 2022. This included:

• 645,000 offshore visa applications (including 388,000 visitor visas)
• 9,550 temporary skilled visas.  

While these practical measures will assist many businesses experiencing labour skills shortages, they will potentially result in delays for visa applicants already in Australia.  

How can you improve the processing time for your visa application?

Australia’s visa legislation is complex and at times difficult to apply. T he coalescence of inexperienced staff and aged visa applications can occasionally lead to officers requesting information that would normally not be required, causing further delays in processing. This is something the migration industry has experienced in recent weeks. 

If you have an older application pending or are submitting a new one, make sure that your documents and information are up to date, so that the application can be as close as possible to ‘decision ready’ when an officer reviews it.

Interstaff | Migration Agents Australia

Interstaff is an Australian-owned and operated business providing strategic migration advice to businesses and individuals Australia-wide and internationally since 1988.

Should you need professional advice on your Visa or Migration requirements, we encourage you to call Interstaff’s Migration Agents on 08 9221 3388  (Perth) or  02 7200 2567   (Sydney) or  03 8319 0902  (Melbourne) or  +61 8 9221 3388   (International).

You may also wish to connect with us on  Facebook  and  LinkedIn or get in touch with us here .

The Mandarin

Interstaff Migration Agents  

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Australian Visa delay problem, any way I can rush it? - Australia Forum

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Australian Visa delay problem, any way I can rush it?

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I am currently really worried that my Australian Visa isn't going to come back in time.

We are travelling on 26th October, and applied for the Visa on 18th September. My partners visa was approved instantly before they even received the application received email.

However mine has not been approved and I am now getting extremely worried it wont come back in time.

I have a CRB check that I had to enter on the application which is likely what is holding it up, but I did not know it would take so long. The website says that up to 109 days is within 'normal' processing time.

I just rang the number Immi website and spoke to the Global Service Center and they said they cannot give me any more information other than to add a note to the account of the day we fly.

Is there any way I can attempt to speed up the process? Is it worth applying for a 'urgent' visa via e-visa or Immi or will the existing application prevent this being possible? I have also read that it's possible to apply through an ETA visa via the app, although this isn't possible with the record check - that I would have to not tell them about it and then deal with questioning at the border... which doesn't seem like a great plan, but I really feel like I'm out of options.

If anyone has any advice I would be most grateful.

17 replies to this topic

that seems like a tad long for visa approval. I am a visitor to oz and had downloaded their app for e-visa, which got instant approval for the family. Drop them an email too as the dep date is extremely near. hope it helps

What exactly do you mean by a CRB Check?

If you mean that you have what they classify as a substantial criminal record, then yes, you likely won’t be granted your visa at all/in time. If it gets referred to VACCU, then you could wait months or even longer.

What nationality are you? Which visa did you apply for? What exactly did you declare? (There might be a more appropriate visa where you can supply more information but time may well be against you).

There aren’t emergency visa processes for tourism. They tell you not to book travel until you hav had your vis ranted.

Thanks for the replies,

I am from the UK.

Applied for 'e-visitor' - 651

I have a previous conviction for harassment. Conditional discharge. (for what it's worth I have travelled to many countries and this is not something that has ever prevented me travelling or resulted in a delay or this length.)

On the e-visa website they mention 'urgent' application and this is available to e-visitors. I thought I had seen this on the Immi website as well, but perhaps not.

You have likely been referred to VACCU and that can take a while. Individual applications can’t be expedited and as you say, the ETA is not really an option for you as declaring a conviction would just result in an immediate refusal. Your only option is to wait and hope but I don’t like your chances.

It also does not matter that you have been able to travel to other places without issue.

I would be seeing how cancellable your trip is.

The only alternative I can think of is to apply for the visa 600 and attac all relevant information and evidence about the conviction , including a Police report.

Caution this may just be throwing more money awayas there is only a slim chance it will make any diffyto the likely outcome of you being able to travel this month.

I jope your bookings are changeable

Read the definition of 'criminal record' closely - see link. if you have a lesser conviction then not substantive (but as you have ticked the box then a likely long wait for VACCU review)

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/character

He's British, so can't apply using the ETA app.

Well actually he could Bella. Since they made the ETA only available via the app, UK and some EU nationals can apply for it as well as the 651 9basically Western European nationals).

However in this case there is no point because of declaring a CR.

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‘It’s very unfair’: Australia’s visa crackdown is disrupting international students and hitting university finances

Student applications and net arrivals fall as refusal rates reach a record high. The situation is set to worsen if visa fees are hiked in the upcoming budget

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It took Rajesh more than 12 months to receive his visa to study in Australia.

But Rajesh – not his real name – considers himself lucky. Two of his friends who also come from India have recently had their PhD offers expire after waiting for visas for more than 10 months.

“It’s frustrating … especially considering PhD students are crucially important,” says Rajesh, who comes from the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, considered a red flag by universities trying to weed out non-genuine applicants. “They are fully funded and highly skilled individuals who contribute significantly to our academic community.”

As part of a bid to halve net migration by 2025 , the Australian government is cracking down on non-genuine students who use student visas as a back door for work and permanent residency. The federal government has announced a series of reforms, including tougher visa conditions, stronger English-language tests and rules for education agents who bring overseas students to Australia.

The latest home affairs data shows the proportion of offshore student visa applications being refused has reached a record high, with as many as one in five students having their visas rejected in the year to March. Visas granted to Indian students fell by 48% between December 2022 and December 2023, with Nepalese visas granted falling 53% and Pakistani visas falling 55% over the same period.

The department cites an increase in incomplete applications and fraudulent documentation, contributing to both higher visa refusal rates and longer processing times. The tougher visa conditions have prompted institutions to change their policies, with some even imposing blanket bans on Indian students.

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The home affairs minister, Clare O’Neil, says the federal government recognises “change is hard” but migration is “too high” and must be brought back to “sustainable levels”.

“We are working with the sector to help providers adapt, but we must restore integrity to the system to protect the sector’s international reputation,” she says.

But some say the approach is having a financial impact on institutions and disrupting the plans of genuine students who may be turned off studying in Australia altogether.

What’s going on?

The founder and president of the Pakistani Students Association of Australia, Zeeshan Malik, says many offshore students are experiencing visa refusals , while others are scared to travel back home lest their visas be cancelled on return to Australia.

While there have not been any reported cases of students having their visas cancelled on return, Malik says students feel they are being discriminated against based upon their country of origin.

“It’s very unfair,” he says. “Lots of students are struggling with mental health and other issues because of these confusing policies.”

A University of Sydney spokesperson says a “significant number” of students have been forced to defer or withdraw their applications due to visa processing delays, while others have been suspended to fulfil additional requirements.

“This has been very disruptive to highly capable young people from around the world who had paid their visa application fee and chosen to come to Australia for their studies,” the spokesperson says.

“We have moved our last date to apply for semester 2 to try to limit any such impact for future students.”

The University of Melbourne has also “faced challenges” this semester, with a number of students yet to receive their visas for the 2024 intake. A spokesperson says it has provided an extension to allow enrolled international students to start later.

Central Queensland University has gone even further, writing to education agents confirming it will no longer offer English language programs to students from India or Nepal, or enrolments to applicants over 25 or married, except for research placements.

“With many universities witnessing an increase in student visa refusals, it has been necessary for CQUniversity to proactively reconsider admissions requirements on a regular basis,” a spokesperson says.

“We have a moral obligation to ensure that prospective students have the best opportunity to successfully obtain a student visa.

“Such an outcome is not good for the student, the university, or the reputation of Australia as a global study destination.”

Why universities are imposing blanket bans

Phil Honeywood, the chief executive of the International Education Association of Australia (IEAA), says stigmatising entire nations is a “blunt instrument” that ignores the benefits of diversity.

“We’re supposed to be a welcoming, safe nation,” he says. “It’s a shame sometimes blunt policy instruments go against other government policies.”

Honeywood says universities are imposing restrictive measures on international students in the hope it will improve their risk ratings, which are used by the federal government to reduce student numbers.

The system assesses universities based upon how likely they are to recruit non-genuine students who arrive in Australia primarily to work, not study. Visas are given a risk rating between 1 and 3, and only low-risk universities on level 1 have visa applications processed quickly.

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Earlier this month, the list was updated, with nine universities downgraded to a level 2 and two downgraded to a level 3.

According to Honeywood, less than 10% of international student visas are waiting to be approved at low-risk universities while universities at level 2 and 3 are facing extensive delays.

During a webinar hosted by the IEAA at the beginning of the university year, Charles Sturt University’s pro-chancellor, international, Mike Ferguson, said 40% of international students enrolled in his university – which is a level 2 – were still waiting on visa decisions in the first week of the semester.

“Speaking to my colleagues at other universities, I know many others are in similar situations,” he says.

“You’re looking at refusal rates for offshore students in most markets in the region of 50%.”

Level 3 institution Federation University has faced significant budget pressure since the migration crackdown. It recently announced plans to cut 200 ongoing positions – the equivalent of just over one in 10 staff members.

A spokesperson for the university said the announcement came in response to a 49% decline in international student numbers between 2019 and 2023, which had been exacerbated by “unexpected but necessary changes to international student visa arrangements”.

Similarly, the University of Tasmania – also at level 3 – announced last month it would sell two of its Hobart hotels intended to house international students in anticipation of declining numbers.

Private institutions have also been hit hard. According to English Australia, the national peak body for more than 100 English language colleges for international students, visa grants plummeted by 68% in December 2023 compared with the previous year.

What the future holds

The share of international students is likely to decrease further with an anticipated hike in student visa fees in the May budget, making Australia “well and truly” the most expensive country to apply for a non-refundable visa, according to Honeywood.

Honeywood says international students are facing a “blame game” as the only migration market to Australia that can feasibly be reduced.

The former immigration department deputy secretary Abul Rizvi agrees. He says while higher visa fees are likely, it will be “poor long-term policy”.

“It will mostly deter high-performing students who have options of going elsewhere,” he says. “Policy must be designed to encourage and reward providers to compete for the best students not just those who can apparently afford to pay.”

Rizvi says the cautious approach being taken by providers, coupled with the ramping up of refusal rates for offshore student applications, led to a big fall in student visa applications in February and a fall in net student arrivals in March.

“That trend will likely continue over the next few months,” he says. “But while the flow of students is slowing, the stock is still rising and is now well over a record 700,000,” he says, referring to the number of international students in Australia.

“The industry is built on continuous growth. Under the risk rating system, lower tier providers are particularly vulnerable. They are the ones complaining the most.”

To Rajesh, the decline in quality lies squarely with universities and the government.

“Students are not responsible for that,” he says. “Blaming everything on students and their respective countries is not solving the problem.”

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9 Reasons for Australia Visa Denial (And How to Avoid Them)

Published: February 12, 2024 Leave a Comment

Australia receives over 300,000 applications for visitor visas every month and over 5,000,000 per year. About 15% of all get refused, resulting in almost a million visa refusals yearly. The countries with the highest Australia visa denial rates are Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Thailand at over 40% consistently.

In the overwhelming majority of cases, applicants have failed to convince Home Affairs that they genuinely intend to visit Australia as tourists. This can be due to many reasons, from missing documents to lack of income, no travel history, or no ties to your country.

The burden of proof in regards to being a genuine visitor lies with you, the applicant . In your visa application, you have to supply as many supporting documents as you can and provide sufficient evidence to increase your chances of success.

The top reasons for Australia visa rejection are:

• Insufficient Funds
• Missing Salary Payments
• Lack of Employment
• Short Employment History
• No Illiquid Assets
• No dependant family
• Lack of travel history
• No ties to home country
• Unclear travel plans

Getting a visa rejection is frustrating. It may affect your future applications so if you decide to apply again, it’s all the more important that you build a rock-solid case. Or you must do it right the first time.

General reasons why visa applications get refused

Your application will be rejected if you submit an incomplete application form, fake or bogus documents (including an invalid passport) or purposefully conceal or manipulate important information.

The rest of the Australia Visitor Visa requirements are short and vague. 

Not meeting either of these is reason enough to have your visa application refused:

• Not meeting the health requirements
• Not meeting the character requirements (substantial criminal record)
• Not having enough money
• Not being a genuine visitor

In practice, the last reason is catchall for most of the rejections that visa applicants receive. Agents of the Home Affairs call it “ clause 600.211 in Schedule 2 of the Migration Regulations. ”

The rest of the article looks at specific real reasons given for visa rejections. Practically all refused applications that met the health and character requirements were turned down due to clause 600.211, i.e. not proving they were a genuine visitor.

NOTE The visa refusal reasons in this article are actual reasons given by Australian Immigration in the visa refusal letters. We have put this article together after going through several visa refusal notifications from our readers and on the internet forums.

1. Insufficient Funds

“ The applicant has demonstrated limited funds which cannot be considered significant. ”

You must prove to the Home Affairs that you are well-off financially. If you have a significant source of income in your country, you’re less likely to seek illegal employment in Australia and more likely to return to your country.

The funds you show should be in line with the length of your intended stay. If your itinerary is for a month, show that you have at least 5,000 AUD in your bank account.

Letters of support and guarantees offered by friends/family in Australia are considered by immigration. Still, the bottom line is that you must prove your incentives to depart Australia at the end of your trip.

What you can submit: Bank statements with enough money.

2. Missing Salary Payments

“ You stated that you earn X monthly salary but the bank statement you submitted does not show such salary payments.”

The personal bank statements you submit should show not only enough savings but also regular incoming payments. You cannot have an unexplained large sum of money deposited into your account and apply for a visa based on that.

What you can submit: Proof of regular income .

3. Lack of Employment

“ Considering that you are unemployed in your country, you do not have sufficient incentive to leave Australia at the end of your visit.”

Being unemployed can be grounds for a visa rejection because you have no job to return to. Therefore, it’s likely that you will try to find a job in Australia.

What you can submit: Employment contract, letter from employer, and/or approved leave of absence.

4. Short Employment History

“The applicant has been employed for less than 12 months.”

Having been in employment for less than 12 months may be reason enough for a visa refusal because of the greater employment and economic opportunities in Australia.

What you can submit: Proof of employment history longer than 1 year.

5. Only Liquid Assets in Home Country

“All of the applicant’s assets are liquid and transferable regardless of geographical location”

If you don’t have any property or assets that require you to be in your country to potentially sell, you may be refused a visa. This is because you are not showing any solid ties to your country of origin.

What you can submit: Proof that you own property or any other immovable assets, rental agreement, mortgage, etc.

6. No Dependant Family Remaining in Home Country

“ The applicant has demonstrated family remaining in their home country but based on the information provided I do not consider these relatives as directly dependent.”

You must show Immigration that you have reasons to return home. If you have no family remaining back home or none depend on you (financially or otherwise), your visa application may be refused.

What you can submit: Bank statements showing financial support of family member(s).

7. Lack of Travel History

“There is no evidence that the applicant has any comparable travel outside his region.”

The applicant in question is from Pakistan and has a travel history to other Asian countries only. If you’ve traveled to the Schengen Area, UK, USA, or Canada, you have much better chances with your Australia visa application.

What you can submit: previous flight tickets, boarding passes, bookings, entry/exit stamps in passport, used visas from developed countries.

8. No Ties to Home Country

“The applicant has not demonstrated any strong financial or other ties to his country.”

Anything goes here. There isn’t an official list of acceptable ties to avoid an Australian visitor visa refusal but these 4 general ones help:

What you can submit: Employment contract or university proof of enrolment, family register, and/or property deed.

9. Unclear Plans

“The applicant’s plans during his stay in Australia are unclear.”

Your Australia visa denial is certain if you don’t explain where you will be going. Have a detailed itinerary with specific dates and the places you want to visit.

What you can submit: Travel itinerary, flight tickets, tickets for any event or attraction, invitations to weddings, birthdays, or special events in Australia.

Should you appeal or apply again?

If you believe that your visa application was refused incorrectly or unreasonably, then you can appeal with the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) of Australia.

It is a lengthy process. For Visitor Visa appeals, the processing time is often more than 1 year. It is also quite costly: lodging an appeal costs 3,374 AUD with only half refunded if the case is decided in your favor.

It doesn’t make sense to appeal a tourism visa rejection. Instead, gather more documents and submit a new, stronger visa application.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the denial rate for australian visas.

As per Department of Home Affairs’ Visitor Visa Program Report for 2022-23 (01 Jul 2022 to 30 Jun 2023), the following are the denial rates for Australian visas.

• For the ETA, the denial rate is 2.2%.
• For the eVisitor, the denial rate is 1.1%.
• For the Tourist Visitor visa (not sponsored), the denial rate is 24.2%.
• For the Tourist Visitor visa (sponsored), the denial rate is 29%.

Can I appeal if my Australian visa is rejected?

Yes, you can appeal with the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) but considering how costly and long the procedure is, it is not recommended in the overwhelming majority of cases.

Is it possible to get an Australian visa after refusal?

Yes! It is possible to get an Australian visa after refusal. Read through the refusal notification and make a note of the reasons why your visa application was refused. Pay attention to the exact reasons why the immigration officer was not convinced that you are a genuine visitor.

Gather all the evidence to support your case. Reapply with the new evidence and you will have a high chance of getting your visa approved.

How long after an Australia visa refusal can I reapply?

There is no minimum time between a visa refusal and a new visa application. 

However, if nothing substantial has changed in your circumstances and you don’t submit any additional documents, the result will be the same.

WRITTEN BY THIRUMAL MOTATI

Thirumal Motati is an expert in tourist visa matters. He has been traveling the world on tourist visas for more than a decade. With his expertise, he has obtained several tourist visas, including the most strenuous ones such as the US, UK, Canada, and Schengen, some of which were granted multiple times. He has also set foot inside US consulates on numerous occasions. Mr. Motati has uncovered the secrets to successful visa applications. His guidance has enabled countless individuals to obtain their visas and fulfill their travel dreams. His statements have been mentioned in publications like Yahoo, BBC, The Hindu, and Travel Zoo.

PLAN YOUR TRAVEL WITH VISA TRAVELER

I highly recommend using these websites to plan your trip. I use these websites myself to apply for my visas, book my flights and hotels and purchase my travel insurance.

01. Apply for your visa

Get a verifiable flight itinerary for your visa application from DummyTicket247 . DummyTicket247 is a flight search engine to search and book flight itineraries for visas instantly. These flight itineraries are guaranteed to be valid for 2 weeks and work for all visa applications.

02. Book your fight

Find the cheapest flight tickets using Skyscanner . Skyscanner includes all budget airlines and you are guaranteed to find the cheapest flight to your destination.

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Book your hotel from Booking.com . Booking.com has pretty much every hotel, hostel and guesthouse from every destination.

04. Get your onward ticket

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05. Purchase your insurance

Purchase travel medical insurance for your trip from SafetyWing . Insurance from SafetyWing covers COVID-19 and also comes with a visa letter which you can use for your visas.

Need more? Check out my travel resources page  for the best websites to plan your trip.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER We are not affiliated with immigration, embassies or governments of any country. The content in this article is for educational and general informational purposes only, and shall not be understood or construed as, visa, immigration or legal advice. Your use of information provided in this article is solely at your own risk and you expressly agree not to rely upon any information contained in this article as a substitute for professional visa or immigration advice. Under no circumstance shall be held liable or responsible for any errors or omissions in this article or for any damage you may suffer in respect to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the information in this article. Please refer to our full disclaimer for further information.

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News report | e-Visa.co.uk | 04/01/2022 | ±3 minutes reading time

The Australian Immigration Service is currently facing long delays in processing visa applications. As a result, travellers who are actually eligible for a visa may not be able to travel to Australia.

New travel rules since 1 November

Because of the global outbreak of corona, Australia kept its borders closed for a long time. Travelling to Australia was only possible in exceptional situations. On 1 November 2021, the Australian government decided to ease the travel rules. Since then, parents of Australian citizens have also been able to travel to Australia. However, they must have a valid Australia visa and a so-called ʼTravel exemptionʼ in their possession. The exemption, or exception permit, is usually granted within a week if the applicant can prove that he or she is indeed the parent of an Australian citizen. Normally, the visa is also approved within a week on average. However, recently there have been long delays. Travellers have to wait, in some cases, for more than a month for their visa.

Validity of exemption causes problems

The Australia visa is valid for one year. This period of validity starts from the moment the visa is granted. A delayed visa application therefore does not mean that the visa is valid for a shorter period. However, the travel exemption must be used within eight weeks. Although it is generally recommended to apply for such an exemption first and then apply for a visa, the delays at the Australian Immigration Service cause many problems. As with the visa, the validity period of a travel exemption starts as soon as it is granted. However, since a visa is required for a trip to Australia, travellers are forced to wait until the visa is approved, while in the meantime the validity period of the travel exemption already starts to run. It is also possible to apply for the visa first and then proceed with the application for the exemption. Experience shows, however, that visa applications are approved more quickly if you already have a travel exemption.

Large increase in eVisitor applications for Australia

A spokesman for the Australian Immigration Service said that they had processed more than 100,000 eVisitor visa applications since 1 November. In the same period in 2020, there were less than 5,000 applications. This is partly due to old applications that are still on hold. Australia had temporarily stopped granting tourist visas due to the Covid-19 outbreak. One of the consequences of this is that the official average delivery times have become considerably longer, because the immigration service now has to process all those old applications due to the new travel rules. According to the official figures, 75% of all applications are approved within seven months and 90% within nine months. This does not mean that you have to wait for seven or nine months after submitting your visa application. The backlog of visa applications gives a distorted picture of the real delivery times.

All visa applications for Australia are processed individually. As a result, delivery times may vary widely. Couples travelling together sometimes report that the visa of one of the travellers is approved immediately, while the partner has to wait several weeks for his or her visa.

New visa rules in Australia do not apply to tourist visas

Since 15 November, specific visa holders have been allowed to travel to Australia again without having to apply for an exemption permit. However, this does not apply to tourist visas. The eVisitor visa (subclass 651) and the ETA Australia (subclass 601) are not covered by the new travel rules. Travellers to Australia on a tourist visa also need an exemption permit. Those who do not qualify for such a permit are not yet allowed to travel to Australia on a tourist visa only.

Please note: this news article about the visa for Australia is more than one year old. It might contain outdated information and advice, and no rights can therefore be derived from this article. Are you going on a trip soon and do you wish to do know what rules currently apply? Read all about the up-to-date information about the visa for Australia .

Also check the following pages

• Frenchman gets a visa thanks to his heroism
• ‘Pandemic event visa’ for Australia has been abolished
• Australian ‘Climate visa’ for Tuvalu residents
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Not receiving any feedback for tourist visa application

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Hi all, does anyone know who i can contact because i haven't gotten any response to my tourist visa application in almost a month (90% visa applications processed in 6 days). I was asked to provide some additional information, which i did, but never after that received any feedback.  

mateja.kidjemet said: Hi all, does anyone know who i can contact because i haven't gotten any response to my tourist visa application in almost a month (90% visa applications processed in 6 days). I was asked to provide some additional information, which i did, but never after that received any feedback. Click to expand...

JandE said: Is it the subclass 651 visa you have applied for? That is the one with the processing time you have mentioned. The type of extra information you needed to provide might give an idea as to a reason for a delay. Click to expand...

Try calling Department of internal affairs (official public number on google). I've heard about someone (actually not one but two cases) that was waiting for the visa for 1,5 months and called this number and was granted the visa during the phone call! But you have to wait for 50-60 minutes on the line until you actually get to speak to someone. And, if i see well the Croatia flag...unfortunately the eastern european countries are treated differently at these visas... if you were a german or a french, the grant could come immediately after you press send the application, i;ve heard about a lot of cases.(speaking about minutes!!!!).. But are you croatian, or bulgarian/romanian...no way, you are viewed as "high risk" and you can wait for months..or never receive the answer. Actualy, this is the most frustrating thing: the waiting game.  

antobogdan said: And, if i see well the Croatia flag...unfortunately the eastern european countries are treated differently at these visas... if you were a german or a french, the grant could come immediately after you press send the application, i;ve heard about a lot of cases.(speaking about minutes!!!!).. But are you croatian, or bulgarian/romanian...no way, you are viewed as "high risk" and you can wait for months..or never receive the answer. Actualy, this is the most frustrating thing: the waiting game. Click to expand...

What extra checking can take weeks or months? It doesn't make much sense. It is a 5 minute check in their databases to see if the person has been before in Australia, has overstayed, has relatives etc. or his relatives did that. They have all the info in front of them. For a person like me, who has never been in Australia, has 0 relatives there, what could they check for weeks? Either they do not do their job properly and forget cases, or they delay them on purpose, in order to discourage applicants from some countries...sorry but can't find other reasonable explanations I am aware that some years ago they used to reject Romanians with no reason, they even were officially asked explanations for that by diplomatic ways, now they simply delay and refuse to process applications it seems. The outcome being the same: to not give the visas, but instead of refusing them they delay them for months until the applicant doesn't need them anymore or changes plans. It is not my fault, for example if a small percentage of my co-nationals overstayed. That's why visas are for, and that is why i was requested a " shitload" of documents, more than for any other visa in the world i guess, so after i uploaded them exactly and completely why weeks and months of waiting?  

Your visa is 651? The post author speaks about 651, which has a very shor processing time, 6 days. If it is 600, the processing time is published as 37 days. I know a case of 651 that took 14 weeks , with the published tme 6 days... so i don\t even want to compute how much would a 600 take if a 651 took from 6 days to 14 weeks...  

Wow, congratulations! I still haven't got any feedback though.  

When you filed the 10 complaints did you reference number for the first complaint or you started new complaints each time? We applied for my fiancé’s visa (651) on January 1st, the requested more information on January 3rd. We sent them all the information on January 5th, but we have yet to hear anything else back. I am from the US so I got my visa right away, but my fiancé is Romanian so she only can apply for the 651 visa.  

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Why are Australian student visas being delayed and what can you do about it

Australia may be known as the “Lucky Country”, but for many international students, the word “lucky” may not be an apt moniker considering many have been waiting for months for their Australian student visas and may not return in time for their studies. This has been a constant source of anxiety and worry for many.

Australia is home to 43 universities, of which seven are in the top 100, according to the QS World University Rankings 2023. International students in the country enjoy a world-class education, state-of-the-art learning facilities, and high quality of living.

Australia’s borders may have reopened, but some students are still anxious about their visa applications. 🇦🇺 #still_waiting_for_visa #Indian_students https://t.co/zYe4KwGKHX — Study International (@Study_INTNL) April 26, 2022

It’s no wonder international students have been coming to Australia in droves over the years. If you’re thinking about studying in Australia, would you be putting yourself at risk of having your Australian student visa application delayed , as experienced by many applicants, including those from India and Iran?

To better understand this, let’s explore several reasons why there has been a delay with Australian student visas being processed and issued.

Reasons for Australian student visa delays

Large volume of student visa applications being processed.

Since the reopening of Australian borders reopened on Dec.15, 2021, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has reportedly been grappling with an influx of applications, in addition to visa backlogs by those affected by the country’s two-year border closure.

Statistics show that the number of international students arriving in Australia in April 2022 is 52.5% lower than during pre-COVID level in April 2019. However, the DHA has issued 1.3 million visas to fully vaccinated travellers since the country first reopened its borders following COVID restrictions.

Worries over non-genuine applicants

The DHA has reportedly increased scrutiny on Australian student visa applications. It said the provision of incorrect information and bogus documents are one of the most common reasons for student visa cancellations . There have been concerns that student visas are being issued to non-genuine applicants.

The increasing number of non-genuine applicants followed Australia’s decision to waive visa application fees , as well as the temporary relaxation of working hours for students.

Budget slashed by AU$875 million to the DHA

Delays in Australian student visa processing times are reportedly exacerbated by the DHA’s budget cuts of A$875 million.

The measure will slash one-third of the department’s migration operation, which could lead to more fears of delay to be dragged on till next year.

4 tips to help speed up your Australian student visa application

It is difficult to predict when you could get your Australian student visa. DHA’s website provides visa processing times ; they note that global visa processing times are updated monthly.

However, taking certain measures could help eliminate basic visa application errors which would slow down your student visa application.

Fill up your application correctly

The simplest way to have your Australian student visa processed quicker would be to be meticulous and provide all the necessary details in your application and ensure you have all the necessary documents. You can get someone to help you with your application, such as a registered migration agent , a legal practitioner, or an exempt person , notes the DHA .

Submit genuine documentation

This one is a no-brainer, but ensuring that all the documents you submit are genuine is imperative. You can also consider attaching separate verifications of the documentation you submit.

Don’t apply at the last minute

Once you have been accepted into your programme at an Australian university or institution, start collecting the necessary documents needed for your visa and apply immediately.

Respond immediately if you’re asked to provide additional documentation

If the DHA requests you to provide further clarification(s) or documentation(s) regarding your application, reply promptly. This would prevent them from delaying your student visa application due to insufficient or incomplete documents. Be sure to check your Immigration and Border Protection (IMMI) online account regularly.

If your application is handled by a migration agent, follow up by checking if there are any requests by the DHA.

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Australian government quietly suspends new working holiday visa applications for Chinese nationals

Nathan Que quit his job in China and waited 10 months for a chance to come to Australia for a once-in-a-lifetime working holiday.

But now he feels "cheated" by the government, along with tens of thousands of other working holiday seekers from China.

Mr Que said many of them had been pondering the same question — "is China being targeted?"

For many young people around the world, a working holiday visa is seen as a precious chance to experience life in Australia.

In 2015, the program opened to 5,000 Chinese applicants annually under a free trade agreement between Australia and China.

The agreement said the program aimed to "increase demand for tourism services and support the development of Australia's tourism sector, particularly in rural Australia".

The demand to come to Australia is there, but according to applicants the chance to obtain a working holiday visa has all but evaporated.

No announcement about visa suspension

According to information on the Department of Home Affairs website, when a country's quota of working holiday visas was close to full, it would be "suspended" and visa applications from its citizens would no longer be taken.

Five countries on the list eligible for the visa have been tagged as suspended: Brazil, China, Switzerland, Thailand and Turkey. 

A footnote on China's "suspended" tag in the Home Affairs documents said the suspension was linked to "a high volume of interest".

Out of the suspended countries, only China's annual cap of 5,000 visas is far from being filled.

Altogether, only 406 working holiday visas for new applicants in China have been issued in this financial year, according to Department of Home Affairs records.

It is unclear why applications from China have been suspended when the cap hasn't been hit.

The ABC has sought an explanation from the government.

"There were a couple of countries on the list, but it only stopped [processing] for Chinese applicants. I don't know why," Mr Que said.

"There was no announcement, no communication."

Mr Que said he had wanted to come to Australia for a working holiday after his friend spent a year in Darwin in 2016.

"He told me I would be seeing a different world … and I would be able to meet a lot of people from different parts of the world," Mr Que said.

Angry applicants left in the dark

Lily Li, who's also in China, has been longing for a working holiday in Australia.

She had been waiting for her visa pre-application to be processed.

But last week her application — along with tens of thousands of others according to Chinese media reports — was marked as "expired", she said.

That has left her furious and disappointed, but she is also unsure about what she can do.

For China and other countries where people queue up for a working holiday visa, a pre-application is required.

The next step is meant to be random selection until the quota is met.

Ms Li received a message last year from the Department of Home Affairs, which has been seen by the ABC, saying she would be included in the "next random selection round" and her registration would expire on April 30, 2024.

"Even until the last days before the expiry, people were waiting for miracles," Ms Li said.

The "random selection", however, never happened.

"We'd all been waiting," Ms Li said.

"I mean, if you are not planning to select [applicants], why open the visa?"

She wasn't alone in her anger.

Hundreds of young people have left angry messages on the Australian embassy's official account on Chinese social media Weibo, asking for an explanation.

"You are a liar," read one of the messages.

"Straightforward response is the way to solve problems," another comment said.

People have continued to message the embassy over Weibo asking for answers.

The visa application issues come after the government tried to drum up interest in tourism even further with a $125 million Come and Say G'day campaign launched in late June last year.

It was seen millions of times on Chinese social media.

The Department of Home Affairs has been contacted for comment.

Additional reporting by  Natasya Salim .

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Australia's targeted visa crackdown is hitting Indian students hard

The australian government is delaying and rejecting student visas to people from countries like india in its bid to cut immigration by half by 2025. some australian universities have stopped intake of indian students because of visa delays. there is concern in canberra that the targeted denial of visas could hit australia-india ties..

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• Australia has made student visa norms stringent to reduce back-door entry for work
• Tougher norms have seen the number of international students dip since 2023
• India was the No. 2 source country for international students to Australia in 2023

Australia's massive crackdown on student visas in its effort to cut annual immigration by half has hit Indian students hard. Amid claims of targeted visa denials to Indian students, a former Australian diplomat to India has expressed concern that such moves could hurt bilateral relations.

The Australian government led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has made visa norms stringent, including higher IELTS scores and increased financial requirements .

Tougher norms and an alleged targeted denial of visas to students from particular countries has seen the number of international students dip since 2023.

Visas granted to Indian students fell by 48% between December 2022 and December 2023, according to a report in The Guardian. The British newspaper, quoting latest Australian home affairs data, said visas granted to students from Nepal and Pakistan fell by 53% and 55%, respectively.

Why the visa denial is of concern to Indian students because "India continues to be the second-largest source country for international student enrolments in Australia", India's High Commission in Canberra said last year.

It said 1.22 lakh Indian students were studying in Australia in the January-September 2023 period.

The home affairs department cites an increase in incomplete applications and fraudulent documentation, contributing to both higher visa refusal rates and longer processing times, the report said.

STUDENT VISA REFUSALS INTENDED TO CURB IMMIGRATION

The visa refusal is intended to curb non-serious international students, who use study visas to work and immigrate to Australia.

The Albanese government plans to cut new arrivals by about 250,000 a year by targeting universities and colleges considered the highest risk of accepting students coming to Australia to work rather than study, according to a Sydney Morning Herald report in April.

It said that some universities were moving to ban or limit certain nationalities to protect their own standing amid the Albanese government’s immigration crackdown.

"Authorities rejected 21% of visa applications lodged from overseas in the second half of last year, with refusal rates reaching 37% for applications from Pakistan, 39% from India and 52% from Nepal," according to a Times Higher Education report in February.

AUSTRALIAN UNIVERSITIES NOT ACCEPTING STUDENTS FROM INDIA

Australia has a risk-rating system which is based on the number of potential students at an institution whose visas are rejected, cancelled, or who seek asylum or overstay illegally.

Ravi Lochan Singh, Managing Director of Global Reach education agency, in an interview with The Times Higher Education, compared Australia’s risk-ratings approach to the “caste system”.

“In America, New Zealand, or the United Kingdom, the visa policy remains the same, irrespective of which university you go to. There is no separate fast track," he said.

Singh said it was the long waiting time for visas, not rejections, that was hitting the students. "So many students are waiting for a decision.”

Source countries of dubious international students are experiencing slower processing time. This has hit genuine students too.

WILL AUSTRALIA'S VISA CRACKDOWN HURT TIES WITH INDIA?

There is concern in Australia that singling out nationalities when rejecting student visas could harm bilateral relations.

“My major concern is the impact upon our bilateral relations with countries which are singled out when government and media seek to highlight these integrity issues by country,” Barry O’Farrell, former Australian high commissioner to India, told The Sydney Morning Herald.

“There are many economic, strategic and social benefits to Australia and the source countries of overseas students wanting to study in Australia. The practice should be encouraged,” O'Farrell, who was High Commissioner to India till June 2023, told the newspaper.

Indian students working part-time help run the gig economy in countries like Canada. The Australian economy, like O'Farrell pointed out, gains in multiple ways from international students.

It was the Australian education system and industry that fuelled the intake of international students over the decades, and a sudden crackdown hurts genuine students hard. Published By: Girish Kumar Anshul Published On: May 6, 2024