Many factors can affect processing time. The time can vary every month because of factors such as number of requests coming in, seasons which see a higher number of requests, a higher number of complex cases or incomplete requests. Other reasons that impact processing times include:
- Incorrect requests
- Lack of supporting papers
- Time taken to answer any queries raised by immigration officers
- Demand for the applicant’s occupation in Australia
- Inadequate points scored by the applicant in the Skill Select online system
- Delay in the background verification process
- Time taken to receive information from external agencies about health or character
- Number of places available in the migration program