Lodging your visa application is a major milestone, but it is only one part of the journey toward securing your Australian visa. For many individuals, the period after submitting the application can be filled with uncertainty. This guide outlines the key steps and potential requirements you may encounter in the Australian visa application process after you have lodged your submission with the Department of Home Affairs.
Understanding what comes next is crucial, whether you are a student, a skilled worker, a partner visa applicant, or applying for a visitor visa. Knowing your responsibilities, what required documents might be needed, and how to track your visa status can make the entire post-lodgement phase much smoother. Australian Migration Lawyers can provide expert guidance through every stage, ensuring you are well-prepared for any requests from the Australian government.
Understanding the Post-Lodgement Process
Once your visa application is submitted, it officially enters the processing system. A case officer from the Department of Home Affairs will be assigned to your case to review the information provided and the evidence you have supplied. The journey from lodgement to a visa grant is not passive. Your timely and accurate responses are critical to a successful outcome.
During this time, it is essential to monitor your ImmiAccount for any communications or requests from the Department. The complexity and specifics of this stage can vary depending on the visa subclasses you have applied for and your individual circumstances.
The Role of ImmiAccount
Your ImmiAccount is the primary communication portal between you and the Department. All correspondence, including requests for additional information, notifications about health examinations, and final decisions will be delivered here. You must ensure your contact details, including your email and address, are always current to receive these important updates.
When your application is lodged, a transaction reference number (TRN) is generated in your ImmiAccount. Keep this number safe — it is used to identify your application in all communications with the Department and is required when contacting the Department directly.
Key Tasks You May Need to Complete
Before making a decision on your application, the Department may require additional information or actions from you. These requests are communicated through your ImmiAccount and come with specific deadlines. Staying vigilant and responding quickly is key to keeping your application on track and avoiding unnecessary delays. Failing to respond in time could jeopardise your application.
Responding to a Request for Further Information (RFI)
A Request for Further Information (RFI) is issued when the assessing officer needs more details to verify the claims made in your application. It is a standard part of the application process and not necessarily a cause for alarm.
Responding accurately and completely within the specified timeframe is crucial. Common examples of RFIs include:
- Updated financial statements to demonstrate sufficient funds.
- Recent employment references or payslips.
- A personal statement clarifying your intentions or relationship status, especially for a partner visa.
- Evidence of your relationship for a partner visa application, such as joint bank accounts or photographs.
Missing the deadline for an RFI can lead to significant delays or, in some cases, a visa refusal based on the information available. Australian Migration Lawyers can assist in preparing a thorough and timely response to any RFI you receive.
Arranging Health Examinations
Most visa applicants are required to complete a medical examination to meet Australia’s health requirements. This is a mandatory requirement for many visa types, including applications for a permanent visa. Once you have lodged your application online, a Health Assessment Portal (HAP) ID will be generated in your ImmiAccount. You will use this ID to book your health examination with a government-authorised panel physician. In Australia, these services are managed by Bupa Medical Visa Services. If you are outside Australia, you must use an approved panel physician in your country.
It is also wise to consider your health insurance arrangements, as this is often a separate visa condition for many temporary visa holders.
Providing Police Clearances
To satisfy the character requirement, you must provide police clearance certificates, often called police checks, from every country where you have lived for a total of 12 months or more over the last 10 years. This applies to you and any family members included in your application who are over 16 years of age.
For time spent in Australia, this involves obtaining an Australian Federal Police (AFP) National Police Check. For other countries, you will need to follow the procedures of the local authorities to get the necessary certificates. These documents are vital for the Department’s assessment of your character.
Completing Biometrics Collection
Certain visa applicants from specific countries are required to provide biometrics, which includes your fingerprints and a digital photograph. If this applies to your application, the Department will send you a notification letter with instructions. You will need to book a biometrics appointment at the nearest Australian Visa Application Centre (AVAC) or Australian Biometric Collection Centre (ABCC). Remember to bring your passport and the notification letter to your appointment.
Managing Your Application While You Wait
The waiting period can be anxious, but there are important steps you must take to ensure your application remains valid and on track.
What If My Circumstances Change?
You have an ongoing obligation to inform the Department of any changes in your circumstances. This is a critical responsibility for all visa applicants.
- Change of Address or Passport: If you move to a new address or get a new passport, you must update your passport details and other contact details using ImmiAccount. Providing incorrect information or failing to update your details can cause you to miss important correspondence.
- Change in Other Circumstances: For other significant changes, such as a change in your relationship status (marriage, separation), the birth of a child, or a change in employment, you must use ImmiAccount.
Maintaining a Valid Visa Status
If you are in Australia when you lodge your application, you will typically be granted a Bridging Visa A (BVA) automatically on lodgement. It is essential to understand the conditions of this visa and ensure you do not let your previous visa expire without a new one in place. A Bridging Visa allows you to remain lawfully in the country while your application is processed, but it comes with its own set of visa conditions that you must adhere to. This ensures you have a valid visa at all times.
Understanding Visa Processing Times
One of the most frequently asked questions concerns how long a decision will take. Visa processing times can vary significantly based on the visa subclass, the volume of applications lodged, and the overall complexity of your case.
The Department publishes global visa processing times online, which can give you an indicative timeframe. However, these are not guarantees. A decision ready application that is complete, well-documented, and requires no follow-up information is generally processed faster.
Can I Request Priority Processing?
In some limited situations, you may be able to request priority processing. This is typically reserved for applicants with compelling or compassionate circumstances, and a strong case must be presented to the Department. Simply wanting a faster decision is not usually a sufficient reason. An experienced professional from Australian Migration Lawyers can help you determine if you have grounds to request expedited processing.
Frequently Asked Questions After Lodging Your Visa
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we encounter from clients after their visa application has been lodged.
How do I check my application status?
You can check your visa application status by logging into your ImmiAccount. The status may appear as ‘Received’, ‘Initial Assessment’, or ‘Further Assessment’. It is generally advisable not to contact the Department for a progress update unless your application has exceeded the standard processing times for your visa subclass.
What does each ImmiAccount status stage mean?
Understanding the full sequence of ImmiAccount application status stages helps applicants know where they are in the process:
- In Queue — Your application has been lodged and payment confirmed, but a case officer has not yet been allocated. The application is waiting to be picked up for initial review.
- Received — A case officer has been allocated and has opened the application for initial review.
- Initial Assessment — The case officer is conducting their first review of the application and supporting documents.
- Further Assessment — The case officer requires additional information, further documents, or is awaiting the outcome of health or character checks before a decision can be made. This status does not mean the application is in trouble — it is a normal stage of the process for many visa types.
- Finalised — A decision has been made. The outcome — grant or refusal — will be communicated to you through your ImmiAccount.
Can I add more documents after submitting?
Yes, you can upload additional documents through the 'Attach documents' section in your ImmiAccount at any time before a decision is made. This is useful if your circumstances change or if you obtain stronger evidence to support your claims. Ensuring you have provided all required documents is essential.
How will I receive the final decision?
The final decision, whether it is a visa grant or a refusal, will be sent to you in writing through your ImmiAccount. If your application is successful, the notification will include your visa details, the date your visa expires, and any applicable visa conditions.
What happens if my visa is refused?
If your application is refused, the notification will outline the reasons for the decision and your review rights. Depending on your situation, you may be able to appeal the decision to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART). There are strict timeframes for lodging an appeal, so it is vital to seek legal advice immediately.
Can I enter Australia while my application is being processed?
This depends on the type of visa you have applied for and whether you lodged it while inside or outside Australia. Some visa holders on certain temporary visas may be able to travel, while others must wait for their new visa to be granted before travelling. It is crucial to check the conditions of your current visa before making any travel plans.
How Australian Migration Lawyers Can Help
While lodging your Australian visa application may feel like the biggest hurdle, the post-lodgement phase presents its own challenges. Unexpected requests for documents, tight deadlines, and uncertainty about what to do next can be stressful. Any missteps at this stage can lead to costly delays or even a refusal, which can be devastating for you and your family members.
Professional guidance can make all the difference.
At Australian Migration Lawyers, our team has extensive expertise in managing the entire application process. We help ensure your application stays on track by managing RFIs, advising on the strongest supporting evidence, and navigating the complexities of Departmental communications. From a simple visitor visa to a complex permanent visa, we are here to provide clear, expert support.
Contact Australian Migration Lawyers today for tailored assistance at every step of your visa journey.
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