Lodge Applications For Holiday In Australia Before 6 Nov 2010 To Avoid Delay

16 Sep 2010

The Australian Immigration department receives a high volume of Sponsored Family Visitor visa applications each year during the December and January holiday period.

People intending to lodge applications for their overseas family members to visit Australia during these periods are advised to do so before Friday 6 November 2010. The department will seek to assess and finalise all applications lodged on or before this date to allow for travel before 25 December 2010 wherever possible.

The department will continue to accept applications after 6 November 2010; however it is strongly recommended that applications are lodged prior to this date. Applications seeking approval for travel in compelling or compassionate circumstances will continue to be prioritised, regardless of the date of lodgement.

There are some circumstances which may delay the finalisation of applications beyond 25 December 2010, including applications that require further documentation from the sponsor or applicant or require a formal medical or chest x-ray examination. Applications cannot be finalised until health examination results have been cleared by approved Medical Officers of the Commonwealth (Australian Immigration doctors).

Applicants should not make any firm travel arrangements until they receive written confirmation from the department that their visa has been granted.