After You Lodge Your Application
On this page
You must not make arrangements to travel to Australia until you are advised that your visa has been granted.
Processing time
You are advised to apply for your visa at least two (2) weeks before your proposed date of travel, or before your visa expires if you are already in Australia.
The table below provides guidance on processing times for applications.
| Lodgement method | Location | Normal processing time |
|---|---|---|
| Online | In Australia | Within 2 - 10 working days |
| Outside Australia | ||
| By mail or in person | In Australia | Within 5 - 10 working days |
| Outside Australia |
Note: These times are to be used as a guide only. Applications may take longer if:
- the period of stay requested is more than six months
- you are required to undertake character checks or health examinations (including x-rays)
- additional information is required
- you lodge during a peak application period
Example: Holiday periods.
For more information about processing applications lodged outside Australia, refer to the website for your nearest departmental office overseas.
See: Immigration Offices outside Australia
Interview requirements
The department will contact you if you are required to attend an interview. You may be requested to bring your passport and other supporting documentation to the interview.
If your visa is approved
Online applications:
If your visa is approved, the department will send a notification of grant by letter or email. Please keep this notification with you when you travel to Australia as it provides:
- your visa grant number
- the validity date of your visa
- the visa conditions.
You will not have a visa label placed in your passport. Your visa and passport details are electronically recorded. When you check in to fly to Australia, the airline staff will electronically confirm that you have authority to travel to Australia.
Note: Your visa is linked to the passport number you submitted with your application; therefore you must use the same passport to travel to Australia. If you do obtain a new passport, you must advise the department of the new passport details before you travel to Australia. Otherwise, you will experience significant delays at the airport and could be denied permission to board your plane.
Applications by mail or in person:
If your visa is approved, you may have a visa label placed in your passport detailing the visa conditions.
If your visa is not approved
If your visa is not approved, the department will send you a notification letter or email advising you of:
- the reasons for the refusal
- your review rights
- the time limit for lodging an appeal.
You may be able to request a review of the decision by the Migration Review Tribunal.
See: Migration Review Tribunal
More Information
For more information about your application:
See: More information