After You Apply

After submitting your Subclass 189 application, there's a waiting period while your application is assessed. This guide explains what to expect, processing times, and what happens when you receive a decision.

Processing Times

Current Processing Times

Processing times vary based on several factors. According to the Department of Home Affairs:

Factors Affecting Processing Time

• Application completeness: Complete applications with all documents process faster
• Document quality: Clear, properly certified documents reduce delays
• Verification requirements: Employment and qualification verification can add time
• Health examinations: Delays in completing or results can slow processing
• Police certificates: Delays from overseas authorities can extend timelines
• Case officer workload: Department processing capacity affects all applications
• Additional information requests: Responding promptly to requests speeds processing

?? Communication from the Department

How You'll Be Contacted

• ImmiAccount messages: Primary communication method
• Email notifications: Alerts when new messages are available
• No phone calls: Department rarely calls applicants

Types of Communication

• Acknowledgement: Confirming application received
• Health examination request: Instructions to undergo health checks
• Request for information: Additional documents or clarifications needed
• Decision notification: Final decision on your application

?? Health Examinations

When to Complete

• Wait for official request via ImmiAccount (unless you front-loaded exams)
• Request typically comes 1-3 months after application
• Must be completed within specified timeframe (usually 28 days)

Finding a Panel Physician

• Use the Panel Physician Finder
• Only panel physicians approved by Home Affairs can conduct examinations
• Book appointment as soon as you receive the request

Examinations Required

Standard Examinations (all applicants):

• Medical examination (Form 26 or eMedical)
• Chest X-ray (not required for children under 11 or pregnant women)

Additional Tests (if required):

• HIV test
• Hepatitis B and C tests
• Additional specialist examinations

Costs

• Adult: AUD $300-500 per person
• Child: AUD $200-350 per person
• Costs vary by location and clinic
• Payable directly to the panel physician

Results

• Submitted electronically by physician to Home Affairs
• You typically won't see the results
• Case officer reviews results as part of assessment
• May be contacted if additional tests needed

?? Police Certificates

When Required

You need police certificates from:

• Every country you've lived in for 12+ months in the last 10 years (since age 16)
• Including your current country of residence
• Must be issued within 12 months of your application

Obtaining Certificates

• Australia: National Police Check through AFP or accredited agency (AUD $42-70, 1-2 weeks)
• Overseas: Contact relevant police authority or embassy (times vary, some countries take 3-6 months)
• Most can be applied for online
• Must show "No criminal record" or list all offenses

Validity Period

• Must be dated within 12 months of application date
• If processing extends beyond 12 months, may need to provide updated certificates
• Case officer will request new certificates if needed

?? Requests for Additional Information

Common Requests

• Employment verification: Additional evidence of work experience
• Qualification verification: Degree certificate verification from university
• Relationship evidence: More proof of de facto relationship
• Form 80/Form 1221: Detailed personal history forms
• Updated documents: Expired passports, police certificates, etc.

Responding to Requests

• Deadline: Usually 28 days (may vary)
• How to respond: Upload documents via ImmiAccount
• Acknowledge receipt: Send brief acknowledgement message
• Request extension: If you need more time, request before deadline

Updating Your Application

Changes You Must Report

You must inform Home Affairs if any of these change:

• Passport details (renewal, new passport)
• Contact details (email, phone, address)
• Family composition (marriage, birth of child, divorce)
• Criminal charges or convictions
• Health conditions

How to Update

• Log into ImmiAccount
• Select your application
• Use "Update Details" or send message to case officer
• Upload supporting documents if required

Checking Application Status

Through ImmiAccount

• Log in regularly to check for updates
• Status shows: Received, In Progress, Decision in Progress, Finalised
• Limited detail provided to protect integrity of assessment

What Status Means

• Received: Application submitted and acknowledged
• In Progress: Being assessed by case officer
• Further Assessment: Additional checks or verifications being conducted
• Decision in Progress: Final decision being made
• Finalised: Decision has been made

? Visa Grant

Grant Notification

• Notification via ImmiAccount message
• Email alert that message is available
• Visa Grant Notice (VEVO) document provided

What's Included

Your visa grant notice shows:

• Visa grant number: Your unique visa reference
• Grant date: When visa was granted
• Initial entry date: Must enter Australia by this date (usually 12 months from grant)
• Visa conditions: Any conditions attached to your visa
• Family members: All people included on the visa

After Grant

• No physical visa: Visa is electronic, linked to your passport
• VEVO: Use Visa Entitlement Verification Online to check details
• Travel: Can travel to Australia anytime before initial entry date
• 5-year travel facility: Visa allows travel to/from Australia for 5 years from grant date
• After 5 years: Can apply for Resident Return Visa (RRV) if you want to travel

First Entry

• Must make first entry by initial entry date on grant notice
• Present passport at border - visa is electronically linked
• No interview or additional documentation typically required
• Permanent residency begins from first entry date

? Visa Refusal

Refusal Reasons

Common reasons for refusal:

• Did not meet points requirements at time of decision
• Could not verify employment or qualifications
• Failed to meet health or character requirements
• Provided false or misleading information
• Failed to respond to information requests
• Circumstances changed after invitation

If Your Application is Refused

• Notification: Receive detailed refusal letter via ImmiAccount
• Reasons: Letter explains why application was refused
• Review rights: Information about appeal or review options
• AAT Review: May be able to appeal to Administrative Appeals Tribunal
• New application: Can submit new EOI/application if circumstances change

During the Wait

What You Can Do

• Continue working: In your current location
• Improve skills: Additional training or certifications
• Learn about Australia: Research cities, job markets, lifestyle
• Financial planning: Save for relocation costs
• Network: Connect with Australian employers or other migrants

What You Shouldn't Do

• Don't book flights: Until visa is granted
• Don't quit your job: Wait for visa grant
• Don't make assumptions: About grant timing or outcome
• Don't ignore communications: Check ImmiAccount regularly

? Getting Help

Department of Home Affairs

• Website: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
• ImmiAccount: For application updates and messages
• Contact form: For specific enquiries (through ImmiAccount)

Migration Agents

• Consider if you need professional help with your application
• Ensure agent is registered with MARA (Migration Agents Registration Authority)
• Can assist with complex cases or information requests

? Key Reminders

?? Congratulations!

You've completed the Subclass 189 guide! You now have comprehensive knowledge about this visa from eligibility through to receiving your visa grant. We wish you the best with your application journey to Australia.