Backlog in Permanent Residency Processing Leaves Visa Holders in Limbo
Provisional residents in Australia face extended delays in visa approvals, causing uncertainty and limiting their contributions to the economy.
Many individuals residing in Australia on provisional 494 and 491 visas are experiencing significant delays in the processing of their applications for Permanent Residency.
These visas, which allow holders to live and work in regional areas for at least three years, don’t grant full residency status until the applicant receives a 191 visa.
However, reports suggest that the Department of Home Affairs is struggling to keep up with the volume of applications.
As of December 2024, there are approximately 11,000 applications pending, with fewer than 300 Permanent Residency visas processed each month.
Akash, who migrated from India in 2020 and works as a manager in the retail industry on the Gold Coast, expressed feelings of unfair treatment.
He noted that applicants previously received their residency approvals within four months, but the wait times have now increased to a predicted 14 months for new applications.
Advocates for these individuals highlight that the backlog is leading to heightened mental stress, as applicants face prolonged uncertainty regarding their future in Australia.
Prasoon Kottayodan, a chef with experience in Dubai and Singapore, moved to Australia and is now working in Victoria’s Geelong area.
He described his situation as precarious, stating the backlog has left him vulnerable to exploitation since he is obligated to remain with the same employer until his residency application is complete.
Matthew Nicklin, a high school teacher from the United Kingdom who relocated to Australia in September 2022, voiced similar frustrations.
He reported multiple relocations while renting and emphasized that he and other visa holders are unable to contribute meaningfully to pressing issues like housing shortages due to the government's processing delays.
Nicklin expressed a desire to settle down and build a home, indicating that the current situation stifles their ability to contribute to the economy and community.
Kottayodan reiterated that many applicants wish to remain in regional areas, where there is a documented shortage of skilled labor.
He and other visa holders have initiated a petition calling on the federal parliament for increased resources to expedite the processing of these visa applications, which has garnered over 5,500 signatures.
The emotional and practical ramifications of this backlog continue to affect their lives, emphasizing the urgent need for clarity and resolution from the Department of Home Affairs.
These visas, which allow holders to live and work in regional areas for at least three years, don’t grant full residency status until the applicant receives a 191 visa.
However, reports suggest that the Department of Home Affairs is struggling to keep up with the volume of applications.
As of December 2024, there are approximately 11,000 applications pending, with fewer than 300 Permanent Residency visas processed each month.
Akash, who migrated from India in 2020 and works as a manager in the retail industry on the Gold Coast, expressed feelings of unfair treatment.
He noted that applicants previously received their residency approvals within four months, but the wait times have now increased to a predicted 14 months for new applications.
Advocates for these individuals highlight that the backlog is leading to heightened mental stress, as applicants face prolonged uncertainty regarding their future in Australia.
Prasoon Kottayodan, a chef with experience in Dubai and Singapore, moved to Australia and is now working in Victoria’s Geelong area.
He described his situation as precarious, stating the backlog has left him vulnerable to exploitation since he is obligated to remain with the same employer until his residency application is complete.
Matthew Nicklin, a high school teacher from the United Kingdom who relocated to Australia in September 2022, voiced similar frustrations.
He reported multiple relocations while renting and emphasized that he and other visa holders are unable to contribute meaningfully to pressing issues like housing shortages due to the government's processing delays.
Nicklin expressed a desire to settle down and build a home, indicating that the current situation stifles their ability to contribute to the economy and community.
Kottayodan reiterated that many applicants wish to remain in regional areas, where there is a documented shortage of skilled labor.
He and other visa holders have initiated a petition calling on the federal parliament for increased resources to expedite the processing of these visa applications, which has garnered over 5,500 signatures.
The emotional and practical ramifications of this backlog continue to affect their lives, emphasizing the urgent need for clarity and resolution from the Department of Home Affairs.
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