The current service of priority processing requests for TSS and Temporary Work (Skilled) visa (Subclass 457) visa applications will cease on 5 September 2018. That is, any priority processing email requests which are received on, or after, this date will no longer be acknowledged. This is because:
- the receipt of large volumes of requests continues to impact resources available to process visa applications
- the Subclass 457 visa pipeline is expected to be finalised by the end of the calendar year and the processing network are pro-actively prioritising the remaining caseload, including closely monitoring visa applications where the related nomination application is shortly to expire
- TSS processing times are much faster than for the Subclass 457 visa, with prioritisation arrangements already in place, as outlined above.
The TSS mailbox auto-response will be updated to reflect this. For priority processing requests already sent to the Department before this date:
- any applicant already advised that they will be accorded priority by the cut-off date will continue to receive priority for that specific application(s)
- any applicant pending a decision on the cut-off date will have that request declined and you will not receive written notification of this decision.
Previously you could ask for priority processing if you were in any of the below scenarios:
- the entry of the person is required to assist in a disaster or emergency or
- Australia’s relationship with a foreign government would be damaged were the person not granted the visa or
- Australia would miss out on a significant benefit that the person could contribute to Australia’s business, economic, cultural or other development (for example, a special skill that is highly sought after in Australia) if the person was not granted the visa or
- Australia’s trade or business opportunities would be adversely affected were the person not granted the visa.
- large-scale contracts or projects with imminent deadlines
- The position being nominated is a key strategic management role, crucial to the implementation of the business’ current business plan
- where the nominated person is vital to meeting contractual obligations with a client and the performance of that contract, in meeting project deadlines.
