Study Abroad: Why there is a delay in the Australian student visa for PhD? How to speed up the process?

The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) is apparently dealing with a surge of applications after the reopening of Australian borders. It is specifically struggling with student visa for PhD.

More delays are caused by the visa backlogs of those who were impacted by the two-year border closure in the country.

Additionally, the DHA’s budget was slashed by 875 million Australian dollars, which would have lengthened the turnaround times for student visas.

Data from the DHA show that 90% of PhD student visa applications take up to 10 months to process. A subclass 500 student visa is required for all foreign students who wish to pursue academic studies in Australia.

Here are four suggestions to assist you to avoid missing the deadline for obtaining your visa if you are considering beginning your postgraduate studies in Australia.

Applying for a PhD student visa? Here are 4 ideas to expedite the process.

Keep in mind that after you’ve submitted your visa application, there is no quick fix. Additionally, it is challenging to forecast when you might receive your Australian student visa.

However, there are certain things you can do to lessen common mistakes that can slow down your visa application.

1. Correctly complete your application
2. Verify that your application contains all the relevant information and that you have all the required documentation
3. Here is a list of the materials you will want for this application
4. Your offer letter
5. Your Enrollment Confirmation
6. English proficiency certification 
7. A letter to meet the criterion for Genuine Temporary Entrants
8. Evidence of adequate funding
9. Insurance provided by the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

Additionally, you would have to meet the application’s requirements for character and health. According to the DHA, you can also hire someone to assist you with your application, such as a registered migration agent, a lawyer, or an exempt person.

2. Present true documentation

This is an obvious choice. The DHA advises “check twice, submit once” for a quicker turnaround time on visa applications. Do take into account independent verifications with the submitted documents.

3. Avoid applying last minute.

As soon as you have been accepted into your programme at an Australian university or institution, begin gathering the paperwork needed for your visa application and submit it right away.

4. React right away if you’re prompted to supply further proof.

If the DHA gets in touch with you to ask for more details or documents related to your application, respond right away to avoid any delays.

Some applications may be turned down if the supporting materials are insufficient or lacking.

Do not forget to frequently log into your Immigration and Border Protection (IMMI) online account. Whether a migration agent is handling your application, check back to see if the DHA has made any requests.

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