Visa Application To Immigrate To Australia

[kellimba]

Further to the previous replies, thanks.

I have a hunch the processing time may be shorter if an application is lodged directly with the Australian Embassy, but this may be just luck ?

Most applications seem to be going through the VFS office in Bangkok (contracted by the Australian Embassy to collect applications- simply a catchment centre- nothing more, nothing less).

With the process experience by me and my fiance, the 6 weeks without the case officer looking at the file is "waiting in the queue".

The 2 to 3 months quoted often - is I am told by an official at the Australian Embassy - simply a guide and not an absolute.

As the immigration website and booklets issued by DIAC (Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship)

clearly state:

Every application is assessed according to the information provided, the law is applied equally to each case, and it is in the applicants interest to SUBMIT AS MUCH INFORMATION AS POSSIBLE. (the inference being: all the information 'up front' will speed the application process....)

Sure, we can understand that ..... But .. we are dealing with PEOPLE !

When we have been asked for more "telephone records" ( How much is enough ?) is that simply a "misinterpretation" of the extremely complex immigration laws and guidelines ?

or simply a "cultural power play" within the Embassy itself.

As every office has a certain "culture" and every Australian mission has the addition and complication of the overarching culture of the country itself which inevitably flows into the whole process as the Embassy employs LOCAL staff to do the 'dirty work'....

This is a very volatile mix of interpretation of ever changing immigration laws, internal office "culture" and local politics and cultural influences.

That is without even considering the "human element" .

For example the 'habitual' way of doing things, or; this is what my boss expects, or; I made a mistake and need to 'save face' (even at the expense of the applicant) ??

Sure we will 'hang in there'. But it seems despite the best prepared documentation luck plays a big part to have these visas processed in a civilized timeframe.