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Partner Visa (309/100) Timeline from India- Australian High Commission New Delhi

679K views 2K replies 347 participants last post by  Heraldrafi 
#1 · (Edited)
Hey Everyone!

Hope everyone is doing well.

Thought its about time to start a thread for applicants of partner (309/100) visa from India. There have been quite a new members from India who have been looking for answers to the very frequently asked questions.

Following is application processing/procedure 101:-
1:- Once VFS delivers the applications to the AHC New Delhi, AHC takes a couple of days to put the applications in some sort of sequence. Then they start sending Acknowledgement Letters of the applications to the applicants.

2. When medicals are requested, book an appointment with your nearest Panel Doctor (usually they will be able to book you in 2 days from the day you call). Below is the link from DIBP website which has a list of Panel Doctors in India:-
India

The 'Medical Request' letter sent by AHC will have your HAP ID which is linked to your passport.
The applicant must log-on to the 'eMedical' portal to generate their "REFERRAL LETTER". The link to the eMedical portal:-
https://www.emedical.immi.gov.au/eMedUI/eMedicalClient
You need to fill out the details requested by the page and click on "LOGON"
The system will generate you the above mentioned referral letter. This is important as it facilitates in tracking the processing of the medical reports online.
Below are the documents you need to carry with you on the day of appointment (also check the document requirement from the medical center you will be visiting):-
1. Original valid passport (and a photo copy);
2. AHC's Medical Request Letter;
3. eMedical Referral Letter;
4. 4 latest passport size photos;
5. Form 26 and Form 160 is provided by the medical center. (you can fill it out in advance and carry it with you, if you prefer);
6. Medical Examination Fees (varies from center to center)

Cases with no complications get submitted to the DIBP within 5-10 working days, the applicant can logon to the eMedical portal and this time the system will generate a PDF titled "INFORMATION SHEET" which will have the date on which the applicant's reports were submitted to the DIBP. The PDF will read as follows:-
"Health Case Status
This health case was submitted to DIBP on DD MONTH YYYY."


3. The best time to apply for a visitor visa to Australia is right after you submit your partner visa application. As per the AHC New Delhi website, the current processing time frame for visitor visa is 15-20 working days and 1 month as per DIBP global service standard.

4. If you plan to stay offshore, better get a hobby or find something to do that will keep you occupied for at least 9 months since date of application or you will lose your mind waiting for the visa.
As per current update, AHC New Delhi is taking 35-36 weeks since date of application to allocate case officers to the applications. Below is the link with the processing time frames:-
CURRENT AVERAGE PROCESSING TIMES - Australian High Commission
AHC has started allocating case officers to January 2014 applications.

As online partner applications were opened to the offshore applicants on December 9, 2013 the whole process is a ginormous MYSTERY :confused::confused:
*** Offshore online applicants please share your experiences with us. Thanks! :)

- The case officer allocation time frame when I applied in July 2013 was 10-12 weeks since application. I got my case officer at 27 weeks since application. RIDICULOUS!! increase in processing time frames.

5. You should be hearing from AHC either you are nearing the 35-36 weeks since date of application (250 days at least) period or have completed it.
Now a days the case officers call almost all the applicants to either introduce themselves to the applicants, for a brief phone interview and/or request additional documents so GLUE YOUR PHONES TO YOU BUTTS!!:p:p
They can also contact the applicants via email, depends on the case officer, what they prefer. Sometimes the case officers call the applicants and request the applicant additional documents but forget to provide their email address. The format for the case officer's email for AHC New Delhi is as follows:
firstname.lastname@dfat.gov.au
***We should cut them some slack as there are 20 case officer working in AHC New Delhi right now.
FOR VISITOR VISA HOLDERS:- This is the time when you PACK YOUR BAGS AND RUN!!!! Leave Australia ASAP!! Many applications (with no complications) get sent to the final queue on the same day the case officer is allocated.
Sometimes AHC will wait for the applicant to get offshore to send the file to the final queue.

6. If you are requested to submit additional documents, it could be either via email, courier/post or sometimes both, again depends on your case officer.
Many applicants ask how to address the envelopes. Below is the format I use:-
Australian High Commission
Name of the Case Officer:-
Position of the Case Officer:- 12345678
1/50 G Shantipath,
Chanakyapuri,
New Delhi 110021
Telephone: +91-11-4139 9900


7. A new rule that has been implemented relating to Indian PCC is that the Passport Seva Kendras (PSK) will now be asking for the case officer's request letter requesting the PCC before they issue one. I'm not sure if this rule has been implemented in each and every PSK in India. It's a very new rule.
I have attached the format of the PCC issued by the PSK.

8. Another major hurdle that many applicants face is that of adding the name of their spouse in their passport(s).
Many PSK don't require the applicants to go for the passport re-issue but some do. In that case the applicant must get their passport re-issued before they apply for a PCC. The PSK won't issue you the PCC unless you get your passport updated.

*** I'm in the middle of the passport re-issue process (adding spouse's name and changing residential address)
Different PSKs follow slightly different rules so you must contact your PSK to get the updated information.

9. Once all the additional documents are submitted to the AHC, your case officer will assess/study them and if everything looks genuine enough and is satisfied, he/she will forward the application for final decision aka final queue aka final assessment.
You case officer will inform via email which goes along the lines of "initial assessment is completed in your application and your application has now been forwarded for final decision".
As per AHC's current trend, they are taking between 35-55 days to approve the visa since the date the file was sent to the final queue (subject to change depending on the volume of applications in hand).
FOR VISITOR VISA HOLDERS:- If you are still onshore, now is the latest you can get offshore to avoid any delays. If you wait for AHC's notification email to notify you to get offshore, you're in for an additional 2-3 months of agonizing wait.

The above happens when the application in the final queue gets to the top of the queue and the applicant is onshore, AHC will notify the applicant and put the file at the bottom of the final queue.
This is for AHC New Delhi:- the applicant is not granted the visa as soon as they get offshore, they will have to wait for the whole 35-55 days (sometimes even longer) for their file to get to the front of the queue AGAIN!

10. If the applicant is offshore, the SCO will finish he final assessment on your file, if everything goes well, he/she will straightaway approve your visa :D:D END OF THIS MISERABLE PROCESS!!! You can now go and have a well deserved good night's sleep after 7-8 months of torture, PHEWWW!!!!

AHC New Delhi's indicative processing time frame is 8-10 months and majority of cases (with no complications) are approved within the above time frame; which I think is much better compared to other high risk countries..

Another very common questions is:- Can we request AHC to change the initial entry date?
Answer:- No!! Once the visa is granted, it is impossible to get the initial entry date changed.
The initial entry date is expiry date of either the PCC or the medicals whichever expire first.
Both PCC and medicals are valid for 12 months from the date of issue.

I think I've covered almost everything there is to know about this process for applications lodged in India.
Please feel free to mention anything that I might've missed. Thanks!! :D

I've been a member of this thread for over a year now and have learnt so much. Thanks to our kind seniors, CollegeGirl, Mark Northam, louiseb, Mish are some of the people whose names I can remember and have ALWAYS! provided invaluable advice and suggestions. A Big Thanks to you and many others whose names I've forgotten :p:p

Please also include your application details in your post. thanks :D
Hope this helps! Good Luck to everyone waiting.
Have a relaxing weekend.

Kind Regards,
Becky
 

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#567 · (Edited by Moderator)
Case officer

I called AHC too and found case officer was allocated.Name of case officer was R but i dont know initials.I had to ask my brother to call them in India due to poor call connectivity yesterday.Will enquire again about initials today.Anyway's my date of lodgement was 20 may and I have not heard from CO.They also said processing will be slower due to Nepal crisis.

If anybody has same case officer or initials starting with R please share.

Cheers
 
#568 ·
I called AHC too and found case officer was allocated.Name of case officer was R but i dont know initials.I had to ask my brother to call them in India due to poor call connectivity yesterday.Will enquire again about initials today.Anyway's my date of lodgement was 20 may and I have not heard from CO.They also said processing will be slower due to Nepal crisis.

If anybody has same case officer or initials starting with R please share.

Cheers
Good to hear they r assigning CO... many
Applicants got their CO assigned..
Anyone applied in June for PMV and waiting for CO ???
 
#570 ·
my co is H. don't know the last name. I think the AHC has already assigned co to many applicants without them being notified. I think the people who have crossed 36th week mark shud call up the department about there status. im in my 37th week. DOL 3rd sep 2014. im planning to cal them again, probably next week, about some more queries.
so good luck guyz and keep us posted!!!!!!!
 
#572 ·
my co is H. don't know the last name. I think the AHC has already assigned co to many applicants without them being notified. I think the people who have crossed 36th week mark shud call up the department about there status. im in my 37th week. DOL 3rd sep 2014. im planning to cal them again, probably next week, about some more queries.
so good luck guyz and keep us posted!!!!!!![/QUO

I called them last week but CO is not assigned yet.. 11 th month gone.. today 12th month start . And still waiting to hear from them..
 
#580 ·
Hi everyone

My wife visitor visa got refused..due to reason sub clause 600.211

My question is can we apply 309/100 offshore visa and submitting 40p sponsorship form after 2 month from the date of applying...as i m not eligible for 5yrs sponsorship limiting end in August.

Please if anyone knows about this please reply...
I am extremely desperate for any advise
 
#581 ·
My wife visitor visa got refused..due to reason sub clause 600.211

My question is can we apply 309/100 offshore visa and submitting 40p sponsorship form after 2 month from the date of applying...as i m not eligible for 5yrs sponsorship limiting end in August.

Please if anyone knows about this please reply...
I am extremely desperate for any advise
 
#589 · (Edited)
Hi Mili

Family Stream
Partner category visas:

Partner (subclasses 309/100 and 820/801) visas cannot be capped.
Prospective Marriage (fiancé) (subclass 300) visas may be subject to capping.

I have mentioned the link to the information I mentioned above you can read the same information

this site is not letting me post the exact link just add www to the url

immi.gov.au/migrants/family/capping-and-queuing

Don't worry and don't be upset.. this cant happen.. Stay positive Gudluck

Cheers
 
#592 ·
DOL: 3rd September 2014
Mode: Paper (VFS, New Delhi)

PCC submitted: 18th October 2014

Medicals submitted: 20th may 2015

CO allotted: 24th April 2015 (which I was unaware of)

CO initials: H.C



called AHC today regarding some update in my application file. the operator said she hasn't received my email. asked me to send again. however she gave me the email id of my CO for any future submission or query. I came to know about my CO only when I called the department. operator said CO wont contact you unless he needs some additional docs or info.

The operator couldn't explain properly but that's true they have some budget issues or something for the june applicants. so expect some delays guys. just hang in.................

make sure to bug them every week.

good luck every one
 
#598 ·
Hey Milli,
I had similar situation like you and got CO allocated right on last day of 12th month which I was not even aware of.just a couple of days before this my wife called when they said there was no update on CO.

I think it is kind of mandatory for them to allocate officer before 13th month hits.I dont think applications will get finalised before july because of financial year being close.My lawyer told that processing is slow at this time of year .wish you luck
 
#599 · (Edited)
Yeah when I said them, I m already on 12th month.. and if there would b any requirements how would I know? they simply said that 12 month is just an tentative time not confirmed .. it can take longer than 12 month so just wait.. I also asked about capping or visa grant over for this year they replied the process is slow but we are still processing files it may take longer time.

Did the asked about other requirements?? And did u applied 300 or 309 category?
 
#602 ·
Hi Guys,

My wife's DOL is 13/11/14...we still haven't heard anything from the Australian Embassy in India. It was an online application. Is it true that paper application are being processed quicker than online application?

Any idea when can we expect to hear from them?

Currently she is in Australia and her Indian Phone number is not working for some reason. Does anyone know how to update the contact number in the application as she has an Australian phone number..is that even necessary??

Thanking you in advance.

Ben
 
#603 ·
Hi Guys,

My wife's DOL is 13/11/14...we still haven't heard anything from the Australian Embassy in India. It was an online application. Is it true that paper application are being processed quicker than online application?

Any idea when can we expect to hear from them?

Currently she is in Australia and her Indian Phone number is not working for some reason. Does anyone know how to update the contact number in the application as she has an Australian phone number..is that even necessary??

Thanking you in advance.

Ben
write an email to the department requesting to update your contact no.
you have to mention your full name, date of birth, passport no. you can also write your application id no.
you will get a auto generated reply.
but make sure to call them after a week to confirm about your no. update, becoz they wont send an mail back that ur no. has been updated.
this is the email address immigration.india@dfat.gov.au
 
#612 ·
Hi
can anyone answer my two doubts please?

When u submit online. u fill online a big form on immigration website, does form 80 is separate from this form or same?
Because form 80 questions are all the same as online form.
also does sponsor need to fill a separate form 40sp or lodging online a form is okay ?
 
#615 ·
Found this on the website...

Statutory declarations

As part of the character assessment, you might be asked to complete a Character Statutory Declaration (34KB PDF file).

In some instances you might also be required to provide personal details to allow additional character checks to be undertaken. Your case officer might ask you to complete the following form:
•Form 80-Personal particulars for character assessment (611KB PDF file).

If you are applying for a visa outside Australia, you do not have to provide this information with your application. You will be advised when it is required.
If you are applying in Australia, you should provide this information with your application.

Like to add that my wife supplied this in her file:-

Work History
Education history
PCC
Travel movement in 47SP
Passport copy on stamp pages

Does Form 80 still apply??
 
#616 ·
You may be asked to complete form 80. It tends to be asked more often of applicants from high risk countries, but applicants from low risk countries are also asked. My suggestion is usually to complete it and submit it so you aren't faced with a delay if they do ask for it.
 
#617 ·
form 80 is a must if u r lodging your file from India. Its doesn't matter whether its online or paper application.(correct me if im wrong).
mine is a paper application with form 80 in the partner visa application check list. like any other mandatory forms (40, 47, 888).
 
#621 ·
Hello everyone as we are waiting for our visa under 309/100 after so many phone calls to Delhi High Commission yesterday our CO sent us email and asking applicant PCC as well sponsor Australian Federal Police clearance and time frame to submit these both certificate 28 days.

My question is if anyone know please reply,How much time Australain police Dept take to issue a AFP certificate as their website says 15 days. Is anyways like extra fee to expedite AFP Certificate issuance.

What is the safest or fastest way to send papers to india is their any courier services from adelaide?? As i wanted to send my AFP to my family back in india so they can submit to VFS service in new delhi..

Thanks in advance
 
#622 ·
Its pretty quick for AFP.only takes 3-4 days.you get approval email within 8 hours of applying and certificate is sent through first available service as per email.

Why dont you just reply back to email with PDF image of certificate.I have done same thing using 'camscanner app' on phone.
 
#625 ·
hey kvdeq you better late then sorry so in my opinion wait 5 years to complete and then apply.As one of my friend been there and done that and his wife's visa application rejected.so wait for 3 months and then apply your time start the day you lodge your application.
 
#626 ·
Hi..
I feel you have a lot of valuable and correct knowledge and you can help me.. Currently on a 3 month tourist visa in Australia.My visa expires in July.
My husband is a citizen. Planning to apply for spouse visa once I am back to India.
*How long does it take for a spouse visa to get approved ?
*Can I re-visit Australia once my spouse visa file is accepted?
*Can I re-apply for a 3 month tourist visa again once I am back to India ?*
*Can I apply for a Visa in August?*
Please help!!!
 
#627 ·
spouse visa time as now 9 to 12 months depends on case's itself.

yes you can apply for tourist visa in my opinion...you can apply as much as you want but before that i suggest ask Delhi High Commission may be they will help you out.

Ask your husband to give them a call and find out.
 
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