Here’s How COVID-19 Restrictions Will Affect Processing Of Australian Visa Applications

The Department of Home Affairs has declared that it will take extended timeframes into account when considering visa applications, owing to disruptions to medical services, both in Australia and outside the country.

Ikreet had lodged an offshore Partner Visa application in November 2019.

The 28-year-old, who doesn’t wish to disclose her last name, was requested to undertake an immigration medical examination last month.

But she claims that she is struggling to arrange an appointment with the designated visa medical services provider due to the coronavirus situation.

“I am running out of time. we are under strict lockdown. Also, there is a huge waiting period for new bookings owing to the Covid-19 outbreak. So we are stuck anyway,” says Ikreet.

Highlights:

• Department of Home Affairs states it is aware of disruptions to medicals services
• Processing officers will take "extended timeframes" into account
• Special provisions made for international students outside Australia

Applicants onshore are also being impacted as Bupa Medical Services, and other visa medical services clinics have reduced operations to ensure health and safety of the staff and the visa applicants.

Bupa Medical Services has issued an important notice for applicants declaring it is not taking any new bookings and is rescheduling some existing ones.

“New bookings will become available in the coming days once existing bookings have been rescheduled. For customers with existing bookings, you will be notified shortly if your appointment needs to be rescheduled. No action is required from you,” reads a notice on the Bupa Medical Services' website.

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Migration agent  said there is no need for the applicants to panic as the Department of Home Affairs has acknowledged the disruptions to medical services in and outside Australia.

“The Department has clearly stated that the case officers will factor in the extended time period that the applicant might take while arranging a health examination under these circumstances.

“Applicants do not have to contact if they can’t arrange a visa medical or their booking has been rescheduled,” Migration Agent told SBS Punjabi.

https://www.sbs.com.au/language/english/audio/here-s-how-covid-19-restrictions-will-affect-processing-of-australian-visa-applications?fbclid=IwAR0O93aATX1YQ4UxvmCvx_TpUTAVWlTe1Jf6cJzpN6Hxo5pzRhKDdd4GhgI