When can you request VETASSESS Priority Processing ?

Priority Processing

VETASSESS assesses Priority Processing applications within 10 business days.

There is high demand for Priority Processing, so applicants with evidence of an urgent need receive priority when places are allocated.

However, even if you do not have an urgent reason, you can still apply for Priority Processing. Applicants with evidence of an urgent need receive the first allocation of places, and any remaining slots are offered on a first-come-first-served basis to other applicants in the queue.

What is an urgent need?

Urgent reasons to apply for Priority Processing are:

• You have received an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs or an Australian state or territory government, which has an expiry date
• Your visa expires within eight weeks and you are unable to obtain another visa
• You are turning 33, 40 or 45 within eight weeks
• Your English test result (IELTS or PTE) expires within eight weeks
• Your Partner Skills Assessment or English test result expires within eight weeks

Your Priority Processing request will be considered after you submit your application, because VETASSESS only accepts applications that can be assessed within 10 business days.

The 10 Business Days will commence after:

• VETASSESS has confirmed that your application meets the eligibility criteria for Priority Processing, which normally takes up to 2 business days.
• The fee has been paid and received.

What does Priority Processing cost?

Fees are changing on August 9, when the extra cost for Priority Processing will be $806, excluding GST.

You must lodge your application online.

Before applying, check to confirm your eligibility to apply for Priority Processing and ensure you understand the application process.

Before you apply

There are some important requirements to know before you apply for Priority Processing

• You need to submit all your documents and pay at the time you apply. You will not be able to load more documents later because of the tight timeframe for this service.
• If VETASSESS finds the submitted documents are false, misleading or inconsistent with information previously submitted, or if they have to investigate if they are authentic, they may conduct additional checks. This is likely to delay the process beyond 10 business days.