491 Horror for Offshore Non-Priority Applicants It’s been 25...

491 Horror for Offshore Non-Priority Applicants

It’s been 25 months since I submitted my 491 visa application [Marketing Specialist - NT] on 11 July 2023. The only update till now? "Received." That’s it.

No communication. No timeline. No accountability.

How long are we expected to wait? This delay affects everything—age limits, career opportunities, family decisions. And yet, those who trusted the system are left in limbo, with zero clarity and fading hope.

If they don’t intend to let people in, at least have the decency to say so—don’t keep applicants hanging endlessly.

Apologies for the tone, but this situation is beyond frustrating now.

What is your point score and breakdown ?

Totally feel you. 491 Offshore, 25 months with just “Received” is tough — and unfair.

But don’t lose hope. You might get it within the next 2 months — seriously. Start preparing smart:

Explore NT cities like Darwin, Palmerston, and Alice Springs — each has different vibes, job scopes, and living costs.

Plan your finances, shortlist accommodation options, and learn about local transport and suburbs.

Try to connect with people in media/marketing in NT — it’ll help you understand the ground reality.

Learn how to survey the city, how networking works locally, and where job leads come from.

BTW, I’m also waiting on my visa and already doing this kind of prep. Ping me anytime — happy to share what I’ve found!

We didn’t come this far to stop here. Let’s stay ready. 💪

Thank you for the motivation, Yes this is something i'll do and maybe keeps the mind occupied.

I do the same. I have travelled almost 100% of NSW on youtube! each small town + the jobs offered there, now the places have finished .. haha... i am moving to Adelaide on 491 on youtube now :p ...

I've been in and around Melbourne for quite sometime now, I always stop at the "Apply CV" stage :D

I am here with you mate, submitted on 21 June 2023. Approaching 26 months now. I Nov 2024 they send an S56 for form 80 and proof of employment, in Feb 2025 they send an S56 for Police clearance. I complied with all these S56s and from there they just went quiet. I feel like my life is just stagnant, I can not make any decision for anything that requires time as i am constantly expecting that my visa can be out anytime. Time is flying, I'm two years older than when i applied. And to think of it that this is just a temporary visa, not PR, one would expect it to be faster than the PRs.

I got s56 for remedicals today

Wow congratulations mate! At least someone is now working on your file, an expect your grant within the next two weeks. Did you do anything? Any follow up or lodging a complaint? I'm honestly at the verge of lodging a complaint, my MARA agent has been making follow-ups but with no response.

Well there you go @@surajpuneli You are so much close to a grant now and hopefully that would lift your spirit. Once you complete the medicals your grant should be on the way. Cheers!!

Indeed. At least they have started to give s56 remedical request for early Jul 2023 applicants. Be ready to receive same and renew police certificate and anything necessary to ease the grant process. Hang in there one last month. Much longer journey is waiting for us ahead..

It is extremely unfortunate situation and what the department is doing with 491 applicants is cruel to say the least. In my own case I got the grant yesterday but the 19 months wait was no less painful with plans made gone awry during he long wait.

In your case since you are outside of the processing time window of 23-24 months you are eligible to call the department and ask for prioritizing your application. Worth giving a try. Wish you and others in endless wait for the 491 plenty of good luck and speedy grants..

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