Petition to the Australian Government

Ensure Fair and Timely Processing of Australian Skilled Visa Applications from Iranian Applicants

Australia has long been recognized as a nation that values fairness, equality before the law, and skilled migration. Thousands of qualified professionals around the world have chosen Australia because of its transparent immigration system and its commitment to attracting talented individuals who can contribute to the country's economy and communities.

Since approximately March 2025, however, many Iranian applicants for Australia's Skilled Migration visas have experienced what appears to be a significant slowdown in the processing of their applications. While visa processing times naturally vary depending on individual circumstances, many applicants have reported exceptionally long periods without meaningful progress or communication, despite having submitted complete applications and meeting all requested requirements.

These prolonged delays have had profound consequences for applicants and their families. Many have put their professional careers on hold, declined employment opportunities in other countries, delayed higher education, postponed family planning, and experienced increasing financial and emotional hardship while waiting for decisions. For many, years of planning, investment, language preparation, skills assessments, and compliance with Australian immigration requirements remain in limbo.

We fully acknowledge that the Australian Government has the sovereign right and responsibility to manage its migration program, conduct necessary security and character assessments, and ensure that every visa application is considered carefully in accordance with Australian law. We respect these responsibilities and recognize that national security and program integrity are essential.

At the same time, Australia has consistently promoted principles of procedural fairness, administrative transparency, and good governance. The Migration Act 1958, together with the administration of Australia's migration framework, reflects the importance of lawful, fair, and consistent decision-making. Applicants also have a legitimate expectation that their applications will be processed within a reasonable timeframe, subject to all necessary legal and security requirements.

This petition does not seek preferential treatment for Iranian applicants. Rather, we respectfully ask for:

- A review of the prolonged processing delays affecting many Iranian Skilled Migration applicants.
- Greater transparency regarding expected processing timeframes where possible.
- Timely communication with applicants whose cases have remained pending for extended periods.
- Allocation of appropriate resources to reduce unnecessary delays while maintaining all required security, identity, and integrity checks.
- Assurance that all skilled visa applicants are processed fairly, consistently, and without unnecessary delay, regardless of their nationality, while fully complying with Australian law.

Australia's Skilled Migration Program exists to attract talented professionals who can contribute to the nation's future. Many Iranian applicants possess valuable qualifications, professional experience, and English-language proficiency that align with Australia's workforce needs. They seek only the opportunity to have their applications assessed fairly and within a reasonable timeframe.

We respectfully call upon the Australian Government, the Department responsible for migration, and relevant policymakers to review this matter, consider the concerns raised by affected applicants, and take appropriate steps to improve the efficiency and transparency of visa processing where possible.

A fair, transparent, and timely migration system benefits not only applicants but also Australia's economy, employers, and international reputation as a country governed by the rule of law and equal treatment.

If you believe that every skilled visa applicant deserves a fair and timely assessment, please sign and share this petition.

Thank you for your support.