Urgent COE Delays:
What You Need to Know Now
Widespread delays are impacting thousands of Australian visa hopefuls. Understand the "Perfect Storm" of policy shifts causing the bottleneck.
Why is this happening?
The current bottleneck is a direct result of the Australian government's recent efforts to strengthen the integrity of the international education system. Coupled with unprecedented post-pandemic demand, three key policy shifts have created a massive backlog.
Mandatory COE
Jan 2025: No more Letters of Offer. COE is now mandatory for submission.
Genuine Student
New Requirement replaces GTE, adding layers of scrutiny.
Ministerial Direction 115
Nov 2025: Processing priority tied to provider risk ratings.
📉 The Ripple Effect: Visa Backlogs
COE delays are the primary cause of stalled applications. With the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) overwhelmed, the system is under immense pressure.
*Estimated processing times based on Priority Tiers. Source: DHA/Industry Reports.
💰 Financial Hurdles Increasing
To ensure students can support themselves, the minimum funds requirement has increased significantly. Incomplete financial proof is a major cause of rejection.
Ministerial Direction 115: The Reality Check
Your processing speed is now dictated by your education provider's status. Are you in the Fast Lane or the Slow Lane?
Priority 1 (High)
Providers not near cap. Regional/Top-tier unis. Faster processing (~36 days).
Priority 2 (Standard)
Providers nearing caps. Standard queueing. Expect delays of 5-8 weeks.
Priority 3 (Low)
Providers at capacity. Lowest priority. Delays of 3+ months likely.
Strategies to Minimize Delays
1. Select Carefully
Choose a provider with a high compliance rating. Check their MD 115 status *before* accepting an offer.
2. Perfect Docs
Don't wait for the uni to chase you. Have transcripts, GS statement, and financials ready upfront.
3. Apply Early
Early submission means an early COE, beating the rush and potential cap closures.
4. Respond Instantly
If DHA requests info, reply within 24 hours. Delays here increase wait times exponentially.
Need Expert Guidance?
Contact **Jaivik Overseas Consultants** in Ghaziabad, your Student Visa Expert for a seamless Australian journey.
📞 Call Us Now: +91 99712 26347Check current DHA processing times: DHA Visa Processing Guide