What Does Your ImmiAccount Status Mean? "Received" vs "Further Assessment" Explained

After lodging your Australian Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) application through ImmiAccount, the waiting game begins. The Department of Home Affairs processes your application through a series of stages, and each stage is reflected by a status update in your ImmiAccount dashboard. For Pakistani applicants unfamiliar with the Australian visa system, these status messages can be confusing, anxiety-inducing, and difficult to interpret.

What does "Received" actually mean? Is "Further Assessment" a bad sign? How long does each status take? And what can you do at each stage to strengthen your application? This comprehensive guide answers every question about ImmiAccount status messages, giving you clarity and peace of mind throughout the processing period.

For a complete overview of the Subclass 600 visa process, refer to our Australia Visitor Visa Subclass 600 Processing Pakistan Master Guide. If you need help setting up your ImmiAccount, see our ImmiAccount Creation Guide. For a deeper dive into using ImmiAccount for your tourist visa application, see our ImmiAccount Guide for Tourist Visa Application.

Understanding ImmiAccount Status Updates

When you log in to your ImmiAccount and view your application, you will see a status field that indicates the current stage of processing. These statuses are updated by the Department of Home Affairs as your application moves through the processing pipeline. The typical sequence of statuses is:

Received → Initial Assessment → Further Assessment → Finalised → Approved/Refused

Not every application will progress through all of these stages. Some applications move directly from "Received" to "Finalised" without requiring "Further Assessment." The specific path your application takes depends on the complexity of your case, the completeness of your documentation, and the workload of the processing office.

It is important to understand that status updates are not real-time. There may be a delay between when a case officer takes an action on your application and when the status is updated in ImmiAccount. If you do not see a status change immediately, do not panic. Check again after 24–48 hours.

"Received" — What It Means

The "Received" status is the first status you will see after successfully lodging your Subclass 600 application. This status confirms that:

• Your application has been successfully submitted through ImmiAccount
• The application fee has been processed
• Your documents have been received by the Department of Home Affairs
• Your application has been allocated a Transaction Reference Number (TRN)

What "Received" does NOT mean: It does not mean your application is being reviewed. At this stage, no case officer has been assigned to your application. The "Received" status simply acknowledges that the Department has your application in their system.

How Long Does "Received" Last? The "Received" status typically lasts anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the processing office's workload and the time of year. During peak periods (such as before major holiday seasons), the wait time may be longer.

What You Can Do: At the "Received" stage, there is nothing you need to do proactively. However, this is a good time to:

• Verify that all your uploaded documents are complete and correctly formatted
• Ensure your contact details (email, phone number) are up to date in ImmiAccount
• Check your ImmiAccount messages regularly for any communication from the Department
• Review the current processing times for Subclass 600 applications from Pakistan

"Initial Assessment" — Case Officer Assigned

When your status changes to "Initial Assessment," it means a case officer has been assigned to your application and has begun reviewing it. This is a positive sign — your application is now actively being processed.

During the initial assessment, the case officer reviews:

• Your identity documents (passport, national ID)
• Your financial evidence (bank statements, sponsorship letters)
• Your employment and ties to Pakistan (employment letter, property documents, family ties)
• Your travel history and previous visa compliance
• The purpose and duration of your intended visit
• Your health and character requirements

How Long Does "Initial Assessment" Last? This stage typically lasts 2–4 weeks for straightforward applications with complete documentation. Complex applications or applications requiring additional checks may take longer.

What You Can Do:

• Monitor your ImmiAccount messages daily — the case officer may request additional information
• If you receive a request for additional documents, respond as quickly as possible (ideally within 28 days or the timeframe specified)
• Do not contact the Department of Home Affairs to check on your application status unless there is a compelling reason — this does not speed up processing and may delay the process

"Further Assessment" — Additional Checks Required

The "Further Assessment" status is perhaps the most misunderstood status among Pakistani applicants. Many applicants panic when they see this status, assuming it means their application is in trouble. In reality, "Further Assessment" simply means that the Department needs additional information or checks before making a decision.

"Further Assessment" can be triggered by several factors:

• Additional Document Request: The case officer needs more supporting documents — additional bank statements, a more detailed cover letter, or evidence of ties to Pakistan that was not provided initially.
• Health Examination: The Department may require a health examination (medical check-up and chest X-ray) from an approved panel physician.
• Character Assessment: Background checks may be required, particularly if you have travel history to certain countries or if there are discrepancies in your application.
• Verification: The Department may be verifying information you provided — contacting your employer, verifying bank balances, or confirming your travel history.
• Priority Processing: Your application may be flagged for priority processing due to urgent travel needs or other factors.

How Long Does "Further Assessment" Last? This is the most variable stage. It can last anywhere from a few days to several months, depending on the nature of the additional checks required. Health examinations and character assessments can add 2–8 weeks to the processing time.

What You Can Do:

• Respond to Requests Promptly: If the case officer requests additional documents or information, respond as quickly as possible. Delays in responding directly translate to delays in your application.
• Complete Health Examinations: If asked to complete a health examination, schedule your appointment with an approved panel physician immediately. Panel physician appointments can have wait times, so do not delay.
• Check Messages Regularly: The case officer communicates through ImmiAccount messages. Check daily and respond to any requests.
• Do Not Submit Unsolicited Documents: Only submit documents that the case officer specifically requests. Submitting additional documents without being asked can create confusion and delay processing.

"Finalised" — Decision Made

The "Finalised" status indicates that the Department of Home Affairs has made a decision on your application. This status does not tell you whether the decision is an approval or a refusal — it simply means the processing is complete and a decision has been recorded.

After the "Finalised" status appears, check your ImmiAccount for the detailed decision. The decision will be communicated through:

• An ImmiAccount message with the outcome
• A grant notice (if approved) or refusal letter (if refused)
• An email notification to your registered email address

How Long Between "Finalised" and the Decision Notification? Usually, the decision notification appears within 24–48 hours of the "Finalised" status. If you do not receive a notification within a week, contact the Department of Home Affairs.

"Approved" — What Happens Next

Congratulations — your Subclass 600 visa has been approved. The "Approved" status (or the grant notice in your ImmiAccount) confirms that:

• Your visa has been granted
• Your visa grant number and grant date are provided
• Your visa conditions (if any) are specified
• Your visa validity period is confirmed (typically 3, 6, or 12 months)
• Your入境 Entitlement (number of entries — single or multiple) is confirmed

What to Do After Approval:

• Download and Print: Download your grant notice from ImmiAccount and print a copy. Carry it with you when you travel to Australia.
• Check Conditions: Review any conditions attached to your visa. Common conditions include "No Work" (you cannot work in Australia) and "No Study" (you cannot study for more than 3 months).
• Book Travel: Once your visa is granted, you can book your flights and accommodation. Ensure your travel dates fall within your visa validity period.
• Travel Insurance: Purchase comprehensive travel insurance for the duration of your stay in Australia.
• Prepare for Arrival: Familiarise yourself with Australian customs regulations, quarantine requirements, and arrival procedures.

"Refused" — Understanding the Decision

A "Refused" status means the Department of Home Affairs has decided not to grant your Subclass 600 visa application. While disappointing, a refusal is not the end of the road. Understanding why your application was refused is the first step toward addressing the issues and potentially reapplying.

Common reasons for refusal include:

• Insufficient Financial Evidence: The case officer was not satisfied that you have sufficient funds to support your trip.
• Weak Ties to Pakistan: The case officer was not convinced that you have sufficient reasons to return to Pakistan after your visit.
• Inadequate Documentation: Missing or poorly formatted documents that did not meet the Department's requirements.
• Health or Character Concerns: Failed health examination or character assessment.
• Previous Visa Non-Compliance: A history of overstaying or violating visa conditions in Australia or other countries.
• Inconsistent Information: Discrepancies between the information in your application and the supporting documents.

What to Do After Refusal:

• Read the Refusal Letter Carefully: The refusal letter will specify the reasons for the decision. Read it thoroughly to understand exactly why your application was refused.
• Consider Merits Review: In some cases, you may be eligible to request a merits review of the decision through the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT). Time limits for lodging a review are strict — typically 28 days from the date of the decision.
• Reapply: If merits review is not appropriate, you can submit a new application that addresses the reasons for refusal. Strengthen the areas that were identified as weaknesses in the original application.
• Seek Professional Advice: Consult with a registered migration agent or our Visa Lab team to understand your options and develop a strategy for your next application.

"Withdrawn" — Voluntary Cancellation

The "Withdrawn" status appears when you voluntarily cancel your Subclass 600 application before a decision is made. Withdrawal can happen for various reasons — you may have changed your travel plans, decided to reapply with stronger documentation, or encountered personal circumstances that prevent you from travelling.

How to Withdraw: You can withdraw your application through ImmiAccount by navigating to your application and selecting the option to withdraw. The withdrawal is effective immediately, and the status will change to "Withdrawn."

Important Notes:

• The visa application fee is generally non-refundable, even if you withdraw before processing begins
• A withdrawn application is treated differently from a refused application — it does not count as a refusal in your visa history
• You can reapply at any time after withdrawal, but you will need to pay the application fee again
• If you withdraw because you want to strengthen your application, address the weaknesses before reapplying

How Long Each Status Takes

Processing times vary significantly based on the time of year, the complexity of your application, and the processing office's workload. However, here are general timeframes for Pakistani applicants based on recent processing trends:

For the most current processing times, use our Processing Time Tool. Processing times change frequently and can vary significantly between applications.

What You Can Do at Each Stage

Here is a practical summary of what you should do at each status stage:

Received: Be patient. Verify your documents are complete. Update your contact information if needed. Monitor your ImmiAccount messages.

Initial Assessment: Check messages daily. Respond to any requests for additional information promptly. Do not contact the Department to check status — this does not speed up processing.

Further Assessment: Respond to all requests within the specified timeframe. Complete health examinations or character checks as requested. Provide high-quality, well-formatted documents. Check messages daily.

Finalised: Check your ImmiAccount for the decision notification. Download your grant notice (if approved) or refusal letter (if refused).

Approved: Download and print your grant notice. Check your visa conditions. Book your travel. Purchase travel insurance. Prepare for arrival.

Refused: Read the refusal letter carefully. Consider merits review if eligible. Consult with a migration professional. Address weaknesses and reapply if appropriate.

Using Australia Visa Check for Status

In addition to checking your status in ImmiAccount, you can use the Department of Home Affairs' "Check Visa Details and Conditions" online tool to verify your visa status. This tool requires your passport number and other personal details and provides information about your current visa status, conditions, and expiry date.

The Australia Visa Check tool is particularly useful after your visa has been granted — it confirms that the Department has recorded your visa in their system and provides a summary of your visa details. You can access this tool through the Department of Home Affairs website.

Note that the Australia Visa Check tool may not always reflect the most current status of an application that is still being processed. For real-time status updates during processing, ImmiAccount is the authoritative source.

How to Use the Visa Check Tool: Navigate to the Department of Home Affairs website and locate the "Check Visa Details and Conditions" tool. You will need to enter your Transaction Reference Number (TRN) or your passport details. The tool will display your current visa status, including the visa subclass, grant date, expiry date, and any conditions attached to your visa. This is a useful tool for verifying that your visa information is correct and that the Department's records match your grant notice.

When to Use the Visa Check Tool: Use this tool immediately after receiving your approval notification to verify your visa details. Use it again before travelling to Australia to confirm your visa is still valid. Use it periodically during your stay in Australia to verify your visa has not been cancelled or expired. If you notice any discrepancies between the Visa Check tool results and your grant notice, contact the Department of Home Affairs immediately.

Privacy and Security: The Visa Check tool only displays visa information — it does not allow you to make changes to your application or personal details. Your information is processed securely through the Department's systems. Do not share your TRN or passport details with unauthorised persons, as this information could be used to access your application data.

How Visa Lab Monitors Your Status

At Visa Lab, we take the guesswork out of the waiting period. Our team actively monitors your ImmiAccount status and provides regular updates throughout the processing period. Here is how we support you:

• Status Monitoring: We track your application status and notify you immediately when there is a change.
• Message Response: If the case officer requests additional information, we help you prepare and submit the response quickly and professionally.
• Health Examination Coordination: If a health examination is required, we help you schedule an appointment with an approved panel physician.
• Refusal Analysis: If your application is refused, we analyse the refusal reasons and develop a strategy for your next application or merits review.
• Approval Guidance: Once your visa is approved, we help you understand your visa conditions and prepare for your trip to Australia.

Before checking your status, review the current processing times and visa costs so you know what to expect. Our Visa Lab team is here to guide you through every stage of the process.

FAQs

Related Guides

Explore these related guides for comprehensive Subclass 600 visa support:

• Australia Visitor Visa Subclass 600 Processing Pakistan Master Guide — Complete overview of the visa process.
• How to Create and Verify Your ImmiAccount — Step-by-step ImmiAccount setup.
• Document Formatting Guide — Prepare your documents for upload.
• ImmiAccount Login Errors Troubleshooting Guide — Fix common login and technical issues.