If you are looking to lodge a Sponsored Family Visitor (Subclass 679) Visa Application for the Christmas Holiday Season 2009, it is advisable that you lodge the application prior to Friday 6 November 2009.

DIAC has advised that applications lodged on or before this date will be assessed and finalised before 25 December 2009, but this cannot be guaranteed due to the high number of these applications being received at this time of year.

DIAC further advises that:

1. Applications requiring urgent processing due to compelling and/or compassionate reasons are not subject to this cut-off date and will be processed as soon as possible.
2. Applicants should not make any firm travel arrangements until they receive written confirmation from the department that their visa has been granted.

Further information is available from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship.