@bluejinx - Just get the NBI clearance, IDP did not require it during the lodging process but they said that it might/will be needed on your departure. So, Just Get It. LOL
@skittles - lodge it as soon as you can. you'll never know. February is the intake of choice for many. It could be that on those time student VISAs are given priority or it could be that the COs are just in the mood because they are going to get their bonuses or with the number of student visas scheduled for that intake date, DIAC might have a backlog. I have heard of cases where schools had the students lodge on January so they could catch up with the Feb classes. They ended up deferring to the July intake instead.
anyway. I emailed DIAC and heres what they have to say
<blockquote>Dear Mr. KG2
Please note that the medical results of your wife have been referred to the
Health Operation Centre in Australia for review by a Medical officer of the
Commonwealth, last 03 May 2013. Due to current backlogs with the Health
Operations Centre deferred medicals are taking approximately 8 weeks (from
date of referral) for a decision to be made.
Please note that immigration health criteria is a public interest criteria
that applies to this visa application and so this is the reason why this
visa application cannot be finalised until an immigration health assessment
outcome has been received by this office.
Yours sincerely,
K A</blockquote>
ayan...so waiting2 up to July 3, Class commences July 15. Need to be there at least 2 weeks before. As the famous George Takei would say... "OH MYYYYYY." 🙂