hi all,
I just got made VALID
- took me about 70 days as it was a paper-based application initially.
I requested manual forms 19 Nov 2018 (via website). They took a while to arrive but did everything to send in my application so FAR registered as receiving it second week in December. This process took 24 days - the new online process will save new applicants this time
(I sent mine in via Reg Post).
The 28 day waiting period ended on a Monday and by the following Saturday morning the FAR online status check changed to "Referred to Service NSW" (34 days since application received).
On that same Saturday, I went to the nearest ServiceNSW registry to get photo done and was told I need physical letter as they need to send that letter back to FAR
Received photo advice letter the following Friday (40 days since application) and photo taken Saturday. Photo licence arrived during the following week later on Wednesday (45 days) but at this stage the online FAR check still said "Referred to ServiceNSW".
Called FAR on Friday as the status had not changed. They said whilst we see "Referred to ServiceNSW", on their side they see multiple status changes occurring each which have a delay (sounded like it's done overnight). These statuses include ServiceNSW acknowledging they've received advice - that I got photo taken (maybe others like they've printed the photo, posted the photo, who knows).
She did indicate that once you get the photo advice you are licenced, however, I wouldn't be able to lodge a PTA until the computers all sync up. She said they knew it was a problem and they've raised improving it - it really was due to the integration process annd the sync of computers needing to occur in batches (in separate sequential events by the sounds of it - like they couldn't do a series of events all in one night).
Anyway, overnight that same Friday, the status changed to "VALID" and on that Saturday I was still not able to submit PTAs. The following day, however, all was resolved. I am now able to submit an application (which I made a mistake in one already ....
.. will post a separate question).
So bear that in mind, when ServiceNSW say it takes 10 days to get your photo licence, whilst you may receive the photo licence quickly the computers still took about 8 days to sync up. Interesting in this step, the snail mail method beat the electronic method. Anyway, since the date the application was received it's been 49 days (7 weeks) however the licence issue date was the date I took the photo.
Looking back, it was a relatively smooth process but it was a hard wait as you read a lot of forum posts that indicate the horror waits others have experienced and you just don't know whether it's going to happen to you or not. I think the long waits from last year are probably related to the ServiceNSW / FAR online transition that appear to have went online first week in December, staff shortages at FAR and possibly increased workload from the amnesty.
Thanks to this forum - it's been a great read during the big wait and pretty educational. Hope I can contribute more over time.
Cheers