Dear Sir/Madam,
>
> Thank you for your e-mail in relation to your visa application under
> Australia's General Skilled Migration programme.
>
> Please be advised your visa application is still undergoing routine
> processing.
>
> The Australian Government requires all persons entering Australia to
> hold valid visas. As part of visa processing, various processes are
> routinely undertaken prior to a decision being made. Often these are
> undertaken by external agencies and unfortunately DIAC has no
> influence over the time taken to complete these checks. Please note
> that due to the complexity of some processes the service timeframes
> can exceed 6 months. Our office is not provided with details on why
> the checking process is delayed. However you can be assured that your
> application is actively being assessed and you will be advised as soon as an outcome is achieved.
>
> We appreciate your patience in this matter.
>
> For any further enquiries about the application you have lodged please
> refer to our website using the following link http://www.immi.gov.
> au/contacts/visa-enquiries/professionals.htm
>
> Yours sincerely,