New user moving to OZ totally lost in paperwork !!!

[Lion]

Hi All

My family ( 5 ) are moving to oz hopefully in about 2 months.Got some questions hope you can help with.i am Australian wife and kids English

1 how much are the airfares to OZ where is the best pace to get tickets
2 how long does it usually take to get visas through
3 We are moving to Sydney.My work is in North ryde where is a good place
to live bear in mind neither my wife or I drive yet so i need good transport links
4 what sort of family allowances are we entitled to once we have PR visa based on a salary of approx $70

need you help please

[calNgary]

Hiya lion ,ive moved your message into this section as i think youll get more replys.The wait for a visa application depends on the certain type ,am i right in presuming your awaiting a spouse visa if you are already an australian citizen?
Lots of guys on here book their flight sdirect with airlines,singapore air and quantas seem to get mentioned regually.The prices vary throughout the year ,dec and jan being the most expensive i think,,
Cal x

[Paul n Ness]

Hi

We are going for the spouse visa and our appl had only been in 3 days when we had contact from our c/o. If you frontload your appl (get meds and police checks before submitting) and there are no problems you could get the visa very quickly - most seem to take no more than a month although Aus House are currently quoting 12 weeks turnaround.
We got a couple of quotes from travel agents for airfares and then looked at the airline direct & actually found the travel agent cheaper - how can that be! Sorry cant help with the other info!

GOOD LUCK

[Lion]

Thanks

Is there forms for the medical and police checks ? Did it make a difference having these done ?

Can medicals be done by your own GP ?

Lion

[Paul n Ness]

Hi

For your medicals you need forms 26 & 160 (for each person). The meds cannot be done by your GP, you have to use one on the Panel Doctors list - see link: dima_health - Australian High Commission

There has been alot of confusion over the police checks as they are trialling a new system and dependant on your local police force will depend on how you go. You will need to pop into your local station or give them a call. The 'old way' cost £10 per person and takes upto 40 days to return. The 'new' method costs £35 but you get your cert back within 10 days - form can be obtained from Association of Chief Police Officers.

Hope this is of use