KMaxwell

If you apply offshore for an offshore partner visa, you should be offshore for the decision. There is no doubt the Subclass 457 has a quicker processing time. Every application is different and many people are comfortable lodging themselves, others prefer to save time and hassle by working with a Registered Migration Agent. Decide what is most important for you and your partner. Good luck! Kylie Maxwell MARN: 1387166 Migration Services to Australia Intermational Organisation for Migration http://www.iomausmigrationservices.org

The Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) will contact you closer to decision time to request your police clearance and medical as well as any further documents if required. DIBP are currently processing applications for the Subclass 173 and 143's from the end of June 2014. So, at the moment, you are looking at a more than two year wait. Do know however this processing time can change, depending on the Department's case load. Hope this helps. Kylie Maxwell MARN: 1387166 http://www.iomausmigrationservices.org

Hi DorsetBrit, I recently had a landscape gardener approved for a Subclass 457 and my understanding is that at the moment there is a shortage of good landscape gardeners in Australia. So whilst the permanent skilled migration is a more secure option than the temporary Subclass 457, and doesn't need an employer, it may not hurt to investigate employment opportunities for yourself also. Kind regards, Kylie Maxwell MARN: 1387166 International Organisation for Migration (IOM) http://www.iomausmigrationservices.org

Are you onshore or offshore? What is your situation? In addition to your decision letter as Raul states, if you are unsure and in Australia, you could check your VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online) Account. https://www.border.gov.au/Busi/Visa to determine your current status. Then once you know your status, whether you have a re-entry ban can be determined. Kylie Maxwell MARN: 1387166 International Organisation for Migration http://www.iomausmigrationservices.org

Police clearances and medical examinations are valid for 12 months, so anytime within in the 12 months prior to your decision being made is a good time to apply for police clearances and medical examinations. Currently partner visa (onshore) processing times are officially 6-8 months, however from experience many applications are being decided closer to 12-15 months. The above threads are correct that if you haven't obtained these prior to the case officer assessing your application, then they will request these documents at this point. It often speeds up the processing time for you however if these are already provided.

Hi Jon, If you are not going through a Registered Migration Agent, then I suggest you carefully read the document checklist that the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) provide on their website for Partner Visas. Then methodically work through the list. Good luck. Kylie Maxwell Senior Migration Agent. MARN: 1387166 International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Ph: 1300 921 811 Ph: 61 2 9248 22104 http://www.iomausmigrationservices.org

Hi Kitty, Police Clearances are not a requirement of the Subclass 457 Visa. However Case Officers are within their rights to request it. Medicals are conducted, depending on where someone has lived over the last 5 year period. You are able to lodge what is called a My Health application on the Immiaccount where you lodged your Subclass 457 application. Once lodged, you will be provided with an identification number known as a HAP ID and advised of what medical examinations (if any) you will be required to undertake. Kylie Maxwell Migration Services International Organization for Migration MARN: 1387166