EmT

yeah you can wait for the medical for now but get the police checks. Medical is routine, chest x-ray, urine check and blood check. I got my appointment within days of calling (In Sydney)

I bought a heap of work stuff recently off http://www.boohoo.com Arrived in 3 days.

When I applied for my 1st stage defacto visa, I was told by my Case Officer that my visa process would have been quicker if I’d submitted a Aus police check with my application. I'd been here only 10 months when I applied, so didn't think I’d need an Aus one as it advises on the form to get one if you've been here for over 12 months. I'd only supplied a UK one. Whilst they accepted my application, I was told it'd be pending until I obtained a Aus police check which wasn't bad, only took a couple of weeks. Medical, our Case Worker told us who to go to. It was a designated Medical Centre in Sydney CBD. We just called up and booked an appointment. Not sure where you are, but the immigration office should be able to tell you where to go. Proof of our address, we met in London and only had proof we were living together since being in Australia 10 months. We did however, have lots of proof we had been in a relationship for 18 months at that point. Lots of flights here there and everywhere before arriving into Australia. Plus, we'd spend 2 months in Asia before arriving in Australia, so they counted that as a part of the 12 months proof. Try not to over think whether your application looks like you're lying, I was crapping myself when I was filling out the forms, re-checking over and over before I handed them in, so I can definitely appreciate what you're going through. I also had both sets of Parents write a letter verifying our relationship, which our Case Officer said was a good idea when he looked through our application. I was lucky, I met my case worker. Most people I know that have gone through the Defacto visa process don't meet him/her. Have everything ready, definitely the police checks.

Hi, www.seek.com.au for jobs. As above www.realestate.com.au for rentals. www.domain.com.au also have most of the same listings

I went home for a few months last year and used the same T-mobile sim I’ve had for years. Haven’t had any issues so far with T-Mobile taking the number off me, despite it being 18 months since I was home prior to that. The only issue I have with them is their charges are really high compared to others. The only reason I keep my sim is convenience. My boyfriend came over to visit and used a Tesco pay as you go sim. Definitely recommend them, he topped up 20 quid and it lasted 3 weeks using it to mostly text and facebook friends and family in Australia as well as the UK whilst we were in both the UK and Turkey. Yes, you need to dial +1144 as you would if you were in Australia calling her, even in the UK on an Aussie mobile. As dmjg said, having a sim sent over is a good idea, I did that with my boyfriend and he called me off it when he landed. I’d added 20 pounds on there which as I mentioned lasted his whole trip. Your phone will need to be sim free to use it though.

Hiya, my name is Emma I’ve been in Aus for almost 6 years now. I met a few mates on here a few years back when I first came over, really is an awesome way to meet people. Would love to have a new group of mates from back home. I only have 1 friend that’s from the UK and 1 from Ireland left, everyone else I’ve met along the way as well as on here has now headed home. I love my Aussie and Kiwi mates, but at times, it’s a different friendship. I’m living in Sutherland Shire with my Aussie boyfriend, but I work in the city, so if there are any meetups in the City or down my way being planned in the near future, give me a shout :biggrin:

Hiya Melanie, I'm living in Caringbah. Give me a shout when you get over, i'll PM my phone number. Anyone else interested in meeting up? looks like there's a few of us in the Shire, should look at organising regular drinks/coffee/dinners etc.... Emma