ARow

Hi all, just checking in. Glad to see that others who lodged around the same time as me (Feb/March 2012) making some progress! Best of luck!

I almost feel guilty about my good fortune, but... I'm too happy for that. Too happy for words, actually. Yesterday my RSMS 857 was granted. NON-DRC - Melbourne. I work for a landscaping company in Darwin, and I'm from the UK. Applied for RCB: February 15, 2012 RCB granted: March 13 Nomination and Visa Application submitted: March 14 Application acknowledged: March 16 CO allocated: August 27 Workplace phone call: September 12 VISA GRANTED: September 17 It's endlessly frustrating and stressful, but you have to keep an open and positive mind about it all. I sincerely wish everybody else the best of luck in a speedy and smooth approval. Thanks for the support and information over the better part of this year!

Howdy all, I was allocated a CO this week and after so many months of absolutely no news, I'm beyond excited. I feel as though my head is up on the chopping block now, so fingers crossed that things go smoothly from here on out. My timeline is as follows: Applied for RCB: February 15, 2012 RCB granted: March 13 Nomination and Visa Application submitted: March 13 Application acknowledged: March 16 CO allocated: August 27 I'm a NON-DRC case out of Melbourne, I work for a landscaping company in Darwin, and I'm from the UK. Wondering what or if I should expect anything like a workplace visit or... nerve-wracking!

So does this mean that only DRC cases are being allocated, or will some of us non-DRCs squeak through?

Anybody heard of any movement at Melbourne? Any news at all - good or otherwise? As patient and optimistic as I'm trying to be, I'm getting antsy.

Tomorrow is August 1st. What are the odds that Melbourne grants all of our visas tomorrow? :wink: Optimism, folks! Whatever will be shall be.

All good advice, above. I took off to Queensland alone last year, at 22 years old. I was (and am) on a WHV, but it sounds like your goals are similar - work and travel around. I started in Brisbane and travelled at a snail's pace north and then eventually into the Outback, staying in hostels and taking casual local jobs. If you're looking to find others in a similar situation, stay in hostels. It's so easy to meet people to travel and tackle the journey together with. Also, it's a great starting point for employment opportunities if you choose not to secure something ahead of time. Just be sure to bring anything you think you might need and go in with an open mind. No matter what, it'll be an unforgettable experience.

So... has anybody been assigned a CO since July 1st? It seems like the huge influx of applications in June has stalled progress in Melbourne. Hope to hear good news from there soon for somebody, just to know that they're still crawling along.

Hey there, Sounds like you're looking for an employer sponsored visa. Tradie jobs are bountiful, especially in Queensland, and you shouldn't have any trouble picking one up. If you're looking to secure a place before you come over, the best you can do is start sending out requests. Look online and see what you can find. The quickest way, I think, to get your foot in the door might be to come Down Under on a Working Holiday Visa and just pick up odd jobs while you search for the place you want and that will sponsor you for the employment visa that you're looking for. You're already certified, so I don't think you'll have much of a problem. Either way, the visas are applied for through the immi, so no worry of being "conned." All the information you need will be found on their website, for sure. The WHV is approved very quickly and you could be on your way very soon.

Hey Lucky, I had a similar ideal for when I came Down Under, starting in Brisbane and heading north. I didn't make it all the way to Cairns though, I turned inland at Rockhampton. I spent 4 days in Brisbane and then the bulk of my time up the Sunshine Coast. Loved it - make sure you get some surfing in. Fraser Island is brilliant as well. It was just me, so I stayed in hostels as well as CouchSurfing. In Brisbane I stayed at Bunk Backpackers and it was a lively atmosphere. I did get paid a weekly wage for my farm work in the Longreach area. Accommodation was provided and we ate meals together. There are a variety of jobs available, like cook or cleaning, but I worked general maintenance. Another popular option is to work in an Outback bar or hotel. Just search online for 'Queensland farm work' (I typically use Gumtree since a lot on that site is geared toward travellers). I found it pretty easy to find work for my WHV, and I found the people of Queensland super friendly and willing to help. Best of luck! If you have any other questions, I'm an open book.

Hola! Do it, mate. You won't regret it for a second. I'm 23, myself, and I came Down Under on a WHV in early 2011. I flew into Brisbane solo and CouchSurfed (highly recommend that if you're comfortable with it) my way north before heading into the Outback. I then found work for two months on a cattle station (amazing experience) doing general maintenance and living the ranch life before continuing on with replenished funds. I ended up in Darwin where I worked mango picking for the last month, allowing for my second WHV. If we're being honest, I hated it, but it is a good way to do the time. The WHV experience has been the best of my life and without a doubt, you'll enjoy it. I fell in love with the country so hard that I'm currently in the process of attempting to get permanent residency. It's a fantastic place and a once in a lifetime experience.

Thanks everyone! Glad to be here with such a friendly bunch! And the Top End is definitely where it's at - plenty of room to roam!

No, mine's non-DRC. It's a pretty long waiting game, but I'm trying my best to be patient!

Hello All! I've been lurking around the forums for about a year now, so I thought it high time that I say hello. I'm originally from southeast England but I came Down Under in February, 2011 on a WHV. After touring around the country, I decided I wanted to stay! Since February of this year I've been in the process of applying for a RSMS 857 and I'm currently at the (seemingly endless) waiting stage. I live and work for a landscaping company in Darwin and, otherwise, I'm just diggin' life in the Top End. Thanks to everyone in the forums who have answered questions I've had (and some that I didn't know I had) over my time lurking around! Best wishes to everybody!

Hey, Mine is in Melbourne, Non-DRC as well. Looks like our timelines are fairly similar too. Best of luck!