JB85

Hi, Can anyone help clarify likely timescales for a 189 visa. I've read in a few places, including immi website, that processing times are 12 months from the application date. However looking at some of the posts on here things seem to move a lot quicker. What is the likely time from lodging an EOI to getting invited to apply? What is the likely time from applying for your visa to getting final approval? I understand there's no certainty on timescales but it would be really useful to hear how other people have got on. Thanks in advance J

Thanks a lot for the responses. Definitely giving us the confidence to push forward on our own. Into the deep we go!

Thanks for the great replies, really useful. Cshowell – I hadn’t realised the difference in processing times, I’m definitely going to have a closer look at the state nominated visa (190). I hope you don’t mind me asking but how much did it cost to use Overseas Emigration? Bundaberg – I was thinking a similar approach to you. I still need to get my skills assessment done but once (if) that’s in place I’ll lodge the EOI and then if/when they invite us to apply we just have to back-up what we’ve already stated (sounds so easy ) From lodging your EOI how long did it take to receive the invitation to apply, and subsequently how long did it take to process your application? Thanks again for your help guys J

Hi everyone, Bundaberg it's encouraging to hear you and your partner cracked the visa process on your own, I was hoping you can provide some words of wisdom. What was your situation / visa route, etc? My girlfriend and I, currently in UK, are just about to start the visa process and were debating whether we need a migration agent. On paper I think our situation is fairly simple - I'm going for a skilled independent visa (189) with the gf as my de facto partner. We're both 28, no medical issues and are joint owners of a property. Obviously its an expensive process (especially with the additional charges coming in July :err: !!!! ) and if we can avoid the fees for a migration agent it makes life a lot easier! Has anyone got any horror stories of people trying to do it on their own and failing miserably? Thanks J