How long is state sponsorship valid?

**Amy79** · 10-07-2011, 10:41 AM

When you get successful state sponsorship how long do you have to submit your visa application with DIAC? I think I may have read that you get 30 days but not sure if I'm imagining it!

I'm applying for a 176 with South Australia sponsorship.

**PositivePixie** · 10-07-2011, 11:55 AM

Yes, its 30 days for SA (don't know if its different for other states, but we are with SA, so know about that one :) ). Doesn't feel like long, does it?!

**Amy79** · 10-07-2011, 12:03 PM

Thanks, I'm still waiting for my skills assessment back from VETASSESS... which has taken much longer than I thought! And as I have a month holiday / visit family in Australia later this year I was just thinking about what I'd do if it I get SS while I'm there / just before I leave and need to apply for my VISA..... may need to get everything ready for my visa application and take it with me :o)

Although I'm aware of the rules around not applying for a 176 onshore!

It's all so complicated, and the timings are so unclear... don't know whether I'll hear from VETASSESS this week or next year :o)

**smiley** · 10-07-2011, 12:14 PM

hiya,

we had nightmare with vetassess...they took way longer than they first said and then wouldnt scan assessment once finally done! we kept emailing and phoning - so i would recommend a bit of nagging!!

we got Vic SS and it is valid for 4 months- so looks like states vary.

good luck with application

**Amy79** · 10-07-2011, 12:38 PM

Originally Posted by smiley

hiya,

we had nightmare with vetassess...they took way longer than they first said and then wouldnt scan assessment once finally done! we kept emailing and phoning - so i would recommend a bit of nagging!!

we got Vic SS and it is valid for 4 months- so looks like states vary.

good luck with application

Thanks Smiley! I've been waiting 12 weeks for VETASSESS so far, I have an urgency request in which they have accepted, but still waiting. Their website still says 8-12 weeks, so if you don't have urgency request it must be even worse. I'm currently sending them a nagging email every week, but I'm going to start phoning from next week!!

When I applied I paid extra for them to courier my approval back to me... so hopefully avoids the need for them to scan it.

This whole process is a lot of frustrating waiting, but I'm certain it will be worth it in the end :o)