I have been sponsored by Victoria for a regional visa (SIR) and am eager to post my application asap. However, it appears that from September 1, 2007 SIR visa holders will be able to apply for the RSMS permanent visa immediately rather than having to wait 2 years to be eligible. What I would like to know if this new rule is applicable only to people who send their visa applications after September 1, or if this possibility will be open for all SIR visa applicants, including those who lodged their applications before September 1? Also, I recieved an e-mail from Victoria informing me that I have to purchase private medical insurance before lodging my visa application. I thought that if you were a British passport holder, you would be entitled to limited cover by Medicare, ie medical insurance would not be mandatory? Thanks for your attention - any clarification would be much appreciated!
