Advice for a newbie

[Oliver]

First, a big hello to everyone on here.

I've been browsing for a few months and found some really useful info.

But I have a few specific questions, and any advice would be helpful...

1. My business visa has been approved. Can I get the label put in the UK? If so, do I just turn up at Australia House or do I make an appointment? I cannot find this info on their website and there is no way of getting through to a real person to ask.

2. Can you tell me of the best calling card to call Australia from the UK. I've browsed the net and it seems there are some hidden charges with most. Why isn't it as easy as being in OZ and just buying a card from the local shop?!

3. Do you have to be in Australia to apply for a tax file number?

Think that's all for now. If I can offer something in exchange: I am using Crown to ship my furniture. They have quoted £1600 for 1/3 of a container. Beat PSS by quite a bit.

Looking forward to your replies.

Many thanks

Oliver

[Gollywobbler]

Hi Oliver

Welcome to Poms in Oz.

I would expect that the visa sticker can be put into your passport in the UK. What does the Grant letter say? Were you asked where you wanted the visa to be "evdenced" - ie the label put in to your passport? Please see the link below and click on the Visa Evidencing section.

Visas and migration - Australian High Commission

If you want to go to Oz House in person, you may, but there is no system of appointments. It is 'first come, first served' and the queue can be lengthy. I reckon itis just as easy to do it by post because if you send your passport off on Monday, you will have it back on Friday or at the very latest Saturday.

However, DO use Special Deliveriy both ways. A "silver pouch" is provided for the return delivery and you sed that with your passport & grant letter, and the silver pouch is addressed to you. If you want to track the return of the silver pouch, you must get the tracking number from it and make a note before you seal it ito the despatch envelope.

The Brain of Britain in my local Post Office told me, "You don't need the tracking number for the silver pouch because the sender will track it." Sweeping statement, that, because DIAC make it abundantly cleer that they will NOT track it themselves.

Penny a minute is genuine, good and does not need a card. Please see here:

http://www.pomsinoz.com/forum/news-g...-calls-oz.html

I don't know the answer to your third question, but I'm sure someone else will. Meanwhile, I would suggest a look at Australian Taxation Office Homepage because you might find the answer on there.

Cheers

Gill

[calNgary]

Hiya the easiest and quickest way to apply for a TFN is on-line when you arrive.It does say on the website you must be in australia to apply but im sure someone on here did it from the uk the other week.hope this helps a bit
Cal x

[Oliver]

thanks Gill and Cal.

Have already used the telephone number - the line was fine.

I fly out on 29th December into Sydney - my nerves are in pieces....especially as I have nowhere to live!