Real early early stages....

[dgoodridge]

Hi Everyone,

My wife and I are seriously contemplating a move to OZ (Sydney to be precise) and haven't done anything other than think about it and research it up to this point.

I am comforted by quite a few posts/treads on this site from people who are really enjoying being out there without any regrets.

I do have a couple of general concerns though and wondered if you'd be so kind as to offer any advice:

1) We both have professions listed in (or very close) to the MODL and plan on skilled entry rather than sponsored. How long roughly should this take from start to finish? Some people seem to take 2 years!!! I'm rather impatient and once we make the decision I'd love to be out there within a year, is that possible?

2) We have been trying for children for some time but to no avail, we don't see this as a reason to stop thinking about OZ but wondered if it would be a major spanner in the works if my wife fell pregnant during the visa application process etc..? Would they care?

3) I unfortunately have a couple of recent driving offences (inc 1 small ban) and didn't know if this would be a stumbling block when it came round to police checks? Other than those I'm a good boy, promise!

Thanks again for any advice you may be able to offer.

Regards,

Doug

[jogrant3232]

Hi Doug and welcome to PIO.
When we first applied we were told that it takes about 12months from start to finish to get your visa. Unfortunatly we have been caught up in a backlog as so many applied before 1 Sep as the process all change then so there was a rush to get them in before that date. The online process is very quick and quite a few online applications that applied September have already got there visas.
Not sure about the child thing, I dont think it does but some one will confirm that for you.
The police checks should be fine, they say as long as you havent been to prison then your ok but put every thing down on your application as my OH had juvinile cases on his police check from 30 years ago.
Hope this helps a little and good luck

[Gollywobbler]

Hello Doug

Welcome to Poms in Oz.

Timescale: Prolly 18 months - 2 years, depending on your skills. Some of the skills assessment bodies are very slow plus it takes more time than you realise as yet to prepare a skills assessment, and most of it is work that only you can do - eg obtaining references. What does each of you do, please?

Baby: Not a problem. If Baby is born before the visa is granted, Baby can be added to your application. If not, it would only take DIAC in London a couple of weeks to arrange a Child Visa for Baby. However if your wife is pregnant and is therefore advised not to have a chest x-ray till after Baby is born, DIAC will put the visa application on "hold" until you are ready to resume the process.

Offences: Not a problem. Please see here:

Character Requirement - Applications & Forms

Best wishes

Gill

[nikci]

Hi,

Jst wanted to welcome you to PIO. Hope it all goes well.

Nikci