kempster23a

Date applied ....03/12/2012 City/Council area ....Brisbane City Online / Paper....Online (Best way in my opinion) Date received the acknowledgement email..... 24/12/2012 Date of the Citizenship Test.......18/01/2013 Date of ceremony....22/03/2013 (We had ours in the DIAC Offices in Brisbane. They happened to have spaces available, great intimate ceremony as there were on 50 people. The ceremony has since moved from the Exhibition Centre to Brisbane Town Hall, so the number that the venue can hold has been reduced. This may impact ceremony times, as Brisbane Council nor DIAC tell you the waiting times for the ceremony, unless this has changed since my wife and I did ours?) Type of ceremony (Urgent/Normal) Normal

Hi imo2oz, Try http://www.immi.gov.au/visas/about-your-visa.htm and read the "Important things to remember section" at the bottom of the page. Hope this helps

mnicona, Kate10 was absolutely correct.

Try http://www.seek.com.au/JobSearch?DateRange=31&SearchFrom=quick&Keywords=Project+manager&nation=3000 The trouble you'll have in Brisbane, is the "Brisbane" experience, which IMHO is complete nonsense! You could also Telstra who are Australia’s largest Telco;http://www.telstra.com.au/abouttelstra/careers/ or use the above Seek site and search on Telstra Good Luck

Hi seraphim, Try searching for "novated lease", it is basically a salary sacrificing option like cjbchris said, but may be liable for Fringe benefits Tax, so you'd need to check that out also

Same link I sent you earlier, but the below is for Australia: AUSTRALIA Relevant document: The AFP ‘National police check’ is the only acceptable police certificate for immigration purposes. This certificate will have ‘Complete Disclosure’ in the heading. Residents and non-residents Complete the National Police Check Application Form available from the Australian Federal Police at: http://www.afp.gov.au/what-we-do/police-checks/national-police-checks.aspx Note: Code 33 must be used when completing the form. Fingerprints are not required. Send the completed form by mail to: AFP Criminal Records Locked Bag 8550 Canberra City ACT 2601 Fee: payable - see website.

Hi Rudeboy1, You can get all the information you need by reading the following: http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/character-requirements/ There is a "how to obtain police certificates" link that explains it (http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/character-requirements/character-penal.pdf) This is what you need if coming from the UK: UNITED KINGDOM Relevant document: ‘ACPO Police Certificate’. Police certificates are issued by The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) and cover applicants who have lived or currently live:  in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland  on the Channel Islands (Guernsey and Jersey), or  on the Isle of Man or on St Helena Residents and non-residents Application forms and information on how to apply for the police certificates for residents and non* residents can be found on the ACPO website or by contacting ACPO directly. Phone: 0845 601 3999 email: acro.policecertificates@acro.pnn.police.uk http://www.acro.police.uk/police_certificates.aspx

Hi Perthbum, That's a bit of a generic statement to make.

Hi Bouncy, You may want to read this from DIAC, it covers off the requirements: http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/health-requirements/health-exam.htm The form (1070i) for PR visa and Temporary Via (1163i) explains what is needed. PR VISA: No child under 11 will requires a chest X-ray, Blood test for HIV is for children 15 years and over.

Hi paul1977, Just wondering where you got that information from? You might want to read this article: http://www.afr.com/p/national/economy/swan_praises_gold_plated_australian_ZGgoviC5xXXqUzzWJMn7qJ While some states, I can only comment about QLD as that's where I am, may be cutting back on spending there isn't any sign of NO spending. The only sector to be affected is the Public Sector, not private.

Hi ginger, The conversion comparisons are unrealistic. The reason that I say that, is that most jobs in Australia (generally) pay higher salaries than those of an equivalent nature in the UK. We used to convert back for about the first 12 months, but that was a while ago. Why did we do it? Simple, the reason being is that's what you're used to, and it's a habbit, but you only end up thinking..."Oh that would have cost me 2 pound in the UK" there's no point when you're earning in the dollar, as it can be frustrating. The bottom line is, the cost of living is high, so are the salaries for “Skilled” jobs, therefore it's all relative, and isn't necessarily a negative thing. The State education thing, IMO, isn't as bad as you may think, I do agree that some state schools could be better, but that could be a location thing. Overall we have had no issues, and in fact, the school our girls go to is doing really well and has great facilities, but we could just have been lucky. At the end of the day you have the option to send your kids to private if that's something that interests you, and normally at a very reasonable price. If you wanted to compare to the UK, it’s certainly much more affordable. The heat thing...We'll seeing as we came from Scotland, anything about zero is always a bonus! :-)

Hi cara6, We did it and have never looked back! The one thing that I'd say is that our children at the time were young (18month, 3 years and son born in oz 2 years ago), so very different to you seeing as your ‘kids’ are adults, and it’s a question of whether they would want to go? We, like you, had done the research and planning, and thought that we knew all there was to know. The likelihood is that you probably will have most of that knowledge, but it's still a bit step to take, but one I’d certainly recommend. Some on here will say one country is better than the other and such like, which is fine, but the problem you’ll face until you get here is being able to make that comparison for yourself. There are arguments for and against, all very valid in their own right. It really comes down to what you want for you and your family. My wife and I were always of the mentally to ‘give it a go’, and for at least 2 years. Those 2 years will be 5 in August, and what journey we’ve had during that time. I hope you make the right decision, as to live with knowing that you had a feeling that you wanted to do it, and never did would be a decision that you’d have to live with, could you? Good Luck

Hi freakLFC, Glad to hear that you've finally got an answer! Good luck for Thursday, all the best for the future :smile:

Hi streya, Agreed, but you are advised that it can take up to 30 days regardless of how this done. My wife's was approved in 3 days, but I was 3 weeks, so it depends on when this is entered into the system, and wether someone has a similar name as you or not, that's when the delay is likely to happen. The point I was making to freakLFc is that you need this part if the process to be completed before you can be approved.

Hi freakLFC, I was told to leave as everything was in order, documents, test passed, therefore there was nothing further that I had to do. Mmmm Sounds a bit strange, as regardless of whether someone was on leave, there should have been someone else there to assist, or they could have sent you to level 3 to give you some advice, seems a bit odd. When did you actually take your test / interview? The reason I ask is that the Police check can take up to 30 days, and if this hasn't came back, then a decision cannot be made, in other words you will not be approved until this has came back. However if this has came back, and everything is fine, then there is no reason why you shouldn't get all the information you need on Monday. To tell you that you have a date, can only mean that everything is ok? I hope everything is in order for you, and that your ceremony still takes place on Friday.

Hi Dinesh, Having a baby in Australia does not grant the child Australian Citizenship. You have to be a Permanent resident in Australia before the baby can be classed as Citizen. if you have been told this by your company, then I'm afraid it's incorrect.

Hi calNgary, Apparently if you are completely surrounded by them, then Dettol and baby oil is meant to work. Wouldn't imagine that you'd smell very nice, but it's meant to deter them. You may also want to try different brands of tropical strength repellent with DEET, picaridin, or one with Tea Tree, but It's really finding one that will work for you, as they are all different, in regards to concentrate. Spraying when you're outdoors is too late, they'll have bitten you by then . You can now also buy the mossie bands that you were round your wrist. We have a bug zapper that we use in our under cover area with burning mossie sticks, my wife and kids get eaten alive, me on the other hand, never! If all else fails you could wear a suit or amour :arghh:

Hi freakLFC, I'm unsure to be honest it depends on 2 things; (1) Have you received your letter to attend the ceremony yet? If you have then I wouldn't be concerned about your online status being updated (Applicant Approved). (2) If you haven't then I'd be inclined to call them (131 880) and press zero (0). Explain to them what you have been advised and confirm that they see that on the system, if this is different to what you have been told previously then you have a issue! When I attended the office on the 18th January, I gave my documents, the case officer checked them over, got my photograph taken then I went and did my test. I passed the test then went back to the case officer and he advised that I was free to leave. Then 3 weeks later I got the approval letter, but like I mentioned previously, I knew that I was approved as I saw that the online status had been updated prior to receiving the letter. Fingers crossed!

Hi 3gh2, They can't tell you there and then, as the list is made of up x amount of people that gets sent off once a month I believe. We are having our ceremony next Friday 22/03 at the DIAC offices in Brisbane:biggrin: Like I mentioned to freakLFC I went into the office today as I was passing and asked the lady to confirm my date, which was the same date that I had been advised over the phone (15/07). It appears that the queues are due to the change in venue in Brisbane. This will now be held in the Town Hall and no longer in the convention centre, so I was advised. So she checked and managed to fit us in. Not going to be the big ceremony, but it's better than waiting until July!

Ceremony has been confirmed - 22/03/13, even thhough it's at DIAC offices in Brisbane

Hi freakLFC......Well it appears I will be joining you. I was in at the DIAC office today and the lady I spoke to managed to get my wife and I into the Friday ceremony on the 22nd March!!!!!!! The reason for the delays currently is that the Brisbane convention Centre is no longer going to be used, they'll be using the Town Hall when it opens in April, so it's went from 1000 to a place that will hold 500, so the ceremonies will be affected as a knock on effect. Happy Days!!

Hi freakLFC, No mine was 3 weeks after, although my wife with our children on her application was set to approved after 3 days! It just depends who you get on the day to be honest. The police checks have a 30 day turnaround, but this is quicker if you have a name that doesn’t match someone else, so they can run the check without having to do any further digging. My delay could have been due to the change in Immigration Minister at the time? If you're applying on your own, then you may have a ceremony quicker, as we have my wife and I and the 2 kids, as my son was born here so he's Australian already, so they'll have to accommodate a family of 5. There are ceremonies in April and June I believe.. Once you've been set to Approved, give it a couple of weeks and call the Citizenship line and ask them the question. Keep me posted and Good Luck

Hi chintanb, My time line as follows:Brisbane 3/12/2013, Application received and processed 18/01/2013, Interview and Test 12/02/2013 Application Approved Awaiting Ceremony Date I have been advised that I have a tentative date of the 15th July which I find ridiculous to be honest. They say that the time between approved and ceremony can be 3-6 months! You should have a TRN (Transaction Reference Number) for the application you lodged, therefore you can check the status of this online (https://www.ecom.immi.gov.au/inquiry/query/query.do?action=citz). They will tell you that all correspondence after your test/interview will be in writing, which is correct, but I knew that I was approved before they sent the letter, as I checked online ;-) Good Luck

Hi RVN, You can use the following form (1195); http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/pdf/1195.pdf If you're planning on applying on-line, then this document can be scanned and uploaded with the signed declaration on the back of the photograph, but will need to be presented once you are invited for your interview / test. The form advises you who can sign the form (identity) on your behalf. You will also need to complete a police check. Some offices have these forms on the day to be filled out, but we did ours before we attended and gave the case officer the originals (http://www.citizenship.gov.au/pdf/npcs-consent-form.pdf). These 2 documents in addition to your passport, Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate, birth certificates of any children will all need to be seen on the day, but can be scanned and uploaded to your application. I'd suggest that you take as much documentation as you have on the day, it just makes it easier for the case officer to confirm your identity. ****If you're passport has changed or expired like mine did, you'll probably need to confirm the Passport number that you entered Australia on!- Just be aware*** Good Luck :-)

I'd have to agree on one aspect of your post. The "Brisbane" or 'Queensland" experience is farcical to say the least, but I had a similar experience nearly 5 years ago. I applied for loads of job, about 60 maybe, but that was at the time of the GFC. What I did was take a job that I knew I was never going to like, just to get that so called experience, just for the sake of having something on my resume. There are a lot of jobs out there, but sometime it's not what you know, it’s who you know, and being able to push through the resistance that is the QLD job market will seem almost laughable once you crack your fist job. I can sense from what you're saying, that you're frustrated and rightly so, but that frustration won’t get you a job, and may come across that way in an interview or on the phone. I'd suggest registering, if you haven’t already with an agency, there are a lots out there also, just waiting for the right candidate to put forward, and 1 person not calling you back shouldn’t put you off. Have you tried other areas of work, instead of Project Management? That may be worth considering also. Good Luck, I Hope it works out for you