kempster23a

Hello everyone...

I thought it is a good idea to have a Thread on the citizenship timeline for years 2013/2104 and it could help many people who are on their way to apply for citizenship :biggrin:

 

People who applied in previous years are also welcome to share their timeline as well. I just thought that the most recent the information is the more accurate it will be.

 

 

 

Therefore please share your timeline using below format :

 

 

1. Date applied

2. City/Council area

3. Online / Paper

4. Date received the acknowledgement email

5. Date of the Citizenship Test

6. Date of ceremony

7. Type of ceremony (Urgent/Normal)

 

 

Above is what I thought is good to know. If you think there are other point that could benefit anyone please feel free to add .

 

I'm thanking everyone in advance

1. Date applied ....03/12/2012

2. City/Council area ....Brisbane City

3. Online / Paper....Online (Best way in my opinion)

4. Date received the acknowledgement email..... 24/12/2012

5. Date of the Citizenship Test.......18/01/2013

6. 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?)

7. Type of ceremony (Urgent/Normal) Normal

Hi,

 

I wonder if anyone could help with this...We have all got PR as a family and validated the visas back in 2008 but never actually emigrated.

 

We are moving to Oz in 4 weeks and I have had to get new passports for the kids as theirs had expired. But do I need to let DIAC know their new passport numbers? I think not as the visas are all validated and valid until July

 

2013, and I will carry a copy of the original grant latter and the old expired passports with the visa labels in. But I am not certain of this and wondered if anyone knows for definite?? My to do list is growing bigger and bigger...:arghh:

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

Did you have any luck yet?

 

I have just moved to Brisbane on a spouse visa. I am a PM with telecoms experience from London. Seems quiet so far in terms of getting any leads but have only been here two weeks so very early days.

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 all.

 

I've been looking on job adverts and get that most advertise salary plus pension at 9% unless stated otherwise. recently most of the roles I've looked at applying for also say plus leaseback vehicle, I.e. salary $xx + 9% super and leaseback vehicle.

 

how does this work and what are the tax implications etc? anyone got one and what are the costs and benefits?

 

ta!

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

Thanks a lot.

 

Me and my wife lived in the Australia for 2 years. will we need to get a police check from Oz?

If so , how do I go about doing that?

 

cheers

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,

 

just wanted to check how I go about getting police checks done?

Do I need to print off certain forms? Do I go to local police station or apply online?

 

Many thanks

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:

1. 1. 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

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

Long way to go before we are as racist as Aussies.

Hi Perthbum,

That's a bit of a generic statement to make.

Hi, just wondered what the medical would consist of for my two children, I know we have to have bloods and x-rays but wondered is it the same for them? also the cost for a children's medical, is it the same as an adult?

 

Thanks in advance for any replies!!

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.

Half the states in Australia are now in a recession.

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.

We did it, though our children were younger. I came here for work reasons and our cons list for Oz was not very long. Now if I do a pros and cons list the UK list is shorter haha. Be mindful of poorer state education IMO, the cost of living is horrendous no matter what conversion you use it does not work out equal to the UK overall as I think you always have to factor in saving to go on UK hols (without that saving it's maybe fairly equal based on higher income), the heat can get relentless, missing out on UK family can be harder than you think. Anyway these are just my opinions from being here just over a year and half. If you are going to have a job, plenty of cash and may get to holiday in the UK to see family I'm sure you'll love it here.

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! :-)

I want to relocate in 2 years on a permanent visa. I've done alot of research about Oz although I haven't actually been there. Im taking my hubby and 4 kids. My 2 eldest will be 17 nearly 18 when we go and thus I need to save money to relocate. A trial holuday next year would cost us thousands. .thousands of pounds we could have in the bank to relocate. I know its a total leap of faith but wondered if anyone thought I was totally mad going on a gut feeling..

Please be kind with your comments..much appreciated. .

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

Life is AWESOME!!!!!!! Thanks Kempster for being my friend throughout and helping and listening to me!

I went to the immigration today and was told to email the lady who took my interview! Emailed her. She called me on my phone in 5 mins and gave me the best news ever. She has scheduled my ceremony for the 21st of March!! I was surprised hearing 21st? But she told me it is a proper ceremony guessing there will be more people. Thats the best birthday gift ever! (Bday on 25th March).

 

Unfortunately, it means that I wont get to see you. But I wish you the best of luck for the future!

Hi freakLFC,

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

the australian police checks done by DIAC is done through online Crimtrac which can show results in few minutes.

 

it's not unusual for some applicants to have their citizenship approved the same day as their citizenship test.

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.

Thanks Kempster,

 

I was asked to leave after my test as well. I thought that was a bit weird, but then, you were told the same. Anyway, I went to the immigration office today and I got a token from a very helpful girl. I went and sat and was waiting for my number to appear on the screen, when the same lady came back and told me the Citizenship officer is on leave today!! I was so gutted to be honest. She told me to call or email the department and that they will get back to me. I was so busy at work, I couldnt call them. I am planning to go back on Monday and see what can be done. I was told I will be put in the 22/3 ceremony, and I still havent received my letter. Its been 10 days since the test and its exactly 1 week until ceremony!

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.

My stay in Australia would be a minimum of 6 months.. And yes the policy inthe company many say is because people take their wife and deliver baby there for Aus Citizenship... not sure if i understand that.. but thats what my colleagues say...

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.

Due to recent rain in QLD lots of places are having problems with Mosquito's. I never viewed them as 'evil' or one of the most dangerous creatures on the planet before but after reading this ,to an extent i agree. http://au.news.yahoo.com/queensland/a/-/mp/16369290/experts-warn-of-queesnland-mosquito-plague/

 

The area of Brisbane we live , has this past few weeks had major issues with Midgies / Sandflies,, their 'bite' leaving an almost blister type mark that 9 times out of 10 leaves a scab.. You see sooo many people (including us) walking around with marks all over their legs.. I personally use repellent like perfume at the moment,lol and the swines are still biting those 'hard to reach areas',,lol, i think if it carries on much longer i will be using Stingose as a moisturiser !!

In over 6 years here i have never known it this bad !!

 

Are the mossies or midgies bad in your area at the moment?

 

Cal x

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 Kempster,

 

ALthough I was told that my application is put in urgent quota and will be streamlined, my online status still hasnt changed? Should I be worried? Considering 22/3 is not too far away. I haven't received any letter from them either.

 

Also may I ask, what happened after you gave your test? Did you just walk out? or did you sit for an appointment again?

Thank you Kempster.

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 kempster23a,

 

Just talked to DIAC!!!!! They say 3-6 months waiting period! I just don't understand why can't they tell us the exact ceremony date right after the approval?

They have computers!!, they know where applicants live and they know the number of people attending the ceremony at each council! it is just a simple math question!

 

It seems that I have to wait until April at least!

 

let me know if you get your invitation

 

Good luck

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

Thanks for your reply, kempster.

 

So I finally had my appointment. The lady who was checking my documents was so nice to me. I told her I was a Uni student and she got worried about me having to pay domestic fees instead of HECS. She advised me that my application was going to be put in the urgent quota(?), subject to Police checks perhaps, and if its all good, my citizenship ceremony will be streamlined and most probably be on the 22nd of THIS MONTH! (Just in time before the last day to be eligible for HECS). She also said it will be at the Immigration building behind closed doors with a few others!

 

I couldn't thank her enough. And God. I really didnt want to pay uni fees which was $8800.

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!!

Thanks Kempster,

 

May I ask when your status change to approved? Was it right after the test? I had my test on 5th March and the status is still the same. I'll definitely monitor this and then keep an eye on my letter box.

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

Hello Everyone,

 

I applied online for Australian Citizenship on 18th Jan and am still waiting to get invited for Citizenship test (Not Ceremony, Citizenship Test. I know there would be another wait to attend Citizenship Ceremony :arghh:)

 

Have called the department twice and on both occasions I was advised that all my documents are in order and there is nothing on the file that would make the process any slower than normal (which they say is 10 working days). They tell me the only thing I can do right now is to wait as maybe they have too many applications which is causing processing delays :arghh:

 

Has anyone else here made an online application for Citizenship in last couple of months? Just curios to see if the delays are just for me or everyone else as well. I am based in Brisbane and hold an Indian Passport if that makes any difference.

 

Thanks,

Chintan

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

Hello,

 

Im just starting to get my documents together in order to take Australian Citizenship. With regards to the identity statutory declaration, can anyone please tell me what the stat. dec actually has to state and if there is a form I can pre print off anywhere so I can give to the the person who is going to declare that I am me. Thanks.

RVN

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 :-)

Well after a 2 years we've been here 8 months applied for over 200 jobs, with covering letter and 3email returns telling me I don't have Queensland experience, so I can work on an Olympic program of works in London, senior project manager working on millions of pounds worth of projects yet I can't build a shed at the end of the garden in Australia.

 

i would say to anyone coming to Australia, delay it, don't come. Australia is not working at all. It looks after it's own 1st and there are lots of ozzies out of work they will come 1st, then the expats. ONLY COME IF YOU HAVE A JOB.

 

its not the dream anymore, it's not paradise anymore as it once was, there isn't any work, recruitment guys don't get back to you your totally in the dark, we've spent $35,000 dollars in 8 months, the wife is working otherwise we would be gone by now..

 

be warned don't come without a job, Australia is not working!,,,,,,,,

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

We are currently in WA where we have family and like everyone else finding it expensive to live here. We are pensioners, having come over from the UK 2 years ago to join family. I am aware that the general opinion is that the high cost of living here is due to the mining. We haven't yet bought a house here and we are considering moving to the Redlands area in Queensland where we also have family, but just wondering if the cost of living is really lower over there. Or is it that being more developed you are able to live further out from the city than in WA and therefore live a little more cheaply? On our various visits we have looked at food prices in Coles etc and they seem to be on a par with WA.

 

Has anyone had experience of living in both places? We are more interested in general living expenses, house prices, electricity, rates etc.

Hi Bridgeman,

We live QLD, Brisbane. We have been renting since we arrived in Aug 2008. We're hoping to be in a position to buy next year. What I can say is that personally for me it's a buyers market at the moment. The houses you'll find will be cheaper in QLD, although there are areas that like W.A. are seen as hot spots and seem to be slightly higher than average. Areas you may wish to consider are Birkdale, Thornside, Wellington point, all relatively close to Redlands, but not as far out. They seems to be somewhat cheaper and have more value for money.

The price for things like utilities, food, petrol etc, have all been increasing steadily over the last few years. The way I see it, is that if you earn in the Dollar and are spending in the dollar, then it's all relative, but agree that it can be a balancing act, especially for us with 3 kids. You may wish to consider renting for a while that way you'll have the luxury of your money earning some additional interest while you see what's out there. Have you considered a retirement village?, there are very modern ones that may suit your budget and allow you a comfortable lifestyle while living in a resort type environment.