Jeffster

Without wanting to get you down, forget about getting a job until you are here AND have PR, particularly with your profession. Even whilst on a Bridging Visa (where you are eligible to work) and being in Australia I have got ONE job in 3 1/2 years after hundreds of applications. They basically will bin your application unless it says you HAVE PR or citizenship. For transient occupations (cooking, hairdressing) it is not a problem, professionals - IT, engineering etc. they will not take the risk. Also the economy is heading down the toilet very quickly at the moment thanks to Labor morons and the job market is very tough. You can always apply and ask to have your details kept on record - then call them up when you arrive, you might get lucky... Sorry to be bearer of bad news.

Yes, I had to provide meds & PC (again!), military discharge certificate and then they made my sister (my sponsor) provide her forms and evidence again, presumably because it had been so long since the original application. This raises an interesting question that my sister asked me - if a sponsor is obliged to assist / support an onshore applicant for 2 years from PR grant date then who is responsible for the X number of years they have to wait on the Bridging Visa?

PR approved today after long and painful wait of nearly three and a half years. See details below.

3 years and 3 months and finally my agent calls me this morning to tell me I have a CO and need to resubmit meds & PC! I'm sure I'll wake up in a few minutes and find it was just a dream.