owendoyle

I feel your pain. I believe (my opinion only) that the checklist can ONLY be used by a registered migration agent. They submit DRC applications differently to our process online and attach this form: http://www.immi.gov.au/gateways/agents/pdf/ma-checklist-ens-visa.pdf So if you were to attach that form to your application it probably would only be seen once the case officer is assigned after 5-7months in a queue. Just my opinion though. Yes, this is ridiculous. I agree Migration Agents can be great and necessary for many, but some people are now using agents and paying them a fortune just to only submit their application as DRC. [it reminds me of people paying farmers to sign off for their 2nd WHV visa] Though this is legal! Took 8 months for my Nomination to come through and now waiting about two (so far) for my application (ENS186, non-drc, paramatta). Expecting April 2013!

Good question. I reckon you may automatically get an extension of a waiver on 6 month rule on a BVA but I applied for a waiver all the same (through my MA). Generally you should be allowed to continue to work for your employer pending the RSMS decision. This is an example of the email my MA sent after a phone conversation. Attached was a brief letter plus a support letter from my employer Working Holiday Maker - Visa Condition 8547 Dear IMMI / Case Officer...etc, Re: {NAME} TRN: ....... Employer: ......... DOB: .................. I refer to the above and to your telephone conversation with my assistant {AGENT} this afternoon. Please find attached the following: 1. Application to request permission to work with an employer beyond 6 months on a working holiday visa 2. Letter of support from {EMPLOYER} Thank you for your assistance. Many thanks, ............

Yea, I also went through a redundancy on a 457. 28 day "rule" doesn't seem to exist but maybe 4-7 weeks after notifying IMMI they should contact you with "intention to cancel / end your visa" and I think give you a departure date unless you lodge a new 457 application/transfer. You could apply for a tourist extension to stay with no work rights though you will need to be a "genuine" tourist. Not intending to work. If you happen to find a new employer in that period you could lodge a new 457 or you could always study temporarily a 6 month Vocational course and work 20hrs per week. Bottom line is you probably need a new employer to sponsor you if you are not eligible for a PR visa. If you are unsure a registered MARA immigration agent could help. Good luck.

Similar to myself them. Best of luck. Hopefully hear something before Christmas but doubtful...

Haha! I felt like saying that so many times. To be honest, I wouldn't mind if I has some idea of progress and I would be very interested to know why they are processing so many June / July applications (no offense if you applied and have been approved) ahead of January once. Probably due to dreaded DRC (the Migration Agents golden ticket!). Non-DRC are most likely being penalised with longer waits. Pot luck I guess!

Looks like I am in a similar situation to you mate. Nomination sent on 30th Jan 2012 and only approved on 25th September. Crazy! Seems like the applications sent early 2012 were put on hold while the July ones were being processed. I can imagine some poor fella in Paramatta with paperwork up to the ceiling. One question, did you submit your visa app at the same time as nomination? I only sent mine in a few days after approval of nomination. Hopefully not another 8 month wait! Good luck!

I did my nomination first and waited 8 MONTHS for it to be approved. I submitted my visa application almost 1 month ago and still heard nothing back. Only reason is my nominated company is a new business so training requirement was not 100% guarantee and I didn't want to risk losing application fee. So I reckon applying together slashes months off your application. If you are confident your nomination is 100% both together for sure. Good luck.

Hey "embassy" I it could be Form 956A -Appointment or withdrawal of authorised recipient which you are looking for. Explains the form: http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/application-forms/new-form-956.htm Link to Form 956a: http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/pdf/956a.pdf I have previously used Form 956 (not A) to change my authorised recipient before (though not an agent). Good luck with your application.