frogstercouk

My partner had lymphoma, but is only 2yrs plus in remission. We had to apply for the visa when we did as under the older rules you had to have recent Aus experience and in my case that was about to expire and be classed not recent (!) hence we applied early. From looking at a very old oncology document from the MOC, it generally (though this is a real generalisation) states that less than 3 years in remission you do not meet the med requirements, but there are some that less than 5 years applies. Generally however I have not seen any statements that refer to needing more than 5 years remission, but bear in mind this document was being revised and I have been trying in vain to get a copy of the new one. In our case the issue seems to be that they have failed to notice that her diagnosis was in 2009, and since then she has successfully had chemo, anad has been cleared by the consultants. However they seem to think she has lymphoma and its going to get worse hence need treatment, in which case I could totally understand their stance. Naturally the other issue is wheteher your partner is still taking expensive meds as a result of the cancer, as this may be more problematic. Ive been amazed how little information there is out there for people post cancer so will once the dust settles on our case add as much info to these forums as I can so others may benefit. We have all been through a shocking time with the big C and the last thing you need is to have any more opportunities with life taken away from you , so knowing about people that have been granted visa's and any that fail would be sooooo nice to know. Regards Frogster

We had our medicals failed, and when we asked for a copy of the information that the panel doctor had written the CO muddied the water and while agreeing to our request to get the information did not! We were concerned that not all of the reports we issued to the panel doctor made it to the MOC but it seems there is no way of knowing! F

These things take time, no point in trying to rush it as you often drop a ball when doing this. My 457 visa many years ago (2006) took about 6months to finalise and then it was all straight forward with no hicups! I cannot answer all q's as not over the finish line myself, but the health undertaking is a form 815, link here: http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/pdf/815.pdf Frogster

Quick update from me, not posted since page 40! We've got a definitive response from my OH's oncologist, and this is a direct counter to the moc's opinion noted in the failed letter ( letter of natural justice). We sent this yesterday and hopefully we are not at the back of the queue again! Fingers crossed. Frog

Two things peeps. Firstly "the letter" has arrived and I'm feeling a bit more positive about it all, more on that in a minute. What I thought was interesting though was that my online application was dealt with at the Hobart onshore processing centre, I had assumed it would have been in Adelaide where my CO is. Also the letter states that a 175 visa cannot be subject to a health wavier (this is well documented) but also it cannot go to the migration review tribunal, I'd not seen this anywhere. Any how, my reason for being positive is that the reason for rejection is my OH's cancer, but they have put everything in the present case, saying she has cancer and will need treatment, where as, she has actually completed her treatment, and (touch wood,) passed her 2 year review last week with flying colours, and hence is considered all clear by the NHS. As this is the case I think it should be simple to proove, as we have many letters confirming this, but I'll speak to an expert to ensure we get the correct info in front of them in the next 28 days. I'll take this to another forum as I'm not sure its relevant here any more, and good luck to all those still waiting. They do get there in the end! Fingers crossed Frogster

The medicals were all fine, the problem we had was that my OH is in remission for cancer, and she has to have weekly meds. We had hoped that it wouldnt be an issue but it seems it is. Hope its not another 2 months before we get "the letter"! f

Bad news from us today, just been informed by my case officer that my OH failed her medical. We are getting a natural justice letter issued to us, which I assume gives us the reasons plus options to respond, so until we see that I suppose we just have to sit here and sob!! F

My co has been brilliant and I've been in touch with her all along. They have no idea on why there is such a delay, we assume it's because the case is not straight forwards. I've actually sent two emails now to moc and no replies! No news is good news ??? Frog

Well I finally decided to email Health operations today to see if there is any progress on our application. It's really getting us both down at the moment as we feel our lives are on hold while we cannot make any plans for the future either way! Thisvis so frustrating. Frogster

I keep my eyes in two places now, one still on the immi "check the progress of an application" and the other now on this forum thread to see whats going on with everyone else. From the gist of what I am seeing on here it depends on what visa you have applied for. The 457 visa's seem to be going through quite(?!?) quickly, but others can take longer. Then there seems no rhyme nor reason as to which get processed. Megawatts was easily winning the longest time (if there is such a competition to win) but others including myself are getting pretty frustrated seeing people seemingly behind you in the queue get finalised. Megawatts took about 9-10 weeks! And i'm hoping that is the longest things should take so we have another nervous 2-3 weeks ahead having been referred at the end of June (and applying for a 175 visa). Fingers crossed for all of us! F

Quick Update We had my OH's medicals referred on the 28 June 12, and are still waiting to hear back from them. There was a slight delay between the medicals taking place and the submittal, but hats off to the CO again she has been brilliant. Still waiting for news on the medical and its killing us!!! Frogster

Congratulations, slowly we tick them off the list! We are still waiting, checked today and no news. ( Referred 28 Jun 12!

My OH's were referred on the 28th June 12, and I ad assumed that as she is in remission forom the big C it wasnt an easy assessment hence was taking some time, but it appears like we are all having problems! Good to know one is not in this boat on their own! My status: Medicals Recieved 6-Mar-12; Medicals marked as "Met" 23-May-12 My OH status: Medicals Referred 28-Jun-12.......still waiting Frogster

I'd just add, speaking from experience, and that of others who have done this, if you leave anyting in storage in the UK you wont come back to it! We have moved back after a number of years in Sydney and ended up throwing all that we left behind, hence it was wasted money keeping a storage unit going, plus if you are thinking of storage, the cost in Sydney was similar to that in the UK and at least you have the chance of going back for it later on. Provided you can fit it all into a container, take it with you and decide later. Frogster

I'd agree with moven, I have been working in construction and have found it hard to transition into resources, though I have been talking to them from afar (i.e. while in the UK) and without a confirmed visa. I'd wait for something more specific in your field as you'll be able to hold your own better. Frogster