black1e

Wow lucky you - something I have always wanted (Citizenship) ever since I flew in here 17 years ago so another 3-4 years wont hurt. Again thanks for all the info good to know and sets my mind at ease H

Thanks Ken for all the info Howard

Cal Yeah I am a little impatient but it does get quite from the beginning of December to end of January. I have enough for the summer but was just thinking what if ? and I worked it out - I can come and go right up till the time my visa ends at the 5 years after this point I can would have to stay presumably for 4 years and Citizenship or if I have lived in Oz for more than a day and can prove ties I can qualify for a one rrv which would allow me to travel in and out for another year Thanks Howard

Hi I was wondering about the residency return visa. Been in Sydney a month looking for work and beginning to have doubts. So just looking at Plan B. If you don't meet the 2 year rule as a permanent resident - but are in the country before the 5 years expires - you can qualify for a one year RRV - what does this allow you to do ? Travel overseas and return with that year time frame? at which point you would probably have to stay in Australia for a period of 4 years for Citizenship? Thanks Howard

Thanks for all the advice - love it when a plan comes together B

Hi I was granted a 190 visa last year and I am planning on going to Sydney to validate the visa before the first entry date. I am only visiting to make sure the visa is kept valid. Has anybody done this and what is the proceedure? I think you just arrive at the airport with your passport - the number on your passport is recorded as having been granted a visa and you have made your initial entry date. Is this what happens or do I have to apply for an entry visa. Is it recorded that I have validated the visa? I plan to move to Australia sometime in 2014 If anybody has done this can you let me know ? Thanks B

Hi I want to add my defacto partner onto my visa and I am in the process of collecting supporting documentation - I was wondering about the statutory declaration. Do we just record the details of our relationship sign it and get it witnessed by a Commisioner of Oaths or do we get somebody else to witness it ? Also do you have to prove you have a certain amount in your bank account to prove you are financially stable when applying for a 190 visa. I have heard proof of 20,000 dollars !? Thanks b

Lebourvellec - really appreciate all your advice - cheers B

Hi I got State Sponsorship from NSW before Skill Select was introduced. It is valid till Aug 24th 2012. I have lodged my EOI and have 60 points. Will the fact that I have State Sponsorship already be taken in consideration for the first round offers. There is no way to add this information in the EOI ? Thanks Howard

Murta Good IELTS scores - any tips on study materials or which sites you used to revised - had problems with the reading test - those T/F/NG are really tricky Thanks Howard

Lebourvellec if I did get state sponsorship before July 1st how long will it last "to be automatically invited to apply" when I submit my EOI ? A month ?

Murta - it does but I got 7.5,7,8.5,9 - 10 points

One final question - if we wait till after July 1st and she applies and I go under her application - will I require 65 points, occupation on SOL, IELTS ? We wont be claiming partner skill points as she should have more than the 65 required ? Again thanks for all your help B

Thanks for all your replys - this site has been brill over the last year - you too lebourvellec (helped me out before) She is Medical Laboratory Tech (submitting her thesis next Friday) so really cant send in a skills assessment till then. The turnaround on my skills assesment was about 7 weeks over the Christmas period with the ACS . I am applying for SS tommorrow - but probably will be throwing away that money. If I am applying in the last week of June do they respond fairly quickly to an online application - will they verify it has been recieved the next day ? I could wait until the changes in July and go in with her application but the might take System Administrator off the occupations or make some other change ? Damn you IELTS ! Damn you to hell !!! B

I got an overall score of 8 in the IELTS but didn't realise you need 8 in each section - I am now 10 points short !! I have booked the test again for the 8th of June - if that fails there is a small chance I might get Partner Skills 5 points and 5 points for State Sponsorship. My girlfriend will have to get her qualifications assessed - so this will go right down to the wire before 1st of July. Chances are we will be applying for the 176 on the 26th of June. I was wondering will we be able to get the application in on time if we do it online ? How is the fee paid ? Or will it be too late? Thanks B