silencio

Please don't sellotape as this won't be accepted when applying online! That would give you trouble. In case you sellotape the photo to your application it will still remain 'incomplete' as you must upload the front of the photo separately, the endorsed back separately + the form as well. So 3 attachments for that alone otherwise you won't receive a progress status from 'required' to 'received'. There is a guide available from immiaccount of how to attach everything when applying online 'How to attach documents to a citizenship application'. You may consider to hand in a paper application.

Hi there, we nearly had the same dilemma about that. Do you have a tax agent who did your tax return who is a chartered accountant? Look under profession Nr. 24. Or do you have a GP? Or a dentist? In our case GP retired and dentist of 3 years disappeared but we once used a substitute GP who is able to sign it. It's worth to check your online medicare statements which doctors you've got attended to as can be easly forgotten (online for the last 3 years).

Nothing at all. I believe it comes down to the individual's 'genetic code'. I underwent surgery here in Australia after cervical cancer was discovered. It would have been the same back in my home country as I can't escape from my genetics. Also with another health issue I have which is well managed, would be the same. Though must admit that being more outdoors and push bike riding a lot, so yes, general quality of life has improved and for sure in the long run health benefits. The food is more expensive but for us two, my partner and me, we believe fresher and tastier as more sunlight exposure (fruit & veggies), meat not as pumped full of water as we used to have in our native country.

You cannot jump the queue by breaching the visa conditions on a tourist visa. In the worst case scenario they don't grant you a partner visa at all and I wouldn't recommend lying to Immigration as it comes back biting you.

You need a degree from an University in Arabic or something similar otherwise all migrants would claim 5 points from their native language as many come from a culturally and linguistically diverse background.

It will definitely reset the clock for your eligibility criteria as mentioned above.

I must confess that we thought when we came here "Australia is the laid back country. You'll only go to work between lying on the beach, preparing a BBQ and fishing. Work is more like a 'hobby' for Aussies!" This wasn't further away from the truth than anything else as people even work harder here to our utterly horrify.

The US is more democratic than Australia? Must be a joke. What about Guantanamo? There have been people held by the U.S. without any jurisdiction. Furthermore, a country that withholds free basic healthcare to its population is even worse than the UK etc. Imagine being poor and sick...a nightmare comes true. I don't want to go into more detail like the death penalty which makes Australia and the UK really good countries to live in.

Isn't it more likely that due to the Privacy Act and Confidentiality in a pending investigation procedure the official authorities are not allowed to make a statement? Upsetting stories are always good selling stories. There is a lack of details why this did happen, that's for sure. Though at the moment the Western world has other enemies than a bunch of bikies in relation to the horror just happened in France/Paris...

There a some other examples of high decorated soldiers who really committed crimes back in civil life as they couldn't cope with resuming a 'normal' life be it trauma or posttraumatic stress syndrome. In this case I can't believe that the rule of law hasn't been applied. My first thought was 'Why on earth is this successful handsome chap joining a bikie gang in Australia?' Hopefully some leaks will enlighten us as I really can't believe that a visit in a prison/detention centre (what ever facility) leads to revoking a visa for the visitor. That's strange, the description a little bit too thin for my taste and hopefully more details will shine a light on the whole story.

The article in the guardian makes it clear what I've assumed that he failed the character test long time ago and we know that even minor drug convictions prevents somebody of becoming an Australian citizen keeping in mind that a drug problem usually evolves over years/decades. Quote: 'He had previous driving convictions and low-level drug offences but none that attracted more than a fine.' The next sentence makes it clear why he is due of being deported under the new government rules. The lawyer's strategy that would have worked fine for an Australian citizen actually backfired for him as a visa holder (though with an Australian accent, family roots and his upbringing here). How can society or the government be sure that when he battles his drug abuse that we won't lit a fire again? My conclusion is this chap got away with a lot of (smaller) things but arson in combination with 'serious mental health problems' + 'drug abuse' was an invitation for the immigration department to deport him. Under the new policy that are exactly the people this government wants to get rid of. Quote: 'The court heard Wightman had lit the fire as he battled serious mental health problems brought about by drug abuse'

We all assume that this British chap didn't take out Australian citizenship for some (or even no) reason. But what about the assumption that he hasn't been eligible to apply for Australian citizenship at all? The report doesn't say anything about previous convictions and he probably failed the character test long time ago. That's what I'm guessing as obtaining citizenship used to be easy-peasy in those days. Anyway, I don't have any sympathy for arsonists in a country where bush fires are the order of the day!

A family visa in your case is pointless as for Australian Immigration it doesn't matter if and how many family members you've got here as they changed their policy more than 25 years ago in favour for skilled migration (skilled professionals with a occupation in high demand for Australia) and cut down any family visa drastically. There is one recent thread here where all family sponsored visas were deleted over night by DIBP after 7 years in the pipeline. My advise is go back to the UK ,finish off your apprenticeship asap and gain 3-4 years work experience. Monitor the immigov website to stay tuned and it would be much easier for you to fulfil your dream of living here for ever. Your recognized diplomas may be useless anyway, as your way has to go either through 457 (which you mentioned wasn't successful) or PR and for PR you need a job on the SOL or state sponsorship with a job on the CSOL.

Thanks Captain C + calNgary, good advise.

Hi there, this time I need help from you guys in order to change my address (and my partner will do the same). Immigov account easily created, that's done and dusted. But then the issue began: I'm not able to change my address online! It is stated on immigov that is should be possible to do it online. But no button/subject area available to do so. Arrggg!!! How can I do this? I'm on a PR visa since August 2011, living in Australia, just moved houses. Online would be more convenient as I don't want to print and fill in form 929 as it's too much.

Very well written and a good resource for other new arrivals. I've enjoyed reading it as it's so informative. You have given good advise for new migrants in the same situation. Good on you! The AFL thing was really a cultural shocker for my hubby and me as well, we never could get it as for us 'soccer' is the real football. Watched some sequences but it's so boring, I use it only to count sheep though I first thought my attitude would be pretty offensive for Australian footy fans but then I found out not every Australian is a footy fan! Like you described the culture is so diverse and versatile.

I feel so sorry for you verystormy! Good luck in finding a new job very soon. Hang in there! Have you ever considered aged care/home and community care? Maybe get your cert III there (can be done within 8-10 weeks, I hope in WA it'll be funded by the Government) I always enjoyed your brilliant postings here and it makes me sad to read about your financial difficulties. If you haven't any savings left try Centrelink as mentioned before. Don't hestitate or act in false pride in not doing so as you have paid thousands of taxes in Australia, you have supported Australia's economy with your hard earned money and now it's your time to get some help from the Government to 'get you back on your feet'.

At home we call 189, 190, 175, 176 (all PR visas) 'citizenship light' which means people like you and me have the same rights like Australian citizens besides voting (of course that applies only within Australia, leaving Australia on a PR permanently is not a good idea)

Forgot to mention IELTS as well on top of all these costs. DIBP should at least reimburse all abolished applicants for these costs.

And costs for translations of documents are also lost due to many migrants are from non-English speaking countries. We spent a fortune on all these translations more than 4 years ago, all the trades certificates, birth certificates, marriage certificate etc. I'm so sorry for these people, done all the work for nothing and still hoping that long!

Unfortunately, nobody can tell you when you'll get your invite for the ceremony. That's completely up to your council and every council deals differently with citizenship matters and of course if they have a so called 'backlog' (= description of being overwhelmed and not well enough organized with hosting the right number of citizenship ceremonies). DIBP can't influence that, their work ended with sending the approval letter. Try to log on their website and have a look if they have announced when the next citizenship ceremonies are hosted. I think Unley Council will host a ceremony on Australia Day as here's the next misunderstanding occuring: not every council will do so 'just' because of Australia Day! Depends on funding and resources, my new council won't do that and will stick to Tuesdays + Wednesdays. Good luck to you for a quick ceremony and keep us updated!

benj1980 you can create an Immi-Account by simply going on the immigration webpage www.bordergov.au and create an account in your name. Then you can change the passport details. I'm not sure if you have to attach an scan of your new passport as I've never done this myself but remember here are other threads regarding this topic.

People in South Australia are hard working, too. Depending on the sector employees work in, overtime is the norm. Unpaid overtime as well, many staff in my company start 30 minutes earlier unpaid and some even stay 30 minutes longer paid +unpaid. Australians are hard working people, one of my stereotypes which I disproved by myself is the 'laid back life style and laziness' which I have never experienced in Adelaide/South Australia.

That idea is really shocking and even more how far went. First I thought this must be a prank. Would be interesting which criteria they wanted to use for their 'random checks'. Reminds me of the 3rd Reich under Nazi Germany where the SS (special police) stopped Jewish looking residents and humiliated them in public. Disgusting and mortifying in case your skin is to dark or your face is Asian. Another step in direction away from democracy to 'Police State' thanks Tony!

It used to be that way but changed long time ago. Permanent residency nowadays means inside of Australia it's permanent. I know elderly people on a PR/RRV without a valid/expired passport and they stay here until the end. Outside of Australia migrants have to follow the outlined rules and smart people always stay connected with immigration ever changing rules and regulations as RRV's rules change from time to time and who knows what comes next as I predict it won't become easier especially for 'older' PR/RRV holders with a long period of absence