Tulip

Hello everyone! Long time, no see.

I've been sent my alert that my permanent partner visa will soon be taken into consideration, as it will soon be two years since I've lodged. I'm currently on the temp visa 309, this one will be for the 100. However I can't get a straight answer on what I need to gather and submit online? So far I know I need to have; two form 888 from two Aussie citizens/pr that know us, and their ID (do I need to get a JP to verify ID copies? Does it matter if they are husband's parents that do the forms?), one stat dec from sponsor hubby saying we are still together, a police check, and our ID. Underneath those things it said that I needed to scan and upload document proof of our claims. I don't understand what that means at all! Anyone else under-going that could shed light on it?

Wow, can't believe it's been 7 months already! Thought I'd check in as I barely go on the forum any more, and whilst I'm here, write a little update.

We've settled beautifully, but not without a few hiccups; mostly, Christmas. I missed my family something rotten and was pretty upset over the holidays, thankfully all over now and after a few Skype calls, we're all sorted! It's incredible how much a new life can affect your capacity to deal with so much emotion, I found myself turning inwards and eventually burst into tears at Westfield in the car park, with my bemused husband having no idea what was the matter! So my main bit of advice about when you're feeling homesick is TALK about it! It's ok to miss your mum even when you're all grown up and married in a new country! Once I accepted that and stopped trying to brush over it, things were a lot easier.

Christmas was also the first time, ever, that we were able to manage financially. I have never been able to spoil people as much as I'd like, but this year we were able to do it comfortably and without any stress or worries. I realise it's not the most important thing about the season, but for us it was a big deal, not only being able to give gifts to family members who have been so generous to us, but to give each other gifts too (we haven't been able to afford to give one another birthday presents these past couple of years!). In the UK all of our spare pennies went to food, transport, and rent. After that it was purely for saving to come here! Now we're paying for food, rent, transport, and saving, but with the luxury of extras too. First time either of us has ever had a smartphone that wasn't a hand-me-down! We are managing to save for the UK too as we're visiting in September.

I suppose that leads me on to work! In the UK we were scraping by on two incomes, now we are comfortable with just one. Mark is now at Uni so it's me bringing in the dough, which is great as I have landed my dream job. Grooming three days a week and doggy daycare part time too. I loved to groom in the UK but it wasn't possible with such an economy, no one was doing well enough to hire someone and I couldn't afford to set up alone. Now I'm part of a team and love my work, and love being paid better for it. Don't get me wrong, there are still weeks where every dollar is accounted for, and we are still quite thrifty with our pennies, but we can now afford a car for example.

Work here is very different to the UK though; for example, if you're working in an industry like mine and you have to deal with clients every day, you had better learn the Aussie way fast. It's considered rude not to greet with a 'Hello, how are you today?' and wish everyone who you serve (or who serves you!) with 'Have a great day'. Even people at the supermarket are exceptionally polite. You do obviously get the exceptions, but for the most part, if you're working in Aus you have to be well-mannered and open, or you will not be accepted for a Pommie who is living the Aussie lifestyle, I've found.

The Aussies are quite hard to describe! For the most part, very humourous and laid-back folk. 'Too easy!' and 'No worries, mate' are common phrases attached to everything, from coffee orders to complaints! They also aren't as bogan as people lead you to believe, most I've met are quite articulate and deceptive, with wry humour and a smile instead of a sneer. However, I come from Norwich, where most are very friendly, so I'm happy the Aussies are my kind of people. Suddenly, my Aussie husband's laid-back approach to everything is no longer a mystery to me! I've made some friends from work and around the dog show scene, too.

Speaking of dogs, we have a new addition to the family. Fed up of people insinuating that I should be popping sprogs (at the ripe age of 22!), I am happy with my four-legged children!

Here's Rowney, our newest Schnauzer, he's five years old and came from Japan. He wasn't getting along with his previous owner's other stud dog, so now he lives with me and we show together regularly.

Of course, we still have Maisy, my little globetrotter who came over from the UK with us. She loves it here and she and Rowney come to work with me frequently.

Overall, we have settled in nicely. We're saving up for a house and living with the In Laws until then, which is ok considering we have our own living space downstairs and can retreat when we feel like it. I'm still so new to the Aussie lifestyle, but I still get a flutter in my heart when I hear the kookaburras or when I think of long roadtrips through the lush forestry that surrounds us. So far, so good!

I called one of the pups we kept Eggnog, she was 8 weeks on xmas eve so it sort of suited. My own have boring names, Maisy and Rowney, but obviously we nickname them a bit. I groom and the weirdest name I've heard so far is Jemima Puddleduck.

I went in September, very nice place. Wouldn't say the people were destitute or anything, didn't see any shacks, but they were very friendly and helpful. No begging, but most bizarrely, no dogs. No strays, no pets, or anything. Really really odd. I did see a very big rat one night walking to dinner (best steak I've ever had!) and screamed like a pansy, the locals walking in front of us laughed their arses off at me, as did my sister in law! I went for my visa validation trip so I could re-enter Aus as a resident.

I've lived here for almost five months and love it. It's different, totally different, and very...surreal. The food is awesome, lots of Asian places to eat at, lots of fresh food. No ready meals. Lots to do, too; beaches, theme parks, wildlife places, even just taking a walk because it's always sunny (or stormy) and it's very clean. I can't see us moving any time soon.

I just bought things online from the UK with my UK bank card and had it sent to my mum's. Amazon is fab for gift wrapping stuff so have done that so that my mum can't see what she's getting!

I must admit I'm dreading it a bit this year, first without my family and first of living in Aussieland. Keep watching Xmas ads on youtube and bawling my eyes out! I think I will really miss my family and traditions from home but looking forward to learning new ones. Bought some lovely new decorations so that's something, looking forward to setting up my tree, and it's great having enough money to really spoil my in laws and family at home too, splashed out a bit and had a big box of Hotel Chocolate choccies sent to my mum's house for everyone. At least I have my gorgeous hubby and his family are very welcoming and lovely to me, and of course I can spoil the dogs! Turkey dinner all round here, followed by Xmas films (which I will probably cry some more at).

Steer clear. My mother in law just got into a dispute with them; they told her at the shopping centre stall that she would have free installation and 3 months free...then they came and installed and demanded the installation fee, and wouldn't honor the deal! She's trying to get her money back and has told them to get stuffed.

Chany, I think the point Snifter is getting at is that all that...passion, if you like, does not make anything move faster. Vent all you like but realise it is pointless in the grand scheme of things.

I also had mine granted before those who had applied before me, it's determined by things you can neither help nor cajole along.

Customer service! It's IMMACULATE here! Actually a little annoying at times, but honestly, the amount of free stuff you get is huge too.

The dog walks; lots of places well-maintained with a lot of poo bins and bag posts, lawn mowed, with clear off leash signs.

Things aren't as expensive as everyone says they are.

Can I ask, George, I told my CO my new address but I lodged from the UK and told her where I would be staying in Aus. Should I use one of the forms to change my address details to where I'm staying, officially? Or will my CO of already changed it on my file to where I'm staying in Aus? I'm guessing not.

Visa granted! Got my notice to go offshore for grant two weeks ago, granted today! Vanuatu is so much sweeter because of it, can't wait to re-enter Australia as a resident!

Stats;

Lodged 04/02/2013

Medicals and police check 13/05/2013

Moved to Aus 01/07/2013

Called offshore to grant visa 15/08/2013

Visa GRANTED 02/09/2013!!

Hi Tilamont,

Yes, that is fine. Just make sure she's covered for her time in Aus, minus the time from the processing time of 8-9 months, so about six months? You'll need a tourist visa for that. I came in on an evisa for three months, one way. I took all my documents with me, everything, and no one asked me a single question. This is because I am here as a tourist until my visa grant, which means I'm not doing anything illegal or wrong, because I haven't been working and have just been enjoying a holiday. When I go offshore for my visa to be granted, I'll return on my spousal visa.

As for evidence, I 'm not sure. Like Snifter says, how can we be sure? I've been with my husband for five years, married one year, and for two we were in different countries! I didn't have any rent or utility bills to show because we lived with my mum and paid her rent, and just sent through all we had in terms of bank statements showing our joint accounts, personal stuff, and stat decs from his Aussie parents along with a statement from my mum saying we were living together. Also our own personal statements. No photos though, as they weren't requested. I applied early Feb, and got my request to depart for my visa grant six and a half months later. There doesn't seem to be any logic to it! We don't have kids and have only been married a year and yet we got request to depart letter very early on, even though my medical was referred. I was genuinely expecting the request to depart letter at the 8 month mark, my CO has always said 8-9 month processing time.

I had 6 month 2 week processing too with VF, I'm a Feb applicant. Can't believe all the waiting is over, I go off shore to grant in a few days!

Nope, just got an evisa and walked through Immigration. Got my depart letter about a month and a half later (Feb applicant), flying out to validate in a few days time.

Well done BlueWaterz, welcome to the club!

My CO told me no further evidence required and I met all requirements subject to medical and police checks.

I asked if mine would require any more evidence, as I was coming out on an evisitor visa. She said no, she had everything and I met the requirements for 309, so long as I passed my medical and police check.

It's very normal to hear nothing. My CO (VF) told me she would contact me when my referred medical had cleared; she did, but to tell me the visa was able to be granted. Remember that if they need something from you, they will tell you. If not, then no news is good news. They're still dealing with backlog I expect plus new applications before the price hike, so are very busy. There's no reason for you to email them and no reason for them to email you until your visa is granted.

Thanks guys, it's a big weight off my mind and I will enjoy these last couple of weeks holidaying before I start work. I came over on an evisitor visa. I still feel so lucky I've had the opportunity to come to Aus, it's incredible here.

Woo hoo! I got my request to leave for grant of visa today So relieved, and such a quick time frame too, only six and a half months, I am mega relieved as this has not been a smooth ride! You can see my stats at my signature, I've been in Aus a month on a tourist visa, medical was referred due to high BMI, but here I am! Now to plan a little trip to Bali or NZ!

I entered Aus on a one way on the 1st of July, AND I had all my documents in my suitcase. I wasn't asked a single question (on an evisitor visa) and even given the green stamp to swoosh through customs without opening my suitcase, so no worries there either. I'm now waiting for my CO to give me the go ahead to go off shore so she can grant.

I would just say that I have been with hubby for five years this year, but my CO has told me I qualify for the 309, because we were only living together for two years when we applied.

Stacey, that's something I love about Aus, the lizards! I think they're beautiful and love to see the tiny ones on the rocks. Last year I was walking in the sunshine on a bridal path (in Norfolk) and saw a tiny lizard and it felt like I'd won the lottery!

Lush thread!

I know they're a pest but I love the Ibis!

St. What's his name's Cross spider enjoying a meal.

Butterfly. Not very impressive in pictures, but I love that in QLD you see them everywhere and they're huge! Like planes flying about!

Another St. Andrew's Cross spider.

Not even sure what this one is.

Dragon!

Lorikeet just chilling by the car!

Another dragon, tiny one this time, who kept me very entertained whilst I was waiting for hubby to come off a rollercoaster.

Last but not least, a Rosella parrot enjoying a cheesy snack he liberated from our picnic. See how he's rubbing it in, by sitting on my husband's shoulder?!

I'm almost in the exact same position, did my med on the 13th of May (three months after lodged on the 4th of Feb, as requested by my CO) and I too have been referred for minor things. I haven't been bugging my CO, I did ask her recently whether my med had been cleared yet and she said she would let me know when it had, so I'm just keeping quiet now and waiting.