BrownEyedGal

Hi Beach Pig The test was easy in the sense it was multiple choice and English is my first language, so I understood the format of the questions. Most of it related to the history of Australia and flags. I just practiced a few days beforehand and whilst waiting in the waiting room on my tablet. You cannot take anything into the room with you, all your things go into a locker. When you finish the test, it tells you the time taken and the percentage. I did my application online - what forms are you waiting for?

Hi Beach Pig The test was easy in the sense it was multiple choice and English is my first language, so I understood the format of the questions. Most of it related to the history of Australia and flags. I just practiced a few days beforehand and whilst waiting in the waiting room on my tablet. You cannot take anything into the room with you, all your things go into a locker. When you finish the test, it tells you the time taken and the percentage. I did my application online - what forms are you waiting for?

Hi Star447 From my perspective, if you come over on a relevant PR visa, I believe that you have about 3 months to get yourself a NSW driving licence. You can't use your international status for very long. I cannot speak for other States. I had mine done when I got PR and I 'reminded' the clerk at the RTA to put my bike licence on my new NSW licence! I'm sure he would have anyway. So no, you don't have to re-do tests. For anyone who doesn't drive and/or don't want to carry their passport around as ID, I would recommend that you get a photo ID card, again from the RTA. It's amazing the amount of times you need some sort of photo ID on you, e.g like going to an RSL club for dinner. That took me by surprise; luckily when it occurred, I had something else on me. It takes awhile to acclimatise to carrying ID on you - well it did for me. Hope that info is helpful, and check out Skani's link. BEGal

Wow Want2beaussie, congratulations! Is your partner doing his test in Sydney? It's amazing how we hold on tight to our dreams. I've been through so much to get this far, I cannot wait for my Ceremony to seal it all. I'm already looking at doing my passport paperwork in readiness to apply for that...nothing like being ahead of the curve, lol!!

Update: I now have my official letter from the office Hon Peter Dutton MP advising my application has been approved...yippee!!!! That letter was dated the day I took my test, so my ID check seemed to have been done fairly quickly. So now to wait for my invitation to Ceremony:ssign19:.

Thanks everyone. I think its sinking in today Hopefully by the end of the year I will be a Citizen.

Hi All Just wanted to yell from the rooftops that I passed my Citizenship test today, Monday 20 April 2015 at Sydney Immi. I had a little practice at the weekend and just before the interview, using the government and some of those free test sites, (if anything you become used to the format of the questions). I was lucky as I rang the Citizenship line to see if I could do it earlier and wow instead of a month wait, I did it today - pretty cool. So today, I sat in front of the nice man at counter 6, gave all my ID as per online application for my interview. Good thing I bought extra ID as he wanted more than was required, apparently more ID helps with the background processing. All paperwork done and off I went to the test room. Another gentleman signed me in and yes 42 seconds later, computer said "Congratulations...you passed ...100%". Involuntary scream of joy:) Collected my things from the locker, had another jovial chat to gentleman at counter 6 and off I went, out into this English style stormy weather. Once I get the all clear letter re police and background checks, I can wait up to 6 months to do my Citizenship ceremony. But the good thing is I can travel abroad once I get that clearance letter, so I'm pretty happy. It has been a long haul from my dream in 2004 of living here. My final step will be getting my Australian passport - so wait for the loudest scream ever when that happens...lol!! BEGal

Thanks for all the replies so far. It was definitely a holding deposit as it was before the Easter break. The agent I viewed the property with, was the person I paid the deposit to. She explained that it would come off the $1600 deposit. When I went in after the Easter break, she gave no explanation as to why the deposit had increased. (Yes I was livid and downright angry). The rent is $400 per week. The deposit was paid by bank transfer. I am going back armed with facts and not leaving until at least I get half, or all of my money and an apology. The agent is based in NSW, (Lane Cove).

Hi PIOers Very briefly. I put a $400 "non returnable" holding deposit on a 2 bed unit, which would then be taken as part of my $1600 deposit. leaving $1200 to pay. However the agents have now told me that the full deposit is over $2,000! No warning and no explanations. I've already lambasted them stating that's not what was agreed on when I gave the original holding deposit. They are refusing to give my holding deposit back. I understand it is non refundable - but surely its non refundable under the original offer of $1600? Are agents (LJH) allowed to move the goal posts? Is this something that usually happens that agents can put up deposits without advising the potential renter? What are my options to have my money returned? I am thinking small claims court, since they are not responding to my requests for the return of funds; or half and half, which I think is fair. Are there any other options, that can be done - I could be using this towards another rental. I'd be grateful for any ideas or legal options. BEGal

Hi Liana Thank you for lurking! I'm sure you can offer valuable insight and information via this forum. Regards, BEGal

Dawnlouise That's excellent news..well done kiddo!! I'm having my own issues getting my ID for citizenship. Its amazing the little cracks you fall into, when you have to do specific government requirements. Hence why these forums are great. Again well done. Regards, BEGal ps..and to Mungbean, yes it can be that hard.

Thanks for that information VeryStormy. I will be starting the process for Citizenship very soon, so nice to know its not too difficult to get through. BEGal

Hi Dawnlouise You can go to the RTA, (Road Traffic Authority) and pay for a PhotoID Card only. You will need your passport but check before attending as they will be able to tell you exactly what you need. Please let us know how you get on. Regards, BEGal

Darn, that's not good @NAB. Like you I am also with Citibank. So far no issues. Their savings account is pretty good too, decent rates.

Hi I always recommend NAB. Very easy to set up from the UK and no fees. I also like HSBC but I joined them when I arrived here, also no fees. They have accounts that you can keep your English/foreign money in and then later if you want to exchange for Australian currency, (I can't remember the proper name for it). I haven't actually used it myself, but its something I want to do. I am also with Ozforex for money exchange but this site is linked to Moneycorp - there is a representative here. Moneycorp is based in the UK so maybe you could set up with them before leaving? I'm sure other PIOers can offer better advice. Plus if you search the site, this enquiry has been asked several times, so you will get a good gist on what's good or negative. BEGal

Hi I did a TAFE course in Children's Services, (Childcare Educator), here in Sydney. I completed my Certificate 3, my Diploma and First Aid courses. I can genuinely say that the majority of the teachers that I had for my course, were knowledgeable, enthusiastic, approachable, helpful. Mine is a long story but suffice to say I have finally completed course, (due to life and family matters) and at the moment I believe I have done quite well with distinctions and credit. From my point of view, TAFE offers stability and availability of resources. If you are full time and not an international student, some discounts for travel and shopping are available to you. There have been recent government changes, so the pay structure has changed dramatically for courses. Go and have a chat with the office admin. BEGal

Aah fabulous Blossom. Very happy for u and your family. x

Hi Millys Will make it short and sweet, I'd like more information regarding your message above - on the area, age range of the children, the type of training currently being undertaken by staff etc. Please PM me. Regards, BEGal

Darn..would have been happy to meet you but not heading there until mid December. But enjoy yourself..BEGal

Lloyds Bank TSB Halifax I think they are all part of the same group but online banking for me has been relatively pain free. Am unsure if they have 24/7 UK help or where the call centres are. BEGal

Hi and welcome Mark and Magda I would take a look around this site for help and advice. Superannuation is a popular subject! There is a lot of information to get your head around, so don't expect to get a definitive answer as every family/person is different. But initially you should find out if you would like to be in an Industry super or as suggested above the company you are working for Super'. Other knowledgeable PIOers will probably add to this thread. All the best BEGal

Hi Get supporting statements from friends & family. Show what things you have done together - holidays, family events, etc. Ask his mum to do a statutory declaration stating you are part of the family and have been living at hers for a year. Your partner can do exactly the same for his friends and family in Australia. You will see you don't always need joint bank accounts etc but it is better and there is nothing stopping you setting something up now. I am not sure why you have left if so late to check? There is absolutely tons of information on this site and other sites for you, especially of other couples in similar positions. I strongly suggest you read the Immigration web site again and again. Or go to the Immigration office in London. Once you've gone through that, then you know what are the real questions you should be asking. Brutal honesty: start reading, researching, collecting and saving money now.You both have to work together on this. PIOs will be happy to advise - we're always here! BEGal

Thanks for that info, Maruska. I feel its reasonable to assume that can happen. We will see with case no. 2 re Dallas hospital, who travelled by plane when not showing symptoms. As previously posted elsewhere my friend works in a hospital also in the ED. So far no training or discussion with staff on hospital protocol regarding infection control for Ebola.

Slightly different - I had a house that I rented out via an agent. Never had so much hassle and problems in my life. In the end the renters left, there was damage to the property and the council tax, building insurance and bills still needed to be paid by yours truly. The agents could not do a lot of things on my behalf. A long and stressful story. Quite difficult to manage from abroad too with the time difference. So from my point of view, sell, sell, sell. Only keep if you have family / friends willing to be agents for you. Or if you find a really good tenant, that wants to make a home. BEGal

Ah I feel your pain. I totally did not understand superannuation when I came over, so got stuck with a company charging for every darn thing. It takes a while for new entrants to get their head around all these government fees. I tried to cancel my original one and hoops I had to jump through were amazing. Even now money still gets siphoned off via that company. There's no broker system as far as I can tell who is independent enough to give you advice, like the UK. I wanted to transfer my UK pension to it but am afraid about transferring back if/when I leave either as a PR or Citizen. It all muddles my brain!~