BrownEyedGal

Hiya I dont know much about that visa but for my application I front loaded everything. Police checks are done in Hampshire go to the ACPO police site and they will advise. You pay more if you want it quicker. You can only do medicals at approved Drs - the Immigration site gives the list. Medical is not too intrusive but they measure your waist (links for diabetes and other illness etc - that really worried me as I carry a bit around the middle!) but all okay. What else? Blood tests to have. The Drs usually send the information onto Immigration, if I remember correctly. The police check takes the longest and if you have been to any other country for a long time, you need police checks from those countries too. Oh yes - stat decs. Mine took a while as everyone has to provide their passport or birth certificate or drivers licence to go with the stat dec. I'm sure others will give you valuable information too. Good luck!

Hiya Obviously I don't know your skills or visa status, but I started with TAFE course, got to know people and made contacts that way. I also signed up with many agencies for work. Best ones for me are Manpower and ELP (education). Also have a look around the area u live and see if the shops/pubs/restaurants have any notices up for staff. Altho restaurants and pubs want you to have your RSA (responsible alcohol) certificate which is not expensive and can be a day course. I can't advise going for jobs on Seek etc unless they are directly with the employer, as usually there aren't 'real' jobs on those sites - in my experience. BEGal

Hi there! If you still haven't had a drink with anyone, message me and I can meet up with you for a drink anywhere near central station. BEGal

Dear All I would just like to thank everyone for their help and advice re my offshore Second Stage Partner visa. SUCCESS!!!!!! I am now the proud owner of a PR Subclass BC100 Permanent Resident visa...yes little ol me...yeehaa! I posted paperwork to Brisbane on 8th March (approx). I telephoned Immigration yesterday (approx 45 minute wait) to check if they had actually received my paperwork as I hadn't received the acknowledgement letter back, only to get through to a lovely guy. He asked if I was near a computer and could I go online whilst he waited. So I did and logged into my VEVO account and nearly fell of the office chair. OH MY GOD!! I got it and not only had I got it, it was granted on 9 April 2013, so about a month from posting. Here the recent history for others (hope the links work). http://www.pomsinoz.com/forum/migration-issues/179346-2nd-stage-de-facto-visa-requirements.html http://www.pomsinoz.com/forum/migration-issues/175568-second-stage-partner-visa-309-a.html I feel very happy and now I can live my life. Next stage Citizenship..so I can be truly Australian. BrownEyedGal:biglaugh:

I know SS! That's why I hoping its just a stage..ooh but to have it one time...yum!

Hi Can you try some of the charities we have, like the Salvation Army? They are an excellent resource for help. Also try to find where the local food banks are. Go to the library and there should be information for you to pick up. Or go to a local church and speak with the pastor/vicar who will also be able to advise. You should be entitled to free school meals dependent on age of kids I imagine. Let us know how you get on..you never know someone else could use your advice..

...breakfast! Just going through a stage (jeez I hope its a stage) and am yearning for an English truck drivers brekkie. Come on, you know! : Fried bacon, fried bread, large mug of tea, beans, black pudding, sausages, eggs, tomatoes, onions, toast, hotcakes and variations - not all of that but something like it. Also hankering for really good pancakes with maple syrup and bacon... Anyone know of anywhere that does this in North Sydney/Northern Beaches?? BEGal

Wow! Thanks for that. I wonder if by, the Immi not sending the original paperwork to me on time..if I just got given a standard email link? I sweated cobs trying to get the UK police cert. Only good thing is that the second stage is not definitely not as onerous as the original application.

Hey no probs I don't think others have actually listed in full all the things you need to do..so maybe it seems more? Yep the UK police thing was the hardest. Good luck and keep us posted.

Oh just re-read your post. I am wondering why you need an migration agent? I did everything myself. As stage 2 is not so difficult, maybe you can do it yourself and save money and negative opinions! As far as I am aware you dont need everything in joint names. The only thing we have in joint names is our joint bank account. Everything else we explained in the stat dec. BEGal

Hi Mancinperth I was waiting for my paperwork for the second stage to arrive in February this year. It didn't. So called Immigration only to be told that the paperwork was sent in December 2012! So they sent me a link via email and I downloaded and printed off the paperwork. I was concerned about this 60 days response but to be honest I just worked on getting all the certificates and stat decs. REQUIREMENTS Stat Dec - you Stat Dec - partner Form 888 or stat decs from PR or Citizens of Australia x2 minimum. Any bills in joint names - I sent a joint bank statement, copy of rental agreement, copy of an electricity bill in his name with notes on it that bill is split between us, some copies of invites from friends for parties and weddings, (nothing else). Anything that backs up what you have written in your personal stat decs. My UK police certificate - original AFP Police certificate - original All stat decs have copies (most certified) of passports/driving licence. (Only one stat dec without a certified copy as its too expensive to do in the UK). The UK police cert took the longest as I didnt have a uk cheque here with me in Australia and had to get a relative to pay for it for me. Name/address on reply letter to let me know paperwork received. There's a 3 page sheet at the front that you have to complete and sign also. This must go on the front of your paperwork. (It gives you the order in which to place things). Don't staple or clip etc. I have just sent via registered post to the Brisbane office, as I originally did my 309 offshore in the UK. I have also set up a VEVO (see immi site) so I don't have to keep checking the post box ! I really hope that works for me. Now I guess I have to wait. Hope this information helps you and anyone else. As said before there is hardly any paperwork to do. BEGal

have you checked using vevo??

If you are applying for temp partner visa..after the 2 year wait you need to continue for the permanent part of the visa. this entails stat decs from you and your partner also 2 friends plus their certified copy of passport, some evidence etc....I'm doing mine now and although not difficult its hard to collate as the friends I used for stat decs before have moved from the country. I also have to do a police uk check as i have travelled out of the country But don't worry about that now..you got 2 years from lodgement..so just get undated certified copies of both your passports if you can. enjoy the ride!!

Hi Callum If you're heading for the city try the YHA near the Central Station to start off with. If you're heading for a beach area then no where better than Bondi for a week or so until you get your bearings. I would try to have a bit more of a plan, so you can link up with others..and also if you have a feeling that you want to stay longer than a year start researching what you need to do to extend the WHV...I think you have to spend 3 months on a farm but don't quote me on that! I'm sure there's more I could tell / say but it would be toooo much!! Enjoy!

Yes..definitely do. I went to the solicitors in the UK with heaps of copies and just paid to get them done..preferably with no date as you need to have certified copies again for stage 2..(oh clever me). Just telephone a few solicitors for costs.

Thanks Wakeboard..It feels strange not getting mountains of information together.

Hi All Well I am finally, finally at the second stage of this road to full PR. I lodged offshore 2 years ago in February. However I never received any paperwork for the second stage from the Immigration department. I telephoned Immigration last week only to be told that the paperwork was sent to me in November! So whilst on the phone to them the officer sent a link to me via email for the second stage. I then printed everything off. So with less than 60 days I am rushing to get everything done. I have done the AFP and am now sending off for the UK Police Cert. I have one stat dec done and completed by friends and I am preparing everything else. So, if anyone has any wonderful advice, tips or sage comments, please let me know. Regards, BEGal

Hi Morgdots Really enjoyed reading your post. Amazing, such a wealth of info. I'm quite interested in knowing more about dealing with the mosquitos - like the other lady, I come up in massive bites when exposed and can get quite ill. This will help when I go to visit Darwin next year.

Had a quick scan of your original message. As long as your visa gives you work rights then there's no need to say you're only in the country for such and such a time. Doing private au pair/nanny/helper work is probably the best route as then you will network with the schools that the children in your care go to. Also you need to push the agencies to get you work. I phoned everyday until I got something e.g. Early Learning Placements. As others may have said just going to the schools and Long Day Care Centres with your resume/cv is really great - offer to work a day or two for nothing. Where I worked a lot of staff started off as casuals just by handing in their cv. I know that works as my good friend did it. She left a job and got a job the following week, (mind you she's a great childcare enthusiast). There is no CRB check or Police check done. But bring your CRB with you as it goes towards your checks with the employer. You must complete a Working with Children check for every childcare/vulnerable person job you do. In NSW study for the Children's Diploma is free at TAFE if you have PR or temp PR . If you can afford to get some of your NVQ2 recognised then this could be a help BUT its expensive. If you join Universal Childcare they will help place you and continue to help with your studies. I'm unsure as to roles as a specific TA or LSA in Australia - but if you find out let others know. That's a role I really enjoyed. I am sorry message is rushed..feel free to PM me

As in the title - I'd be very grateful for any feedback on the above company. They are coming out to survey/quote to move a 3 bed house in the UK today. However I can't find any feedback on them on PIO. My family have quotes from a number of other companies but this one is the only one so far that can potentially do a move next week. The move has to be quick as the property was sold via auction (28 days to complete). So any feedback would be great. I'll update everyone soon!