candt

Thank you all so much, I could cry. What a relief. I didn't know for sure but after reading your replies, I feel really confident it's not needed now. The ex has enjoyed torturing me with this, the evil little man.

Thanks. I'm a bit stuck as to what to do next. We are waiting on a employment contract from the Australian company, they have an agent they use to do the visas. So don't have an agent to ask yet. Unfortunately I was married to my sons father, we have asked him to sign the form and after 6 weeks he's come back saying if we cancel the Csa claim he will sign! So I cancelled it last Wednesday and still no signed form! I am so hoping that we won't need permission as he's 16 nearly 17

Ok thanks. I suppose I just want to try and cover all bases before we apply. Maybe best to just wait and see then.

Thanks I never knew that. A legal advisor for civil law told me to write to them. I will try and google a MARA agent, do they offer free advise as it's just a general question at this stage?

Thanks for the replies. I did read them when you posted them but thought I'd give an update. We haven't submitted an application yet and it may not be a problem getting permission from his dad, as it's what my son wants. Unfortunately I was married to him. He only sees his dad about 3 times a year as we live 250 miles apart and he doesn't make the effort to see him. I just wanted to be prepared in case it's an issue. I read on another post that the Hague convention states that a 16/17 year old can decide themselves. So I'm hoping that, as this is the law in my sons country of origin (England) that the Australian Immigration will except that. I have tried to find a definitive answer by calling the Australian embassy in London but the customer advisor didn't know and advised me to ask a solicitor!? I also tried citizens advise, a family solicitor offering free initial consultations for £120 (work that out?) and a couple of other free law advisors none of whom knew the answer. So in an attempt to get a definitive answer I have written to the Australian embassy. I will update the post when I get a reply. Fingers crossed

Hi All Sorry if this is a silly question but how does the medical system work in Australia? I have looked at the basic medical cover for a 457 visa but it doesn't cover GP, dental or optical visits. Are those on a pay per visit basis? Also my husband is a diet controlled type 2 diabetic, so would he need an extra policy or just pay per visit? Can anyone spell out how it works and advise on the most cost effective way to proceed. Thanks in advance

Thanks, that's what we're hoping. Good luck hope it all works out well for you

Hi all We are hoping to get a 457 visa, do we need permission from the absent parent to bring our 16 year old from the Uk? No court orders in place but he does pay Csa. I read somewhere that the rules from the home country counted so we wouldn't need it at 16. thanks for any replies

Hi Thank you for your reply, he is 15 on Boxing Day. Cheers Craig

Hi, Me and my family are moving to NSW around august 2013, the problem is we know nothing about schools and the education system in Australia and we have a 15 year old that is worried it will ruin his chances of good grades. At what age do Australian kids take there final exams? Will the move be much of a problem for him? Looking to reassure him really. Cheers Craig