BB88

Nomination and Application lodged 10th January 2015. Is this a normal message "Processing - Please wait for the department to contact you"

So i've just seen on the immi.gov website, But if I am already in Australia on a 417 and am going to be sponsored on a 457, I cannot because I am already over 90 days since arriving in Australia? Surely it should be that you commence work with your sponsor after being granted your 457 within 90 days?

Hi, I've completed my regional work and have granted my second year visa already due to expire Oct 2015. Can I now work for my current employer for 12 months consistently or do I need to wait until my first year visa would of expired, October 2014? Thanks in advance.

You can apply for your TFN online too

Doesn't take long at all. Mine took less than a day. Took under an hour for 2nd year to be processed too!

Its really easy to meet people in hostels. Just say hi/hello and smile and the rest will flow easy. Also do the same whilst on public transport, in a public place, or a restaurant. Engage with the locals. Travelling solo is much more fun. You haven't got to worry about anyone but yourself. Everything is on your terms.

What part of Melbourne are you in? I land on 9th October and am staying in St. Kilda to begin with. I'm in Habitat HQ!

They suggest 5000AUD and money available for ticket home. Something like that anyway. Sent from my Q10 using Tapatalk 2

Yes I've gone with NAB and Moneycorp for my finances. Sent from my Q10 using Tapatalk 2

That sounds about right. I took it to Malia with me last time. As long as you pay in full each month, it's a decent card for overseas usage. Sent from my Q10 using Tapatalk 2

I know, I've had my Visa and Flights since February though, so it's only starting to get real now. Got pretty much everything sorted, just need to get some new clothes and tie up loose ends, car insurance and notifying bank etcetera. Fair enough, never been to Slough. I'm leaving Torquay behind to go visit Torquay in Australia

Not long until 4th September, got everything sorted? I think your passport contains all the details anyway, the visa grant is stored in the database and your chip links to that, but it wouldn't hurt to have the print out. I fly out October 7th to Melbourne, cannot wait!

I am taking a Halifax Clarity Card with me as backup, no additional overseas fees for usage or withdrawals.

Awesome! You should get an email from immi.gov.au, at least I did.

I'm up for this. I want to watch the Boxing Day Test, especially since its the Ashes too!

Booked my hostel today. Staying in Habitat HQ in St. Kilda, Melbourne from the 9th October! Sent from my Q10 using Tapatalk 2

I arrive in Melbourn on October 9th and I am torn between Base or Habitat HQ in St. Kilda

What part of Melbourne was this? I arrive in October 2013 and work in the IT Industry. Sent from my Q10 using Tapatalk 2

Hi and Welcome! I'm also heading out to Melbourne in October, I land on the 9th flying from Gatwick. I will do my best to answer your questions, but as I have not been, I am going on what I have found/heard. - What is the best and cheapest way to travel round oz for backpackers? - trains, coach, flight? Coach is the cheapest form of travel, internal flights can be cheap as well and are a LOT shorter than coach journeys. - What is the best phone network when we get there in terms of getting sim cards? I have heard good things about Telestra. - Which bank is best and has most ATM machinnes? Commonwealth Bank seems the most popular and has the most ATMs, https://www.commbank.com.au/personal/international/backpacking-in-australia.html Hopefully somebody who has actually been can clarify better. HTH.

Anything that qualifies me for a second Working Holiday Visa. Thanks, I managed to find that page after I posted the thread. I have looked at WWOOF and I am interested in that. Do I have to be in Australia to become a member of WWOOF though?

I am flying in to Melbourne on the 9th October, and I want to get my 88 days work completed as quickly as possible, so I can enjoy the rest of my time in Australia. Where is the best place to be in terms of the Melbourne and Regional Victoria area for the required work to qualify for a 2nd WHV? Thanks in advance.

I'm sure you will be fine. Lots of people seem keen on the drink front out and about on the hostel trail.

Congrats on the Visa Grant. Get them flights booked! Where you thinking of flying from?

Sounds like a plan fella!

I brought a netbook recently, doubled the RAM and added a SSD drive and was still too slow for my needs. Sold it! Like you, I'm used to a powerful desktop for my music production. Been looking at the ultrabooks, they look good!