Silver Lady

I used DHL - they were fast and efficient. No problems at all.

Hi Lou8670 - I can give you my timeline if it helps. Acknowledgement date of my 173 Visa application was March 2012. Visa granted May 2013. On arrival in Perth in August 2013 I applied to convert my 173 to the 143 permanent visa. This was granted last week 8 months to the day of applying. Hope this gives you some idea of times but the visa grant times do seem to vary... Regards Silver Lady

Hi Freesia - I paid the initial deposit of $1995 then $24.010 for my 173. I recently paid the $280 application fee for my 143 and I've got everything crossed that the second vac will be $16.885.... the pricing table isn't that clear but I think the $16.885 is the fee for converting from 173 to 143.....time will tell! has anyone just been through this process?

Hi Summerdaisy I recently applied to convert my 173 to a 143 permanent visa. I believe the second instalment is $16,885. I agree with Freesia the visa pricing table takes some studying! I think we come under 19j (i) on the table which reads... The second instalment (payable before grant of visa) "Applicant who was the holder of a subclass 173 (Contributory Parent (Temporary)visa) at the time of application" it then gives the price of $16.885...I'm praying it isn't $29130... good luck!

Hi Mandy I'm in Butler and staying with my family. Been here 7 weeks. Just had my offer accepted on a small house close to my family. I've done all the routine stuff like applying for my Medicare card and tax file number etc. Just bought a car (I wish I could have bought my little KA over with me, it was so reliable but getting on a bit, so I had to leave it behind!) good luck with importing your car, I'm sure the extra expense will be worth it in the end. I'm just enjoying being with my family. I have my three children, seven grandchildren and a brother all living in Butler. It was certainly worth the wait to get here! I hope to hear that my goods have cleared customs next week (fingers crossed!) Good luck with your consignment Mandy and enjoy your new life in Australia......

I recently moved to Perth and used a well known international removal company. They were very professional and the packers were great. I don't know how my possessions have fared as I'm still awaiting customs clearance. It was agreed that I would be given a months free storage when my good arrived as an incentive to booking this company. When I received a letter from the contractors in Perth letting me know my goods had arrived, I rang them and requested the free months storage. I was told this was fine but it would cost me $219 container handling fee. I asked how much they would charge me for storage without the free offer and was told $41 per week. beware also of the 'free' air freight box offered as you will have to pay a handling fee when you pick it up from the airport....it pays to check folks!

Hi Cath - I too, am about to put my house on the market that I have lived in for over 40 years and I agree that it is very daunting! I also noticed that a couple of case officer allocations have been made. I got my case officer on Tuesday almost 13 months to the day of my acknowledgement date last March so perhaps things are beginning to move along. Good luck with the house sale and your move to Oz.

Sorry SallyKay....... that last sentence should read 'So here I am about to make a new start at a 'not so young age' but I'm up for the challenge' ...not sure what went wrong there... rubbish typist!!!

Hi SallyKay In reply to your question, I lodged my 173 parent visa application in March which is a two year temporary visa. I intend to apply for the 143 permanent visa when I get out there. This allows me to spread the cost as I agree it is a lot of money to find. I hope to have my visa grant in the spring of next year. This recent announcement by the Australian government and seen in the poms in oz newsletter may be of some help: "It has been announced today that the Government will extend tourist visas for parents of Australian citizens and permanent residents to enable them to visit their family in Australia for longer. The Government will grant five-year tourist visas with a 12 month stay on each entry to suitable applicants who have applied for a parent visa outside Australia. The Government will also consider tourist visas of up to three years with a 12 month stay on each entry for people not currently in the parent visa queue. The changes are expected to be in place toward the end of 2012" The tourist visa of up to three years may be the answer for mum until decisions have been reached within the family. I agree it's so stressful. You say your brother may want to join you; that's exactly what happened in our family. My daughter went out first and hadn't even visited Australia before she went but they love it there and won't come back and thats how my other two children came to be in Australia; they followed their sister on the understanding that I followed them! so here I am about to make a new start at a 'not so young gid luck but I'm up for the challenge....... Good luck SallyKay......... remember never say never!!!

Hi SallyKay I can give you my feelings as a mum who said goodbye to her daughter and three grandchildren 8 years ago. Initially it felt as though I was experiencing something akin to a bereavement. I was inconsolable for a while but within a year I plucked up courage and went out to Australia on my own to visit them. From that day onwards my whole outlook and feelings changed when I saw the wonderful life that my daughter and grandchildren had. I was so relieved to see them happy and enjoying their new life and I knew she had made the right decision. After you're settled I would try and get mum out there for a visit somehow. It will make such a difference when she can see where and how you are living. Could your brother visit and bring mum with him if she's worried about flying? I agree with So12OZ Skype can make a huge difference; mum can see you and chat and it's all free. There is also a number that you can ring to get calls to Oz for 1p per minute. I am with BT but ring 08448610610 which puts you through to Telediscount. I can be on the phone for 3 hours to the family and it only costs me £1. 80 + a few pence connection charge from BT. Just ring the number and follow the instructions. Since my eldest daughter emigrated, my younger daughter and my son have also moved out to Oz, so I now have three children and seven grandchildren out there. I go out to see them each year on my own so tell mum it's not so scary! I'm hoping to join them permanently next year. Please don't feel guilty, as I know my daughter did for quite a while. If my experience is anything to go by, I believe mum will accept your decision in time but it will be hard at first. I'm sure that things will work out for you all though; best wishes and good luck with your move.......

Congratulations to you both Angie and best wishes for your future in Oz x

Thanks to Angie & Ann for your warm welcome. I'm in the same boat as you Ann...going it alone, a little daunting but my family keep me going with phone calls, texts etc and the amazing Skype. It's good to know that you've been able to share your worries with someone who really understands the stress this process can cause Ann and have forged a friendship that will continue once you're both in Oz. Hope you get your CO soon....... I appreciate all your good wishes for a smooth journey to Oz and a speedy visa grant...........we shall see!!! Val (2) :laugh:

Hi everyone This is my first post but I have been sharing your experiences for some time now as you go forward on this awesome journey. I agree with tabitha 10, this is such a friendly and supportive site for us parents who are making life changing moves to be with our children. I too, feel as though I know you all and thank you for your encouragement and the invaluable information and experiences that you're willing to share with so many others. I have three children and seven grandchildren in Perth and I miss them so much. I lodged my 173 in March and know that I have to wait awhile yet. Bon voyage to those of you who are at the end of their journey and off to Oz, and to those just beginning, you will find a community here that will see you through the highs & lows and help guide you through this process......good luck everyone x