toOZ2012

That's right and seems like a reasonable requirement.

I think there is some confusion in terminology and this is my understanding of how the whole thing works. Australians/PRs get what's called a "resident visa" on arrival into NZ. That is a resident class similar to our SCV (Special Category Visa) here. Can stay, work etc. As others have said, it expires on leaving so the first thing that has to be done is to apply and be granted a "Variation in travel condition" so it doesn't expire. After 2 years on a non-expiring resident visa, you become eligible to apply for NZ PR - still have to meet some criteria but nothing even remotely as difficult as a skilled migrant visa. Make sure you get the timing right or you'll end up in a limbo. If things are not going according to plan, jump ship to Australia before your 5 years are up - stay for a bit - apply for a 1year Resident return visa, go back to NZ to continue with the PR visa process. PS: Seek proper advice.

Anyone have an estimate/idea of CPV processing time for people applying now? The status email just says that they had a surge in May and June of 2014. How about after that?

The processing time for CPVs is getting ridiculous. With the repeal fiasco of non contributory parent visas, their current processing time is 30 years and now with surge in CPV applications, they are fast approaching 3 years of processing. Soon we may end up with NZ like system where Tier-1 parent visas are processed in 12 months with the requirement being transfer of NZD $500k into NZ(as settlement funds not as fees) and Tier 2 parent visas with a current processing time of 7+ years. I don't think they have a 2nd VAC charge?

Didn't they recently announce a pathway for non-protected SCV holders to gain PR? https://www.border.gov.au/Visasupport/Pages/an-additional-pathway.aspx

Congratulations @Jimm That is a pretty quick turnaround. Is that a normal or an urgent application? Did you have to reschedule to get a test date so quickly?

Assuming your age is between 25 and 32, you get 30 points. Another 15 points for Engineering qualifications. Since EA didn't recognize your employment you won't be able to claim points for that. Where did the other 15 points come from - IELTS and Australian study perhaps?

No experience with NZ but I would say deffo OZ. Don't know where you got the stats but money for GPs here is not that bad. Can be quite good if your hubby is into GP partnerships and such. Also, as an Aussie (once you get citizenship) it's a piece of cake to move to NZ, take up permanent residency and get NZ citizenship as well. The other way is not so easy. Kiwis get to stay and work here but if they want PR/Citizenship they have to apply like everyone else.

Hi George, When you say retirement visa? Do you mean one of those temporary investor visas? Or is there really a pathway to permanent migration?

As the first step, EA should recognize your qualifications as Australian equivalent. Looks like they have done that and classified you as an Industrial Engineer. When you said "Relevant Skill Assessment", I think you meant "Relevant Skill Employment Assessment" which is optional but good to have to get more points. State sponsorship may actually need that. Reach out to your EA Case Officer again. If you don't need points from that then go ahead and apply through SkillSelect. Good luck.

Perfectly valid pathway. Apply a 143 for your Dad or even a 173 if you wanna spread the costs. Your Mum can come over on visit visas. Make sure that work is easily available in your Dad's line of work. Australia can be very ageist.

You can call local recruitment places that hire overseas doctors. They can guide on you on the requirements.

This rescheduling thing - you just pick a new date online or do they have to approve your request first? Congrats on your approval.

It doesn't work like that, mate. Plenty of samples/templates on the internet. This mob are actually offering a "assistance" service for preparing CDRs - http://cdrsample.com/

@ecg78 - That was quick. Did you have to give them a reason to bring the test date forward or just asked for it?

Since your wife lived here for 3 years, she is only a year away from citizenship. She can be out of Australia for 90 days in the last year and still be eligible for citizenship. Once that is done - it's all good from there.

Make sure that they are allowed to apply onshore. If they are from the UK then it should be OK but some visas come with a no further stay condition.

I didn't think PBS medicines vary in prices from pharmacy to pharmacy?

Can always go out on a 1-year visit visa to begin with. Be careful of investor visas lots of gotchas.

SOL lists 3 relevant electronic trades all assessed by TRA. Ask your agent about the ANZSCO code for his suggestion. If his exact occupation is not on the list then he has to pick one that is a close match and give it a go. https://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Work/Work/Skills-assessment-and-assessing-authorities/skilled-occupations-lists/SOL [TABLE=class: table-100] [TR] [TD]Electronic Equipment Trades Worker[/TD] [TD]342313[/TD] [TD] TRA[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Electronic Instrument Trades Worker (General)[/TD] [TD]342314[/TD] [TD] TRA[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Electronic Instrument Trades Worker (Special Class)[/TD] [TD]342315[/TD] [TD] TRA[/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] If he believes his qualifications and experience are more towards Engineering then look at [TABLE=class: table-100] [TR] [TD]Electronics Engineer[/TD] [TD]233411[/TD] [TD] Engineers Australia​[/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] EDIT: CSOL also lists the two below but CSOL occupations have more requirements. [TABLE=class: table-100] [TR] [TD]Electronic Engineering Technician[/TD] [TD]312412[/TD] [TD] TRA​ [/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] [TABLE=class: table-100] [TR] [TD]Electronic Engineering Draftsperson [/TD] [TD]312411[/TD] [TD] Engineers Australia​[/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE]

173 to 143 conversion. Do they ask for medicals and PCC again? Or is it just request for AoS and when that is done followed by a request for 2nd VAC?

Note that the visitor visa only allows a stay of up to 12 months in every 18 months

Contributory places for 2015-16 is about 7175. At $43,600 a pop that is a cool $313 million. If each parent spends about $20k/year for living costs, which adds up to ~$143.5 million/year pumped into the economy or over the 10 year AoS period, a total of $2 billion (inflation and what not) pumped into the economy. If 50% of the original applicants make it past the 10 year AoS period then a cool $2billion cash input to support 3,500 people for the rest of their potentially short lives. Not bad this "contributory" business. Note: I am not condoning the high cost of visas but I am glad there is an option if one needs it bad enough.

Yes, the visas are expensive but worth every penny if your parents like it here. I know mine are. Of the $50k paid. $10k is AoS and you will get it back after 10 years (with decent interest). So really it is only $40k. Unlike many western countries Australia at least gives parents a chance to join their children no such luck in many places including the UK, I believe.

MLS is charged on gross or very close to gross income - depends on the type of deductions. https://www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/Medicare-levy/Medicare-levy-surcharge/Income-for-Medicare-levy-surcharge,-thresholds-and-rates/