mamamegs

Did it last year with our 3 year old! 1) check in as early as poss to get best (and possibly spare) seats on 1st/onward flight 2) On the recommendation of a friend with 3 who had also done the flight, we bought a portable DVD player. It was PRICELESS! 3) Wrap little gifts up to keep them entertained 4) Stop for a few hours in Singapore. Lots to see & do (cinema, playgrounds, butterfly gardens, pool, foot massage, Internet access: ALL FOR FREE). Have a shower and you'll feel human enough to do the second flight! 5) rescue remedy 6) Gin (or valium Good luck! I'm flying with DS in November... x

Thanks both. It seems an awfully long way off but at least now there is an end in sight. Plus, I do have one or two things to keep me busy in the meantime!

Thanks very much Tink...I've passed the info on and DH is going to have a look tonight

Had 2 phone calls this morning from our amazing case officer AB. He is going to email me later to set everything out in detail, but has basically said that, pending documentation re my MIL's health, it will be likely that they can expedite our application so that they can grant by mid-nov. such a relief...

We are hoping to find a private rental in Brissy from mid Nov. DH has most trades to a high standard and, because he will be a FT carer for at least the next few months, and I may not have work visa/ability to pay for child care, we were hoping to find somewhere that will rent to us privately at a reduced rate in exchange for DH working on the house. I appreciate this is a long shot, but, as we also have 2 dogs I figure estate agents will be less than interested in us so we need to explore every possible option!! Any suggestions on where to look for or post a Wanted ad for such a thing? Any online communities/networks/publications other than Gumteee that might help us make the right contacts? Where do private landlords advertise? Thanks in advance

Hi there Does anyone have any experience of a partner visa being granted more quickly due to compassionate & compelling circumstances? My OH had to leave UK last month, as his mum has terminal cancer. He is acting as her full time carer at her home in Brissy. Meantime I'm in UK with our 3yo. I have submitted this week & asked for our case to be considered as above, because until I can work in Aus, we can't afford to go so me & DS have to stay in uk until visa is granted, which could be Jan-Mar if I go by dates I was told on the phone! I'm nervous of the idea of booking a one way ticket and going out on a tourist visa, as obv we aren't intending to be tourists. Any thoughts? Will fact that DH is acting as FT carer and is separated from his 3yo son have ANY sway on things? The thought of his having to deal with his mum dying without us there breaks my heart...

Hi! Submitted application today for Permanent Partner visa. OH went to Aus 2wks ago to care for his mum who has terminal cancer, and due to finances it now looks like we will be apart until we can get to Aus. Was told 6-8 mths on phone on Friday, quite gutted it's gone up! Have explained our circumstances in a covering letter (we have a 3yo so being apart for months is tough) and asked if we can be considered for compassionate/compelling circumstances. Is there anyone who has made a similar request, or know what kind of circumstances are considered 'compelling'? We're looking at flying out in November, so it wld be a real blow if I couldn't work until march! All thoughts appreciated

First thing is to sort rabies vaccination & test as it needs 6 months lead in, then export port permit & booking transport/quarantine. Find a good 'approved' vet and go talk to them The Aqis website is quite good at setting it out step by step. We've not booked our two collie x babies on flights yet, but quotes have been about £3k each. It goes by size, and my two are med-large so will prob be less for you. There is a great thread called 'Ask Bob' in the pets section that might be a good place for you to start I'll let you know how we go with the next step!