sharpeyes

Thanks for the info Cap'n. Are you aware if I have to wait for a medical to be requested (bupa site requests a HAP ID that I do not have)? Or can I get one done now just to help show how keen I am?

So (hopefully) moving from me and the partner from a 457 to a 186. I have some certified documents for evidence, and some not. The site isn't clear if the files you upload have to be certified or not. The 457 was done entirely on paper and we got EVERYTHING certified, just wondering if that's the same in the digital age? Also anyone else finding the "help" sections in the document upload section directing you to old, now dead, pages?

Thanks for the tax advice, just getting my head around doing a tax return currently, SO much text to read from their little e-tax app! I am almost certain I will retain the same working rights as I currently have, which is fine by me. Its funny as you assume DIAC would have the official answer, but everyone else says other wise. If anyone has any agent links please throw them my way!

That is great to know, thank-you very much!

The post office? That is awesome. I am tempted to keep the "will" up my sleeve just in case they ask for further evidence, but I will probably get it ready to go now for a quick turn around. Thanks for the info.

Hey. I am James, long time lurker, first time poster. I am wondering if there is anyone else out there is the same boat as me now that the students are enrolling for their next year of uni. I am currently on the 2nd year of my WHV, it will run out on August 2nd. One year ago I met an American student (doing a 2 year masters) in the hostel where I was working in Melbourne. We started a relationship almost immediately and everything has been fantastic since then. After the company I work for made it apparent that there was no chance of sponsorship for my role we started to look at other ways for me to stay. I was surprised to discover that foreign students on a 573 visa are allowed to add a family member or partner onto their visas when they apply, and this could be done at the end of her first year (she has to get passing grades in the first year to then apply for the 2nd year of her 573 visa). Well she smashed the first year and so we are collecting the application together currently. Have my UK police check, waiting on the Oz one. Am doing my medicals as late as possible to make them as valid as long as possible. Have the joint bank account and stat decs from Aussies and PRs saying they know we have been together since July/August. Registered the relationship with BM&D's. Only have lived together on paper since Dec (my employment at the hostel came with a room so didn't seem necessary). I have these conversation points though: Wills - We can get these if it helps our app, though it is a little pricey. If people think its a big bonus I will. Cash in Hand Employment - The first few months of our relationship I was supplementing my income with some off the books work in various fields. So my bank account transactions to confirm our relationship at that point are pretty much non existence, though we do have some evidence we did stuff, we just can't prove how we paid for stuff. Would a statement declaring this is why there are no eftpos receipts for this time be ok? Or should I just not mention it as it could damage my character? Looking at our app, other than the stat decs we have very little to show we were together except a couple of photos and mobile phone bills. Insurance - Currently I am covered by my travel insurance from the UK, do I have to upgrade to Australian medical cover? Financing - The visa jargon asks her to explain how she will support her partner financially. Her parents currently give her an allowance to pay the rent and my income covers bills, food and everything else. So she really doesn't support me financially at all. I support her I guess. What can anyone suggest on that circumstance? Has anyone been through this process before and what was it like? I am terrified that it will not work out, though I would be happy just to be on a bridging visa for the next 12 months just to stay with her. The last phone call I had with Immi was a little scary as they mentioned I might not be allowed an extended tourist visa as I have already been over here 24 months as a "tourist". Anyone in the same boat? Cheers