MigrateOz

Have you looked at the Aged Parent visa option? This is applied for when the applicant is in Australia (usually on a visitor visa) and would allow your parent to be in Australia with you while the application processes.

You certainly can use a RMA and recruitment agency. These are performing two different functions - the RMA assists with the visa and the recruitment agent finds you employment. If you do get offered a job during processing of the 189, this will not affect your application.

In most cases, if you hold a permanent residency visa the Department will not then grant a temporary visa. In some circumstances, however, officers can 'miss' this, so I would suggest drawing the Department's attention to the fact that you are awaiting a decision on the 176 so they can check their systems prior to grant.

It's good practice to read through and check the terms of a client agreement to see if you are going to be paying a flat fee or on a time-costed basis. The Agent can charge a 'reasonable fee' for the work - there is no set amount or limit to what can be charged. There will usually be a termination clause in the agreement, but they are likely to expect you to pay for work already completed. Definitely ask for a breakdown of costs - it they are working on a time-cost basis, this must be recorded on your file.

Merseygirl, you may be able to include your daughter as a member of your family unit if you can prove she is financially dependent on you for her basic needs (i.e. food, clothing and shelter). Being a full-time student also helps with this. I would suggest running this past a migration agent who can assess her ability to be included. Unfortunately, 'Nursery Nurse' is not an occupation on the CSOL for migration purposes, so she may need to look at studying further before she could apply on her own. A Student visa may therefore be an option for her.

I recommend attaching your documents now as this will inevitably mean fast processing (i.e. your case officer doesn't have to request these from you). The new system isn't the most user-friendly (and we're used to this!) - just look at the 'Progress' of the document on the list as this may say 'Received' meaning it's not required. One of our clients had a Skills Assessment on the document list for their baby. I'd like to see that! It does say 'Received' in the progress so we just ignored.

Nicola, skilled visas are processed according to priority groups set by the Department of Immigration. First are the employer-sponsored visas, then state-sponsored, then applications where the occupation is listed in Schedule 1 of the new SOL, then everyone else. As your husband is a teacher and your application is family sponsored, I think you may be in processing group 4 which means at least 18 months processing. Have a look at http://www.immi.gov.au/about/charters/client-services-charter/visas/8.0.htm.

Starryjude, you just need to watch out for the sponsorship requirements of being a 'settled' permanent resident. This usually means 2 years living in Australia before you can sponsor. The Department is getting very picky about this. Another option to get them out in the short term would be to look at the new Tourist visa requirements for parents - they may be able to get a 3 year visa with long stay periods to come and spend time with you. Info is on the Department of Immigration website.

Ouch! As a Registered Migration Agent who specialises in Family cases, I like to think I have a clue about the above. After the breakdown of a relationship, there are very limited pathways to continue to the permanent Partner visa and these have already been outlined - Australian Citizen children or Family Violence. You cannot make a claim based on close ties or compassionate circumstances, so I must say no - if the relationship simply ended, you will not be able to proceed to the permanent Partner visa. I really suggest that anyone in this situation speaks to a Migration Agent who can assess their eligibility for all visa options, and can provide guidance in the instance that family violence has occurred.

Melbourne is faster than Brisbane. Outcome times vary but our last few took about 1 month after eligibility date to be granted. Christel Dajcz Registered Migration Agent (MARN) 1066568 Australian Migration & Visa Lawyers

You cannot just apply for a Bridging Visa (unless you become unlawful - which I don't recommend!). The Bridging visa is granted as a consequence of lodging an onshore visa application. I can see you've lodged an offshore Partner visa, so if you want to stay longer in Australia it will likely be a quick trip out and back to get another 3 months or making an application for a further Tourist visa in Australia. Christel Dajcz Registered Migration Agent (MARN) 1066568 Australian Migration & Visa Lawyers

Tazzamaraz, if the father is not on the birth certificate the Department usually accepts that you have sole decision-making rights for your child. I would submit the birth certificate only - have done this in the past and no questions from the case officer. Christel Dajcz Registered Migration Agent (MARN) 1066568 Australian Migration & Visa Lawyers