by way of berlin

I got an email on 4 July saying that they are ready to finalize my application, but since I am in Australia right now I have 49 days to leave (for 4 days) and when I return the PR visa will be granted electronically. Unfortunately, the early timing is not the greatest news for me because I have a baby due on July 26! I was counting on the September/ October timeframe. Again, because I know others are comparing process, I applied for my visa through the Berlin consulate because that's where I was living at the time. I had to followup with a police check and medicals, both of which I took care of around mid-to-late March.

I've been reading these forums long enough to see that weighing up Australia versus the UK is sport around here, but it usually from the perspective of someone moving from - or back to - the UK. My wife has UK and Aus. passports, but for the past 10 years we've been living in Los Angeles and, more recently, Berlin. For a time, we were really trying to move to London (where we have friends) or Brighton (where we might be more likely to afford). We've been a bit put off by the difficulty of finding a school for our daughter, and since most of our friends don't have kids her age, they wouldn't be able to be much support. Also we have no family in England. But in terms of culture and lifestyle, I think it suits us well. When we learned that a second child was on the way, suddenly Melbourne started seeming like the more reasonable choice, in spite of the cost of living that seems London-esque from these parts. My wife's friends from school are living there with kids our daughter's age. We've gotten her into a good public school, we've already found a place to live till the end of the year. There is family in Perth. And with a visa coming in by September or so, I'll be eligible for getting funding for a PhD or something like that (whereas I'd need to wait for 5 years in the UK). To be honest, I'm pretty nervous about the isolation and cost. My wife is a little apprehensive about 'going back.' But it does seem like the more sensible option, since we'd be forcing the UK to work for us (in the same way that I think many in these forums seem to force Aus. when it might not really be a good fit). Maybe time will change my conception of what's sensible, who knows? But I have been enjoying lurking on these forums to try and get a sense for both sides of 'the fence'.. and which side the grass is greener on for the person who's not already on one of the sides.

Hi, I just joined the forum and have found it very helpful so far. I'm actually living in Berlin right now and submitted my spouse visa application at the embassy here on January 30 and paid on the spot. No Case Officer yet, since I just submitted it. They said the processing time is 7-9 months. We're actually having a 2nd child in July and planning to migrate beforehand, in April, so our family can adjust a bit before that, but they said it's OK as long as the CO is aware, etc. I'll fill in further updates in the months ahead and also read for yours!