smithkt87

Just wondering everyone’s thoughts on this: But first my history: Moved to Australia from the UK in 2011. Where I’ve been a teacher this whole time. ALL family are Australian Citizens except me. Skilled visa was only approved in December 2019. Applied for Citizenship in December 2020. Took test (100%) in March. The lady said “wow, you’ve done everything, I only need to see your drivers licence”. Also “okay you’ll have your approval within the next few days after the police check”. (I’d included a brand new police check in my paperwork however they said they had to do one regardless, also I’ve never been in trouble). I was also the last in and first out of the room, while I could hear lots of “oh, you’ve not submitted xyz” elsewhere. Still waiting for approval... I called and explained I was concerned I’d missed something as I’d been told it would be approved within the week, however, I was told I might have had extra screening. Note: the Lady on the phone expressed “why do the test centres keep saying that to people, it’s different for everyone”. She also explained that the extra screening could take months. I can’t imagine why I’d have been picked unless it’s either: Random, hence people not understanding the vastly different waits, or, someone else with similar details has red flags. She also suggested that once you’ve been selected for screening, you’re in a pile waiting to be screened, much like the visa wait. I’m just confused and a little down. It’s been 10 years of screening and my entire family are Australian. I’ve taught here for years and now I’ve missed a Government promotion because I wasn’t a Citizen in time. Also thought this info might help others.

Just looking at a post above.. I've been placed in the queue today but was asked to attend my medical two weeks ago and send police checks. My understanding talking on the phone with the case officer was that this meant it was nearing completion but reading this site leads me to believe i've got a long wait now i'm in the queue. I applied september 2011. Don't the medical forms expire and police checks only last like six months. Any ideas? Thanks.

Hi, I hope someone can help put my mind at ease regarding the 835 visa process. I moved to Australia in September 2011 to join my entire family (from the UK) and immediately applied for the 835 remaining relative visa and a bridging visa. Soon after I also applied for full work rights which took around four months to come through. All's well so far... However simply having work rights on a bridging visa unfortunately doesn't mean too much as most businesses simply don't understand the visa i'm on and therefor won't even consider me for positions. I've spoken to several company bosses and they all agree that when an application form asks what type of visa you're on anything other than permanent resident or citizen pretty much doesn't even get looked at. Fortunately I have recently found work through a friend who was able to explain the situation although it wasn't entirely easy. Anyway the real issue or question is: last month I was asked to attend a medical and forward police checks to the perth office. I assumed and from the sound of the lady on the phone rightly so that this meant my visa was finally being processed. Sadly not. Today i've received a letter stating that my visa is in a queue that could take up to 14 years to process! Does anyone know more about this queue and how long it should really take? I would have thought that medical information and police checks wouldn't be valid for very long. Surly that should mean it's close to being granted? I seem to be getting some mixed messages. Anyone who has been though this or is currently and has attended their medicals would be good to hear from. Thank you all very much in advance for your help. Regards