canadianaussie

Ah, didn't realise there was a test (!) and it was at a different time to the ceremony. Still, if I apply mid October when I'm able to hopefully I'll get to do the test by mid November, make it home for xmas and then plan to come back for the ceremony in January/February. Then I think it'll be safest just to hang around and get an expedited Aussie passport before departing again - from what I can gather it'll only be a week or two. Only problem is booking flights for the ceremony; they will be expensive at that time, especially short notice, then but I'll bite the bullet on that.

Ok thanks for the help. I currently live with a friend in Sydney so would maintain this as my 'permanent' address. Maybe I'll plan for an xmas UK holiday instead and plan to come back early January for a month or 2. I guess it will give me time to get some logistics sorted in the UK before making the permanent move. Sigh. Patience is indeed a virtue. I almost didn't come back from the UK but whats another year in the grand scheme of things?! BTW has anybody regretted getting citizenship? I feel like my mind is made regarding long term plans (UK for the win); however I don't want to get 20 yrs down the road and have missed out on the chance to live in Australia again!

Hmm that is a bit concerning. However, I guess an alternative is to do the ceremony, fast-track an Australian passport and have a small holiday here until it is approved?

But if I come back for the ceremony I won't, at the time of entering Australia, be a citizen - still a permanent resident. So should still be ok to enter the country. If I leave immediately after on my British passport (with the intention of applying for an Australian passport when back i the UK) will this be ok?

Bump

I reckon its part of the 'real' Australia - tough, brash, and close to some incredible landscape. I think people moving up there will have a much richer experience and many more stories than those who move to the middle of a major city; I spent 2 years in rural Autralia and for the most part absolutely loved it.

I think your experience has to be post-graduation. Placements and work experience during training can't be used.

I intend on moving back to the UK ASAP after spending a wonderful 2 months there last year. I'm able to apply for Australian citizenship in October so have decided so stick it out here until then. I would love to be back in England before Christmas. Is there any way I can apply in October, hop on a flight the next day, and then come back for a holiday/citizenship ceremony (which will likely be January/February given current timelines). And then apply for an Australian passport when back in the UK again. Any logistical problems with this plan? BTW I'm sure some will question my Australian 'commitment.' But I'm only 30 and who knows what will happen down the road; if I get a lottery win I'd love to spend 3 months here every year!! :smile:

How do you get 70 points without IELTS? I thought that was impossible?

You're going to have to make time if you want the visas. I don't think there is a way around it unfortunately.

I think that sounds reasonable chrisk1700. Just make sure if you haven't been paid yet by your potential new employer that they DON'T pay you yet - the system is all linked between the ATO and immigration.

When did you get PR? If it was greater than 5 yrs ago, do you have RRVs that are current? Otherwise you might not be able to get back in to Australia.

The recruitment agency is correct. You were/are here on a 457 visa. This is a temporary visa. When the conditions of this visa end (as they have in your case) you have 2 options. One is to return to the UK. The other is to find a new sponsor within 90 days of leaving your old job. If you can find a new sponsor then a new 457 visa can be applied for. However, you cannot work for them before the application for sponsorship is approved. And if you don't find a sponsor within 90 days - you're back to option #1. You're committing visa fraud at this point and risk deportation and a 3 year ban.

Ok thanks for that. I'm planning on going back to the UK permanently and trying to decide if I can wait it out for citizenship!

I'm having a bit of difficulty working this out. My situation: First arrived in Australia in October/2011 on a WHV. In October 2012 I transferred on to a 457. I then got PR in May 2013. I spent 5 months in 2014 working in the UK, arriving back in Australia in November 2014. I understand that you can apply for citizenship 4 years after first arrival, which would mean October 2015. However, does time spent outside Australia add to this? As in, do I have to wait for 5 months AFTER October 2015 to apply since I've spent this amount of time out of the country in the past 4 yrs?

It's only 25 miles to the centre of Manchester! You've never seen middle of nowhere until you've been to Oz :cool:

My opinion - get your citizenship then book a flight home. You're planning to move home at some point anyway and it doesn't sound like your heart is in Aus anymore. Nothing wrong with that, just time to move on

Sunrise maybe?? Don't think the sun sets over the water at coogee..

Etihad had one way flights for 500 quid a short time ago..

I have 3 years of savings still in my Australian bank account. I left it there when moving to the UK this year because the bank interest rate was much higher in Australia than on my UK bank account. Any thoughts on the exchange rate at the current level? I was hoping to see a bit of a bounce back in AUD strength but it doesn't seem to be happening. Should I just bite the bullet and transfer it over? I realise no one has a crystal ball but any advice from anyone with more insight than I have? *Just as an aside - I'm not sure if I'll remain in the UK long term. This is a bit of a 'trial and see' period...

What are you doing for work now VERYSTORMY?

One of the (few) disappointments I have found back in the UK is the price of coffee!! I have moaned for a few years about the cost of coffee in Oz, and was expecting the UK to be cheaper. Well, its not and its usually crap!

Looks like you can get a 7 seater VW for 1600 through Lady Rainicorn's site.

Blossom is right!! First step is the skills assessment, then you can worry about the rest!

I've always found the fresh produce in the supermarkets (Woolworths in particular) to be of very good quality?? Especially compared to UK supermarkets. You do pay through the nose for it in Australia though...