AmandaJB

Hi Amanda,

Thanks for your reply. Was the e-mail confirmation an automatically generated one? because I received this first following first correspondence before submitting the documents but nothing following that!

Regards

Zeyad

Hi Zeyad

i received the auto response and then another reply from the case officer conforming receipt and advising the documents are acceptable.

Amanda

Hi,

Does any one know how long it would take for the PVC team to respond after the requested documents are submitted? PVC team1 has contacted us regarding my mother 173 contributory visa, they asked for docs to be submitted which we did. Two weeks have gone and no word. There is no confirmation email. I am only worried because they indicated that we must respond within 28 days otherwise they will take a decision.

Any ideas?

Hi Zeyad,

I am also with PCV Team 1. I submitted my documents yesterday (Form 80 and police checks) and have today received an e-mail confirming receipt. I would it follow up now if I were you to put your mind at rest.

All the best

Amanda

Hi Amanda

I can see your photo on your profile page! If you go into Settings and then look down the left hand column you need to edit or add Avatar, that should enable you to show your photo on postings. I found it completely by mistake when I added my photo as I thought I was adding it my profile page, now the world knows how I look. Anyway it's nice to put a face behind the words.

We are going away this week down to Wilsons Prom as we are about to have some very nice weather this week. It will hopefully keep our minds off waiting for a CO.

Julie

Thanks Julie, I think I've managed it now (I'll find out once I post this - me in the middle of Aus!). My son has lodged all his AoS documents at Centrelink and has been told he will be contacted with details of arranging payment next - that they don't have an assessment appointment, only lodgement of the application. Confused alright, but it's done.

Yesterday I e-mailed Form 80 (with about 11 contacts info - family and close friends), and our police checks and have received confirmation today from PVC that they've received them and all is well. Just AoS to finalise. Hope you hear soon!!!

Amanda

Yep, touché, I can see mine on my profile but not here. Odd!

Going back to your earlier post "because I didn't want people I knew very casually being pestered by immigration" - did immigration phone them all or any of them? Mine won't mind (I hope) but it'd be good to know.

Cheers

Amanda

Can anyone give advice as to how you get a profile picture on? - Alan and Julie, you've both figured it out. I have actually added it and can see it in my profile, but not on here.. Wishing I was savvier! The fact I got it on my own profile page is quite miraculous in itself mind...

Amanda

hi Julie and Amanda

 

i thought hard about that question too, because I didn't want people I knew very casually being pestered by immigration ... So in the end I just listed my daughter's partner and in laws, on the grounds that if I didn't know someone's address, I didn't know them well enough to list them! It was accepted without question. I too think it's just another way of sizing up your general character.

Thanks very much! It's a hard one, I have one person who doesn't want to give their date of birth and is worried about others being able to hack onto facebook/e-mail accounts etc and find out everything about them which I understand! Especially with i.d. theft...

Amanda

Hi Amanda

i took that question of list a personal contact as IMMI's way of checking up on character eg getting a personal reference if required. I certainly haven't listed all my contacts. Now you have me worried......

sorry to hear about your woes with Centrelink but it doesn't surprise me one bit, fingers crossed they just get on with it ...

Julie

Hi Julie, don't worry, I am probably overstressing, but hope a lovely agent might be able to answer :-)

Amanda

Hi all, not sure if anyone on here can answer this, so I can send Form 80 tomo - I posed the question in the "Ask an Agent" section and although viewed many times, nobody has replied :-( As there are some with experience of Form 80 on here, I thought I would check what you added/were advised by your agent perhaps:

"Hi I'm stuck on question 47 regarding listing personal contacts. Do we really need info of everyone we know there, friends, friends of friends, children of friends and ACTUALLY have to get details of their date and place of birth? Even my granddaughters maternal grandparents etc?

Any advice would be appreciated because I know more than just my sons and their immediate family.

Thank you! Looking forward to some sound advice while still sane with this form lol."

Hoping that someone can advise me today,

Cheers, Amanda

When we sold our home, we sent the money out to my son, who held it within their mortgage, so we got $2.14 to the £, plus easy access to cash when we needed it. Once we were asked for AOS, my son took care of it all, he visited centrelink (I think thats who he visited lol) and did it all. As I said, if you can get everything that is likely to be required, completed up front, all these things for us (other than the 26 months it took!) went smoothly and easily.

Hi Alan, you were lucky to get that rate! :-) My son finally got Centrelink to accept that they do deal with the AOS lodgement - after another hour on the phone with no luck, then the visit to the local branch, paperwork in hand, and even then they took some convincing (what is the problem there with it). He now has to wait to get an appointment, then I'll let our CO know that date. I think (but may be wrong) that your agent had the AOS info for you before you had a CO? I had previously been advised by immi that they would let me have the details end of June then when I asked at that time, they said it was no longer possible due to the volumes they were already dealing with - would've been double processing which is understandable. I do think there was a big difference in the ease of the applications between those filed before and after 1 June 2014. Hopefully they will catch up again at some point to the old targets.

Seems like all is going great for you there, hope you're enjoying your new job too!

Amanda

Hi Amanda

Oh Yippee Yippee you have made my day!!!!!! We have been feeling so down this week thinking that we would never hear anything. I am sooooooo pleased for you and thank you for letting us know about the docs requested. Let us know how long the AOS takes please. You are now the barometer for seeing how long it takes to grant. I'm skipping too!

Julie

Thanks Julie, and everyone else too :-) Now, here's the issue (sigh) - my son has today phoned the number provided for Centerlink/Assurance of Support and has been told (during his 1 hour 20 min phone call from his mobile) that Centerlink does not deal with Assurance of Support assessments!!!???? You can imagine that this is now stressing us out - I have e-mailed immi to ask for any other number/department etc but really not sure what to do about this - we try to get it up and running so fast. I'll update once we know more/get through to someone else perhaps.

You are nearly there.... :-)

Amanda

Good (early) morning/afternoon fellow parents waiting oh so patiently. So, I'm happy to report that I've now heard from our case officer! Hurrah!! For those I know who are wanting to hear of other docs (Hi Julie :-) yep Form 80 has been requested. I believe they ask as a matter of course now. We have no convictions, have funds to take (as specified on application), live in just about the lowest risk place anywhere and in good health (they've had our medicals already). But right now I'm just so happy it's moving forward! We have 28 days to get everything back including AoS finalised. Hopefully not long now before all other 'Junes' will be hearing from them too. Skipping my skip o'joy today :-)

Amanda

.

 

Keep smiling those of you who are waiting, and just think, many of you are nearly, very nearly there!!! Much closer than those of us who only lodged our applications in 2015.

Anyway, whilst waiting, just live the moment. Today has been a lovely summer's day in England (at least it has been where I live). I've even celebrated the start of the BH weekend with a G and T and a bbq - and in Oz it's still winter! See, we can occasionally bbq here as well! Mind you, I did manage to burn my pork chop because I got so engrossed in reading the latest updates on this blog ! That will teach me, not really just living the moment after all. Must try harder .....

 

On a point of info, can anyone tell me a bit more about the GB£ accounts in Oz ? Do they earn any interest

 

Enjoy the weekend everyone.

Hiya, good to know you were able to have a BBQ! We sure have to make the most of these gorgeous sunny days (while also getting distracted with thoughts of a move I see :-)

Those first couple of years waiting are not so bad, it's the end stretch that's the worst, edging closer to your date while feeling it's actually not going to reach you. Every week you think it must be this week and then Friday passes again. Luckily I still work full time as does my hubby so that's a distraction too.

Regarding the GBP account in Aus and whether they pay interest, it's quite the same situation as here. HSBC have various accounts and they range from 0% to 0.45% - various factors determine rates, whether multi-currency, instant access savings, fixed term, and value. Of course it's always worth shopping around just as it is here, but for us we feel it's worth considering. We live offshore and often have to prove we are still resident here or have the threat of account closure if we don't provide proof within a limited time so it would make our lives easier in that respect. I'm not sure if it's the same for mainland residents. That's our reasoning, together with the exchange rate the major factor. I will do sums at some point to see what the AUD interest rate would be and compare which is our better option just before we move.

Enjoy the long weekend! :-)

Amanda

Cheers Julie

I can see how frustrating it must be for you waiting it out there! I think your tourist visa expires October? You may be okay if that's the case. This part is no fun though. Our bank interest rates for savings are being cut too. We are still looking at a GBP account over there, haven't cancelled that idea just yet. The exchange rate has improved slightly this week. Not a great deal but better than the way it was going. It's a bank holiday here on Monday so perhaps that's the day I'll be skipping with a smile at hearing from a CO!!

Hi all, I've kept silent as there is still no news, sorry about that (and haven't slept much this week expecting to hear each morning!). I see its moved on one day :-( This is tougher than the 26 months so far.

I'll certainly update on here when I hear from a CO. I have so much I need to plan and at work too. My notice period will be taking me towards December at this rate when flights will be extortionate. That, and the dollar rate and the wait....not to mention finding a job and home at that time of year. Telling myself every day that today will be the day. We can't change anything. I'm wondering if it's slowed due to applicants replying from early June 2014 now. We can only hang in there. Last week was moving along so well. Hopefully I'll be back on here with a big smile soon!!

We are waiting for 143 and our date is 23rd June 2014, we r returning to oz later this month on a subclass 600, does anyone know if we have to be out of Australia for the 143 visa to be granted?

Hiya Barneygrew, you are very close to getting a case officer now. Yes, you do have to be offshore. I believe immigration will let you know when you have to leave to enable them to grant your visa.

Amanda

Hi Amanda

nearly there, they are up to 16th June, updated Thurday evening as of 17.30 Melbourne time. Deep breath...".

 

Julie

Amazing, thanks Julie!! Deep breaths alright, too excited here :-) PVC are pretty much full steam ahead now, excellent!

Amanda

Hi Amanda

just got another response to the test email and as at 16.30 Melbourne time on Wednesday they are now assessing 12th June! They must have missed a drawer full of 143 files, at least it's going in the right direction again.... They are definitely playing mind games with us.

Julie

Cheers Julie,

I've been too scared to check, lol. Must have been a typo last week, we'll never know I guess. Let's hope this Friday has another update! Plod, plod...

Amanda

Hi Amanda

i have a copy of last weeks TEST and it def says 13 June 14. I just tried but could not get a reply, I expect someone made a typo!

No doubt it will move later this week......keep the faith we are almost there!

Julie

Thanks Julie, so near, so far ... :-) Won't be long for sure, let's hope there's an amendment on the date soon.

Amanda

I just sent the TEST e-mail and was pretty excited to get the auto response as it means there's been an update, but it says 11 June 2014 again?? "We are currently assessing applications lodged up to and including 11 June 2014. Please note that due to a very high number of 173 and 143 applications received in June 2014, the assessment date is expected to change at a much slower pace than usual. We appreciate your patience and your understanding."

I am certain it was 13 June last week, I'm disappointed to see a backward step (??), we are used to the slow movement of dates, but this is new..... :-(

For those of you who have obtained visas recently, were you able to get the letter allowing you to process your AOS before you had your CO appointed? Given that Centrelink can be slow in processing the AOS it would be very helpful if this were possible

 

Thanks

 

Dave

Hi Dave, I am still waiting for a CO. I asked after receiving my HAP ID in early May whether we could have the AOS letter and was advised it was too early and to ask again end of June. I then contacted them end of June and received a reply advising that they were unable to provide it as it would then be double processing of applications for them and they also apologised. From what I understand, those who lodged before June 2014 were luckier in getting the info upfront. Hopefully I will have a CO very soon! When did you lodge?

Amanda

Whoopee, it's getting so close now, will it move tomorrow? Amanda JB you are so close to getting a CO and as soon as you are we are all right behind you!

Julie

WOW!!!! Fantastic! That has cheered me up hugely because I checked (very early) this morning and it still said 6 June '14. Brilliant!! Smiling.... :-)

Amanda

Hi Amanda

Its a tricky decision, renting and waiting probably two years whilst the Brexit mess is sorted and hopefully the exchange rate improves or just getting on with life. The thought of waiting another two years plus for the exchange rate to improve is almost like waiting for another cpv! On the other hand we stand to loose a lot if we exchange this year. Damned if you do and damned if you don't! Let's hope the new chancellor has something up his sleeve for the Autumn statement that makes the exchange rate improve. Can't wait for this weeks update.....

Julie

Yes, I know what you meant about the loss of Dollars, we feel it's too much to lose, but who knows what will happen :-) Once in Aus though, I am going to just live and try not to play the waiting game for anything after these past 26 months (so far). It's been too much already. I tried the immi e-mail but I didn't get a reply, I'm not sure what's happened this time. Have a great evening!

Amanda

Hi Amanda

I too have been counting the working days, we are at 12, if IMMI keep to processing 2 days worth per week we shouldn't,t be too long now. I also asked if I could do AOS last week, they said no! We have to be off shore by 2oct as we are on a visitors visa so I think it we will be extremely lucky if we get everything in place by then. I don't think it can get any worse on the exchange rate, we really don't know what to do about buying a house, we are going to I loose thousands if we shift our money from the Uk. Still it,s lovely to be here with our family, it will all come together soon. Have a great weekend.

Julie

I only saw this post today, sorry. I'm sure you will be fine with the 2 October date. With the exchange rate being what it is, we have been discussing whether to rent for a couple of years, to give us a). the opportunity to check everywhere before deciding where to settle more permanently, and b). so the exchange rate will have time to improve. Remember, if you are worried about the rate and you are happy to wait, it is possible to open a GBP account in Australia so your money is with you there and then exchange when you are happy with the rate, just as it is possible to open an AUD account over here (UK).

Amanda

Hi JJ

Yes it's a worry as you get closer to assessment. If the meds and police reports are OK and everything OK with your sponsor to do AOS then logically there should not be a reason why you shouldn't be granted. That's what I keep telling myself but there is always a little worm of doubt.....the only reason I've heard for refusal is medical but I'm sure someone out there might have a better idea. The nearer the assessment date the more paranoid I get!

Julie

Hi Julie,

Great news they've moved forward another day. I believe the sponsor and the assurer can be two different people if necessary (and there can be more than one assurer too, if there's a problem for anyone). Can't wait for Friday's update now, or before perhaps :-) Not long for us now!!!! Yippee...

Amanda

Hello all in the waiting room

Just got the latest update from IMMI, now processing 143's lodged up to 5th June 14 - getting closer Amanda JB!

Julie

Hi Julie,

Hurrah, some movement :-) There are actually nine days between 5 June 14 and my date, taking out weekends. It's a shame that the June 2014 onwards applicants have been unable to get ALL ducks in a row before a CO is appointed. The only thing outstanding for us now is the AoS. I had asked at the end of June 2016 for the relevant information to get the ball rolling, as they had advised me to do that back in May 2016, however the reply I received was an apology with the advice that it is just not possible, as it would pretty much be a case of double processing - I understand what the mean, but it's such a pity that we didn't get the information up front, same as the applicants who lodged earlier (or so I believe). Have a great weekend, I'm getting so jealous of you all who have managed to get out their early - I may be looking at December before I can get there, with trying to finalise then 3 months notice :-( Still, it WILL happen, patience.... !

Amanda