oddball

Ali, this is the downside of the check in general. I'm not advocating any shady activity here, but realistically how does an FBI officer/employer know the difference between a random person's signature or a police officer's?

Wish I had seen this yesterday. Glad you bumped it. To my knowledge, there is no one who will do it in the UK for a reasonable price (I did a LOT of research). I bought an ink pad, read the instructions on the FBI site, and set aside a couple hours to do six sets myself. I don't think it's recommended that you do your own, but I've seen instances of it being successful. I couldn't justify the £72 with no guarantee they'd accept the prints. FYI, waiting times are currently around 15 weeks for the processing!

I'm looking at Parcel Monkey atm for a similar situation. I posted about it earlier this week, but received no replies. You can only get an accurate quote if you know weights and measurements, but my 2 big boxes at 25kg each totalled £200 for 4 day delivery. Not bad!

Deleted as my knowledge of accounting is limited thanks!

Have you done the points test? Do you know which person would be better off being the main applicant? Are any states sponsoring for your position right now?

Sorry that's seek.com.au (jobs website)

It's not terribly difficult finding a job. For hospital jobs, you must enter a pool (for public positions). Each state has it's own website for positions. For community pharmacy, you can often get a position by just dropping off a CV at the pharmacy. Others are on seek and require an emailed CV. You don't actually have to have any formal qualifications to be a pharmacy or dispensary assistant. I also suspect the software might be different, but once you know one, you know them all really!

Has anyone ever used Parcel Monkey? From what I've seen, the prices vary day by day, but if I catch it at the right time, it seems to be one of the cheapest options for shipping 50kg of personal effects in a relatively short period of time by air. All opinions welcome!

Are you referring to a position as a pharmacist, or as a dispensary/pharmacy assistant? What visa are you considering travelling on?

When I had a similar issue, I contacted immigration and I was advised it came down to the ABN which employed/paid me. I continued working at the same place, but my boss employed me under a different ABN. This is only my experience and was a few years ago though.

Thank you Ozmaniac. Appreciate your prompt reply!

Hi, Providing everything goes according to plan, my 189 should be granted in late February 2015. (I have already applied.) I do realise that there is a possibility this won't happen as planned. Can you enter Australia on a tourist visa or a WHV while awaiting a 189 grant? Thanks!

This situation is entirely dependent on what your field your qualifications are in. Do you have a career on the SOL or CSOL?

if you have an English passport you only need the IELTS if you're claiming points for English language ability. Are you?

You have 5 years from the date it was granted, so if you're travelling there and back before that, then you should be fine. Are you past that point?

Mol, you can either do your medical BEFORE you lodge, or wait until you CO requests you to AFTER you lodge. To the best of my knowledge, you can't get the HAP ID you need otherwise. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

I might as well add myself to this thread! Applied last night

Gah, Maruska! This is why I'm so confused haha. In the past ten years, I lived in the USA for two years. The rest of my time was spent in Oz and the UK, both of which I already have police clearances for. I guess I'll have to see what a CO says about it. Thank you!

I know someone on here has already mentioned it, but I also think going for the visa and activating it is a good idea. That way you have 5 years before you move there, and your dad will likely retire by then, and you can have awhile for your family to organise another arrangement for your brother. At least this way, you will have done it and know it's there, and it will buy you time. Alternatively, you will live with the 'what if?' for the rest of your lives. As much as I'm sure it makes you feel good knowing you're helping your family, the gnawing 'what if' could well overpower that and you could end up feeling resentful. I honestly wish you the best of luck. xx

Brill, oppyddrum. Thanks for confirming that!

Hello, This is a question aimed particularly at anyone who lived in the USA for one year or more in the last ten years before applying for PR. Are you required to have a state background check in addition to the FBI (national) criminal history record check? I'm getting conflicting information from various sources. Thank you in advance!

Thank you for sharing! Good luck with your application!

Can I please just clarify that for point 2, you have one year from your medical or police check dates (whichever is earlier), not the date of the visa grant. Also, getting a job offer does not change the visa which you are applying for, although you might struggle without actually having a valid visa.

Hi Tom. This is (mostly) a board for Poms, so likely not many people on here would have experience moving from the states. I'm a Yank (currently in the UK) but I have never moved an animal before! My advice would be to jump on Facebook and get on the 'Yanks Down Under' group. They're all very helpful. They'll probably be able to offer more advice than we can give here. Best of luck!

Oh I know the feeling... It's so hard to wait!