Cubiscus

There's quite a few benefits but it depends on your circumstances, for example the new HomeBuilder grant, voting, government jobs and if you need to leave the country for an emergency you don't need to worry about your PR travel authority expiring. As this is a service paid for I do think its incumbent on the government to find alternate solutions which they have with the ceremonies.

Nice one . We'll keep an eye out this week.

All done for us too. Email received on Monday asking if we were interested in a virtual ceremony, booked in for Thursday (Brisbane City Council) and over and done with in 5 minutes. Now just need to wait for the certificate.

BCC Response:

Did you ask whether they're doing virtual ceremonies?

Mine was approved on Jan 9th, I didn't have an invite before but have requested a virtual. Then I spoke to them in January they said there was about a 4-5 month lead time. Its an issue for us as our PR travel authority ran out last week.

Yep, just waiting for my invite now (since mid-January).

Not yet (my council is Brisbane City), no compelling reason given.

Thank you, have emailed

Thanks, via which email?

Who did you email?

If either you or your partner are permanent residents your bub will automatically be eligible for Australian citizenship, before your application.

Brisbane was around 4 - 6 months previously from approval to ceremony as of January.

I would strongly prefer not to spend $1k plus for the sake of what could be a few weeks. Plus even if it takes weeks that's an issue work wise if I have to stay out of the country until its granted.

Good news on the online ceremonies, common sense. We were going to be in limbo otherwise if an emergency should arise once, our travel authority runs out soon.

General for the visa application.

I did, have a look through some practice tests to familiarise yourself. You really don't have much to worry about if you're a native speaker, listening you only get one go so some concentration is required.

Fantastic advice, thanks Ricco!

According to the list the CERS certificate is also not acceptable? http://www.border.gov.au/Lega/Lega/Form/Immi-FAQs/born-after-1986-one-parent-resident Ok thanks, that makes sense

So I don't need any proof of PR for the certificate or passport?

Are you sure? http://www.border.gov.au/Lega/Lega/Form/Immi-FAQs/born-after-1986-one-parent-resident

It's not, unless I've misunderstood something I'm required to provide proof of PR as part of the application.

No stamp for me, all electronic. I understand they stopped doing visa labels too as of September last year. Thanks, and any idea what is acceptable for the passport application itself? It specifically says VEVO and the grant letter are not acceptable (I'm not sure why).

Double post.

I would have thought you'd usually know if there was a potential difficulty to your case though that would result in refusal - e.g. criminal history, medical condition, giving false information, over claiming points etc If that's not the case it comes down to taking your time, checking everything and following instructions carefully.