MarkyMarc

Hey Guys,

Was meaning to come back and update.

Got my Approval letter a few weeks back dated 13th August. .

So that was 2 weeks from interview to acceptance.

So now just the wait for my ceremony!!

My timeline: 

Arrived: 01/03/2012

PR: June 2015

Citizenship Application: 02/12/2019

Interview & test: Scheduled for 15-03/2019 (cancelled).  Passed 31/07/2020.

Approval: 13/08/2020

Ceremony: TBC

On 01/08/2020 at 14:45, helppls said:

Does everyone have to do an interview and test or just a test and an interview for some?

Everyone goes through the same interview.  If there are no obvious red flags on the database, you can sit the test straight away.  

It should be pretty straight forward for most people. However, some things like spent criminal records etc, minor offences and previous military work can attract more scrutiny to your application.  

Hey Guys,

Just an update.  

I got a text message from IMMI yesterday stating that my Citizenship interview (that was cancelled back in March due to COVID), was now being scheduled for 24th August.  So they are starting them up again here in Perth.

I got straight on the website to re-schedule and luckily enough there was only one other appointment available for the next few months, and it was for today!

So i managed to book that in and happy to say the interview and test was all very straight forward.  Now just hoping and waiting to get approval and a ceremony date.

My timeline: 

Arrived: 01/03/2012

PR: June 2015

Citizenship Application: 02/12/2019

Interview & test: Scheduled for 15-03/2019 (cancelled).  Passed 31/07/2020.

Approval: TBC

Ceremony: TBC

From what has been stated on this forum, with people getting approvals almost instantly, then i would say all checks are meant to be done before your interview.  It makes sense that the case officer would have all the information in front of him before proceeding.  For some people, this doesn't seem to be the case and they are left waiting for extraordinary lengths of time. 

18 hours ago, Dreaming_when said:

 

The officer mentioned that approval can take 4-6 weeks as they wait to finalise checks. Maybe that’s why...

Would think it was unlikely, given that a large number of people have been approved the same afternoon. Some are even approved within an hour after they leaving the test centre.  I doubt even the quickest checks can be done by then.  Could be wrong though.

Doesn't sound good.  I have mine next week.

Sounds like it wouldn't matter anyway if ceremonies are being put back 6 months.  I don't think any of us would be deemed "urgent".

Potentially yes,

I work for one of Australia's biggest IT companies.  We seem to always be crying out for application developers.  It's one of the most in-demand professions in IT.

Obviously the current market conditions could be affecting that, however if you are serious about moving I can potentially look at putting your CV forward for you.

You would need to confirm your working rights etc.

I could be wrong, but I am pretty sure HomeAffairs have now stopped new invitations for interview/tests. 

I have been looking everyday to reschedule down to a closer date.  There have been zero appointments available for the last 2 days, which has never been the case before.

My Timeline:

Arrived:                        01:03:2012

PR (186DE) approved 16.07.2015

Applied Citizenship  08.12.2019

Invitation                    20.01.2020

Test Date                   27.03.2020 (rescheduled from April 20th)

Approval                  TBC

Ceremony                  TBC

Stirling, Perth

That's good practice. I was generally referring to everyone on this thread as I have seen a number of people have been asked for further documents.

There shouldn't be any surprises with documents, especially if you have a MA. However, special cases or people from high risks countries may be asked to supply more evidence.

If the IMMI department wesbite say last 10 years then it's the last 10 years only.

What additional documents did they request?

Guys, please do not fall into this trap!

You should have all your documents ready BEFORE the CO opens your case. Otherwise they will request the documents and put your case on hold for another 28 days before they assess it again. Sometimes it's quicker but why put yourself through another month of waiting...

Well bad luck seems to come in threes and this is hopefully the last bit of it.

My employer cancelled the nomination, however their sponsorship permit ran out in February this year, they have resubmitted the application to have it renewed however at this stage they are unable to nominate for new cases until this is approved. Until this is approved they can’t progress a new nomination for me.

Can anybody recommend a migration agent in Perth?.. I have trying to contact Go Matilda but nobody has been available.

Unfortunately, your story is not an uncommon one.

 

If it was a 186 application under the Direct Entry pathway, the Skills assessment is a time of application criteria unless you are an exempt applicant.

 

If it was a 187 application under the Direct Entry pathway, a skills assessment may not be required.

 

Receiving guidance from an employer or colleague who has gone through the same process often ends with problems. An employer, in most cases will not be aware of the Regulations and is often trying to save money. Your colleague may have applied at a different time with different Regulations, or under a different visa or pathway.

 

 

 

 

You should not rely on information from the Immigration Department helpline as they are notorious for giving bad information. See here for a recent blog in this regard.

 

If your 457 is still valid, a refusal would not stop you from making an onshore application.

 

Your chances of a refund are poor as they do not refund for mistakes.

 

Good luck with the process, I hope it works out for you.

Hi Raul,

Thanks for your advice, its really appreciated at this horribly stressful time.

My 457 visa ended in November last year, I am still in employment with my current work as I was on a bridging visa awaiting the decision of the 186. Are you saying I cannot make a 187/186 Direct entry application after this? The department said I would have 28 days to apply for another visa and I would meet the criteria as I have worked for more than 2 years with my employer.

Thanks,

Just got off the line to the Immigration Dept

I have been told to immediately remove my application before it is denied. If it's denied I will not be able to make another onshore application.

So I have emailed the processing office in NSW asking that the application is removed. My employer is to do the same.

I can then be nominated for the 187 or 186 Transition scheme as I originally hoped. I must submit my application as I await the nomination to be approved.

Not sure ill get the money back but the lady on the phone said to at least give it a try.

Here's just hoping everything works out ok!

That's really rotten news and I really feel for you - that's a very expensive mistake! I'm pretty sure there's nothing you're going to be able to do about it and it won't do any good to appeal because the MRT simply reviews the decision to see if it was in accordance with the regulations and they state that a skills assessment is mandatory for DE applications.

 

A failed application won't prevent a new application and it won't affect your employment as long as your 457 is still valid. When does it expire? You'll be well past the 2 years for a TRT stream application now and if your 457 is still valid, you'll be able to set a TRT application in process. If your 457 has expired and you're now on a Bridging visa, that will be cancelled when the 186 application is denied and even if you get another one, I think that would prevent an onshore application.

 

You should consult a good RMA now before you go any further. If there's the slightest chance of a solution, now's the time to find out and if there isn't, you need to know if there are any other gotchas lurking around the corner.

 

Best of luck!

Wow i really cant believe my life is unravelling right in front of my eyes through a basic oversight.. Worked it Australia for 3 years followed all the processes and now it looks like I might need to go home.

Since I am in Perth, can my employer not nominate me for a 187 Regional Visa? This is what I originally was expecting to be nominated for.

Hi Websie,

My employer put me through as Direct Entry, as I was at 1 year 10 months when they applied.

Looks like I will be rejected, not sure if there is an appeal process but then i am not sure on what grounds I would have.

Not sure how this affects my employment as well, I would need another nomination...the whole thing hasn't really sunk in.

Really is a warning to use a MA when applying.

Hi All,

Quite a sombre first post unfortunately as I have just found out I have made a massive mistake with my 186 Visa.

I have been living in Perth for 3 years now with over 2 years at my employer on a 457 Visa.

My employer decided (not sure why) to apply for a 186 Direct Transition visa a couple of months before I would have been eligible for Direct Entry on either 186 or 187. I actually was told it would be a 187 visa before hand.

The nomination was approved in September 2014 and I decided against using a Migration agent (bad move). I submitted the application and decided to get the paperwork in order while awaiting a decision.

I received guidance and advice from a colleague who had gone through the same process and advised me that I wouldn't need a skills assessment as he didn't. This oversight was entirely my fault, I should have triple check this point.

Roll on 5 months and I have completed everything apart from the skills assessment and paid nearly $5000.00 for myself and de facto partner.

It has now dawned on me that my visa is going to be rejected due to the lack of Skills assessment. Even if I got it now it would not be valid. I cannot believe I made such a stupid error, I even checked with my employer and they stated that I wouldn't need one. However, I think they are getting confused with a 187 and 186.

To say I am devastated right now would be a major understatement, just wondering if anybody has any help/ advice on what to do. I believe the end of October 2014 applications are being processed now, which is the date I submitted it.

Thanks