CiderDrinkingCoder

Only thing I imagine you can do is either apply for a 189/190 (if eligible), or try and get your employer to sponsor you for a 457.

Damn right, Parleycross. Damn right!

Screw IELTS. It's a truly boring day and not truly holistic. (No sour grapes, got straight 9s, but it was boring as hell). Give PTE-A a crack. Much preferred that one. TOEFL iBT is alright, but some assessing authorities aren't so keen on it, for some reason.

Unfortunately, I imagine there are more than a few folk who have entered with return tickets and "forgotten" they had to leave by a certain time. For those of us who would play by the rules, it causes a headache, potentially. I would keep as solid an itinerary as possible with you in your hand luggage in case you need to talk to immigration staff. If you're going on a valid visit, it shouldn't be a problem; however, I would definitely encourage carrying everything and anything you can to demonstrate it is a valid visit. I hope it all works out for you. Edited to add: Being unemployed is, in no way, a one way ticket. I was unemployed for a couple of years (through my own choice) to go travelling, raise money for charity, and get my stress levels down. If you can demonstrate you have adequate resources while you're in a country, they should be fine.

Benefits of Boris as PM: he'd tell the yanks where to shove themselves for interfering in matters that don't concern them. Comedy value. Downside of Boris as PM: he'd probably also take the same approach with anyone in the UK who disagreed with his policies. Probably no more appearances on Have I Got News For You.

I think you'll find immigration officers probably getting increasingly twitchy over time. With that said, if you've got your return ticket, can demonstrate a source of funds for your stay, and already have an e-visa granted, I think it's hard to say exactly what might happen. If they are twitchy enough over why you seem to be coming back time and time again (and you'll be racking up 9 months by the end of this trip), it's not impossible that they might infer other intentions. If you want to go visit without the harangue for long periods, it might be worth looking into a 600 class visa. This is a visitor visa that can be issued for up to a year. Yes, there's paperwork involved; however, part of that paperwork is demonstrating your ties to your own country and to provide comfort to DIBP that you have no intention of breaching visa conditions during your stay in Australia.

I think the shock's more likely going to be down to the fact that there's culture. I went home to Kilmarnock to visit the folks a few weeks ago... I see the West Country going the same sad way, unfortunately. The UK is just no place for young people with ambition, anymore.

My wife's in the same boat, Foxes. She was just happy with me applying for a 189 on the basis we both want to get away from Europe while we still can.

I think it's possible the reason there's been an extension to the times taken for a lot of visa grants and notifications is two-fold. Since Christmas, I've read of more and more Brits being asked for Form 80 (I wasn't, thankfully), and the numbers being invited each fortnight through SkillSelect have shot up dramatically. That said, it could be that this is down to the DIBP simply noting that by inviting x number more people per fortnight, they'll still be within the three month window they specify as a norm.

Not necessarily. I lodged on 24/12/2015 and had my grant on 11/01/2016.

I think so. But, it is much easier said than done. Fingers crossed, you'll hear back nice and promptly once the documents are all uploaded.

I shouldn't worry. There could well just be random cases thrown up where case officers have to go through the process of requesting extra documentation. Give the case officer what they need. Provided everything you've given is honest and accurate, you've absolutely nothing to worry about.

Make sure you don't see out the day in sobriety!

Congratulations! Best wishes for a safe and speedy move!

Citibank only really operate Wealth Management services in the UK. Which is fine if you want to pop at least a few hundred thousand on deposit. HSBC have done a lot of work at growing their UK branch network over the past few years; I use one of their subsidiaries, First Direct (which has no branch network: but then, no real need for it, as I can deposit in HSBC and get all my needs met over the phone / web). You might like to consider Barclays / Santander / Lloyds / Halifax / NatWest / Bank of Scotland / RBS / Metro (if you're in London) / Marks & Spencer (another HSBC subsidiary). The list goes on a bit. To go back and answer your question: from the point of view of them being a subsidiary, First Direct have always been good for me and I'm always happy to recommend them.

Maybe they know something we don't...

I am sure there will be plenty of folks who disagree with me, and I respect that. What I would say, as tuppenceworth, is that unless you have a specific and special set of circumstances outside of the "norm", there's no need to use an agent. I can understand wanting the extra security; however, the DIBP's guidelines are pretty crystal. Admittedly, I am a skinflint and wanted to save the pennies. However, the entire process didn't take me more than about 14 hours of my time (including research). If you have the confidence in yourself to follow things step by step, you should be fine going it alone. ETA: As for timelines, I went from submitting skill assessment to visa grant in 27 days.

I'd come home to Blighty and work for a few years, mate. It'll also give you time to pull affairs into order and put some buffer under you.

If there was a change of circumstances, it might be worth your partner contacting the DIBP to explain the situation. It is feasible that they might "waive" the IED, but I would imagine that even if they do so, the termination date for the visa will not be amended. If anyone can correct me on this, I am happy to stand corrected!

I am really beginning to dislike 2016 (or, "Year the Greats All Decided To Leave"). Some bugger will start a sweepstake soon on who's next.

Cultural relativism, people. Applying our own standards to those of another era is somewhat lacking in intellectual honesty and - potentially - quite dangerous. That is all.

I haven't used either of those, but have used Transferwise quite a few times. I would suggest taking a look at them: charges cheap as anything, and you get the mid-market rate when you order. I have honestly never been able to switch currencies for cheaper. The catch? You need a bank account in the country you're sending to. The good news? Sounds like you've got one

If you want advice like that, the only real option for you is to speak with a registered migration agent. (And that won't be free...) Forums can provide lots and lots of useful information; however, if you're after advice related to your specific case, then an agent is probably your best bet.

Personally, I'd suggest using Transferwise. Even if an account is 'fee free', my guess is the exchange rate won't be in your favour.

Nationwide used to have a nil fee / commission card once upon a time. Not sure if they still do it.