Jellybean T

16 minutes ago, Kush99 said:

@SusieRoo @Jellybean T I have one more confusion for the 143 Visa, As I have included my Brother (age 24)  in visa file as a dependent applicant and he is in Australia pursuing his masters. So will he be eligible for the visa? as they have changed the age criteria and if he then does he has to go back to the native country while the decision is made? Thanks

Sorry.. I don’t know anything about about dependent children but I’m sure others do. 

22 minutes ago, Kush99 said:

Hi,  I have lodged 143 visa application in October 2015,  has anyone an idea as of when immi will first pick it up and make contact for police checks,  medicals etc.. Thank you for any replies. 

Hi and welcome to the waiting room. Our application date for the 143 is the beginning of December, it would be nice to be called for police and meds before December but if not we are hoping to be asked around this date with visa grant in the first 1/4 of next year. I know there is a lot of doom and gloom on here lately but some people who applied in June of 2015 were asked to prepare docs back in April so you could be asked as early as August. You just have to take it as it comes. I will be watching your progress with interest. Regards Shelagh

On 15/06/2018 at 10:30, Pertenhall said:

UNBELIEVABLE!!!  After 23 weeks since submitting AoS paperwork and getting nowhere, continually being told that everything was on the system and that we just needed to wait for it to be processed our daughter contacted her MP.  Within a couple of days she has at last had contact from AoS, but not the news that we had hoped for!  Her application had been rejected as she was AUD2K short on the previous tax year.  She asked if she could get another assurer but was told that was not possible and that it was a straightforward rejection and that basically the case was closed!!!  I’m sure I’ve read of at least 2 other people on this forum who have been asked to get a second assurer?

Makes no difference that although she has two children she shares responsibility with their father (they live with him half the time and they share all expenses) she is still is classed as having 2 children.  If this was not the case then her income would have been OK.

She has been advised to resubmit her application after 30 Jun – just 2 weeks away.  What a nightmare.  Although, crazy though it may seem, at least we now have an answer we know where we stand - just not where we wanted to be.  Hopefully once we re-submit it won’t take them the same amount of time before they make a decision.  I have to admit, the air was a little blue when we heard.  23 weeks 3 days to tell us NO!!!!!!!

 

Oh I’m so sorry to hear your sad news. I can only imagine your anger after waiting all that time and after them telling you just it was all in order!!!!! 

I hope when you resubmit they deal with it immediately.

On 13/06/2018 at 01:36, AMP said:

Sorry,  I’m now pretty lax in checking this site so often go to the latest entry first, and then I back track!   just to say huge congratulations to EVERYONE who has had positive news over the last week.  It’s great to see things finally moving and to know that the crush within this waiting room is about to ease.   Hopefully, with the start of the new financial year in July, there will be a sudden surge of visa processing and lots more will be having contact to submit documents, pay 2nd VACS etc.  

Maybe I need to start to complete my form 80 in anticipation ........

 

Yes as we are the same dates as you .... maybe we will start that form 80 as well. Just seems that the time scale keeps increasing, we’ve been putting it off thinking we’ve got loads of time to do that. Hope you’re living the dream!!!! That we’re all dreaming about living! 

43 minutes ago, Rosiejaq said:

Congrats to all getting 2nd vac requests.  Busy times for everyone and probably some butterflies!  Has anyone with June/July 15 date had email to start the process ie meds, police Chequers etc? As we’re wondering how soon before they start asking!

I've just checked for you Rosiejaq as I remembered thinking wow that's early!   Thomas 1965 posted on April 13 (page647) request for docs on 3 April 18.....application date 25th June 2015. There was also another one but didn't find it again. Hope this helps.

7 minutes ago, Merryweather said:

Hi - a question about payment of 2nd Vac:

We are in the U.K. but have the money in an Australian bank.

I thought we'd be able to pay by bank transfer.

Can we get Oz bank to issue a bank cheque and give to daughters ( with ID) to send off?

Has anyone been in this situation?

That’s a very good question as we also have the money in an Australian Bank...... Congratulations it was a long wait for you but at least the end is in sight. 

6 hours ago, ramot said:

I have written before about how important it is to look long term at the costs of living here, not just we can afford it now.

The move alone will be expensive, and depending on where you live in U.K. The reality of the cost of housing of where you are moving to here against where you have moved from. as Sydney Melbourne prices compare to London but seems to come as a shock to many.

When we came here 15 years ago, there were $3 to the pound, and the cost of living was much cheaper, so your money went much further. More couples that we know have returned to UK in the last 6 months than ever before, most really didn't want to leave. Free NHS is a big factor, 

The amount you have to put down should you need to go into care is exhorbitant, you need to be aware of this. In home care seems fairly reasonable in Qld.

One thing parents who move here should do is check every discount they are entitled to as a pensioner, eg some utility bills. States differ, but there is help. Join into local activities and clubs to meet people.

Sorry if any of this is depressing but they are important things to consider long term, living here can be a big adjustment and I think I am probably one of the only posters who has lived here for any length of time and seen how much the cost of living has increased.

Having written the above, we love living here, have an active social life, we have made great friends and are part of a very caring group who genuinely look out for each other, have no desire to leave. Even though you might have to pay towards your medical costs here, I can't fault the health service here where we live on the Sunshine Coast  Qld. 

Thank you Ramot for taking the time to give us all this insight to living in Aus.. I  total agree with everything you say as we moved to Spain 14 years ago when we were getting €1.60 to the £1 and now it's not much better than €1.10 , a lot of people we know also moved back to UK for the same reasons. 

There is a big difference between going somewhere on holiday and actually living there, we love it here and would not be moving except we now have 2 granddaughters in Adelaide and really don't want to miss out on them growing up. We won't be living in their pockets but we will be close enough to help out with childcare when needed and our son and daughter in law will also help us out in our old age.

Life is what you make it and you have to be prepared to make big changes when you move to a different country,  we can't wait to start our new adventure in Australia but will downsize considerable so we can put a lump sum in the bank incase our pensions don't always cover our costs. We don't want yo be a burden to our family or the Australian people.

It would be nice to have some idea of how much longer we will be waiting before we get the all important Visa, we are not getting any younger I'm 66 and my husband is 76. Fingets crossed we will be there this time next year.

1 hour ago, SusieRoo said:

With an election coming round in the next 12 months, I can see why politicians would be sensitive to any news stories which make them look bad. But does being tough on immigration do that? I don't think regular Australians really care too much about parent visas, but they are upset with overcrowding in Sydney and Melbourne and the high cost of housing.

Unfortunately the existing parent visas system is just not working in today's world. It's always going to be a fine balance when looking after the needs of immigrant families while considering the broader needs of society. Sadly for us, we appear to have found ourselves in the middle changing situation and the visa process we entered is not going to stay the same for much longer.

I wouldn't mind the idea of applying for the new temp parent visa, except having a maximum stay of only ten years is not right for us. If this condition were removed, could this be a fairer solution for everyone? Very little cost to the taxpayer and families get to be reunited. And it also stops the parent visas system being abused for economic reasons. Maybe we would be better campaigning to make changes the new visa, so it becomes a viable opportunity for genuine parents.

What conditions would you need to see change, to make the new visa acceptable?

We would also consider this if you could renew every 5 years but also we would need to be able to buy a house as renting would soon eat into the savings. 

2 minutes ago, Judy said:

I thought it was me. Just been looking at settings and logged off and on! 

I've been doing the same....thought it was something I'd done! Hope we get them back soon as time line is crucial for understanding some of the posts.

12 minutes ago, superman2016 said:

The waiting list for CPV places are now 6 years?? I almost fell off from my chair.

Kev

If that's true.....I hope it doesn't apply to those already in the queue and  is for new applicants from now!!!!!!

On ‎11‎/‎04‎/‎2018 at 16:38, gafuk said:

Thanks for the best wishes !.

I am shopping for rates on transfers. TORFX ACCENDO and MONEYCORP totally different figures.Moneycorp best by a few hundred dollars ?? on £48,000

Are they all "Safe" firstly and anyone had good/bad experience ? Ive not used moneycorp before , it's alot of money to make a mistake with

 

We have used TransferWise with very good results...fast and good rate of exchange. Congrats on your long awaited Visa!

On 27/03/2018 at 08:34, Ray and Geri said:

TinaH and Whataday.... at least you have submitted docs etc.... our lodgement date is more or less the same as yours and we have heard nothing in 35 months, despite being told Visas are issued in lodgement date order (which we know is untrue) we have seen others get their visas issued with lodgement dates later than ours. One thing I have learned during this process is not to try and second guess immi...... It's a government department.... it is what it is and it will take as long as they want and we can't do a thing about it.

On a lighter note....Does anybody watch " Nothing to Declare "....... Am I the only person to shout at the TV when somebody tries to smuggle  a case load of dried food into Oz and they only get a $200 fine.

On another track...

I'm sure everyone from England is aware that when they move to Australia their UK state pension will be frozen. For those of you who think this is unfair there is a petition at https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/stop-freezing-overseas-state-pensions you can sign..... not too sure if it will do any good but at least you would have done something to let the UK government know how you feel.  

Thanks for the site info to sign the petition......which I would love to sign but as I live in Spain at the moment and don't have a UK post postcode I am unable to sign on this site. Anybody know if there's a site that will let people without a UK postcde.

Really sad and worrying to hear you haven't had any communication from immi in 35 months! that doesn't sound right at all....do you have an agent or our you like us and doing the process yourselves? Finger crossed if immi do read these blogs that someone flags your case to the right department!!,Good luck 

2 hours ago, SusieRoo said:

Sorry I am not giving the correct details here. It's a 804 visa which only costs only au$6010 and you can stay in Australia on a bridging visa while waiting. The 864 visa is the same price as a 143 (I think) and this also allows you to stay in Australia while the application is being processed (and I also think it is quicker). I not an expert, so it is worth speaking to @Alan Collett will be able to give you full details. I hope this helps.

Thanks for the prompt reply..I will look into our options. Regard Shelagh

25 minutes ago, SusieRoo said:

I'm not sure of your full position, but have you considered switching a 864 visa? This is much cheaper than a 143 and will allow you to stay in Australia while the application is being processed.

I would definitely be on a 864 visa if I was in your age category and it would be worth contacting @Alan Collett for professional advise.

 

 

How much is an 864 visa? Once we sell our house this might be what we need as I am 66 and my husband is 76 years old.

2 hours ago, Trudyandandrew said:

Hi our dream is over ,we have just returned from 3 months in Melbourne and cannot believe how expensive everything is and we realised we cannot afford to buy or rent . We have had request for 2nd vac ,how do we inform we have changed our mind thank you ,this has been an extremely difficult decision to make.

So very sorry to hear your sad news, Your family must also be very disappointed and sad to think both your dream and theirs has come to an end. I wish you all the very best in rebuilding your life back in your home country. At least you had the sense to realize before it was too late and take action. Regards Shelagh

1 hour ago, Bear2015 said:

Hello ,

 I have made a list of the 2015 Lodgers and thought of sharing it with everyone so that we know our position in the queue .

Please let me know if anyone wants to be added  or  removed from the list.

15th Jan-   Gogirl 1        Congratulations

25th Feb -  Elnak

12th Mar -  Pertenhall

19th Mar-  IanS61

18th Mar- Rahul Shankar ( Docs requested)

10th Apr-  nyorkgrannie

28th Apr- HarrisL16

21st May-  Valtibenham

03rd Jun- Lolly T

8th June- Lisa Lou

10th Jun  Rubyford

28th Jun- Daljeet

30th Jun- Ian ireland

13th Jul- Bev50Bradley

16th Jul-  David Leask

1st Aug-  BillSueMac

05th Sep- Mrs. Bee

17th Sep  Jessy J

02nd Oct- Bear 

04th OCt -Kimboslice

03rd Nov- wishful

10th Dec- AMP 

Cheers,

Add me also please 8th Dec

3 hours ago, shopbaokha said:

Congrats !

Congratulations. ....you must be over the moon,

23 hours ago, BrendaM said:

 

Congratulations Catlady and Bryant..glad your wait is over!

 

Excellent news on getting your 2nd vac request.  We are about a year behind you so hopefully you will be settled in for this Christmas and we will be there by next Christmas.  Enjoy your new lives.

8 hours ago, Fisher1 said:

Yes but its possible to take a complaint like this to the European Court of human rights - so the EU could, for example, put a stop to the UK discriminating against some pensioners by paying them less than others. However, sadly, a case like this was brought and lost some years ago. Can't understand why.

Strange the way it's only certain countries that the pension is frozen when you go to live there...mostly commonwealth countries.  You would think the UK government would realise how much money we were saving them by leaving and going to live in another country and actually encourage us to go. Maybe one day!...but until that day comes we need to be active in trying to get the ruling reversed. 

30 minutes ago, SusieRoo said:

There is a uk.gov webpage where you can log in and see how your NI contributions are doing in terms of state pension. You need your national insurance number and passport details.

Normally you reach full pension entitlement before you retire, so not paying in for the last few years may not make any difference. It just depends on how many years you have paid up.

You still have the amount ‘frozen’ when you leave UK, which is very wrong and I cant understand why the EU courts have not put a stop to this already.

You don't have the pension frozen in Europe. ...it's only frozen in certain countries. 

7 hours ago, gwheng said:

sorry it was a typo, her tourist visa expired in May 2018. 

I've already engaged with a migration lawyer last week, yeah she advised 39 mth of waiting period, which is bit disappointing when you're paying so much for the application fees and still such a long waiting period.

do you think this will actually change? quicker processing time.

 

Hi, I don't know how old your Mum is but there is a Aged Parent Contributory Visa as well, shorter waiting time and she can be in Australia while awaiting the visa. Although if she qualified your agent would have told you about it, you have to be 65 years old. Maybe this helps!

1 hour ago, AMP said:

Congratulations to everyone who has now suddenly seen positive progress in terms of their visas/moving plans.  It feels much more positive to be reading this thread now that we see movement.  I assume that this is because of us having entered a new allocation year now that we are into July.  Just hope this year's allocation doesn't get used up too quickly!!

As for me, well I'm keeping fingers crossed that my house sale will all go through smoothly.  No moving date yet and I can't make any plans to actuallly move to Oz before I know that the house sale has definitely gone through.  Then and only then can I apply for my 600 visa, book flights, arrange shipping, sell car etc etc - so much to think of it's all quite scary.

I have started to get base line quotes for shipping of goods.  Just for information, I am being quoted around £2200 for 500 cubic feet (14 cubic metres) which I am told is the volume of a Luton van.  This is what they estimate for me moving a one bedroomed apartment equivalent. Next week I have a home visit to properly assess the volume I am taking.  Looks as though I have a busy weekend of decisions now.  I'm one of those who is taking virtually everything though excluding white goods.  Basically I just hate shopping and and  love what I have so it's the right decision for me.  That said, I won't have room at the other end for everything, given that I'm moving from a 3 bedroomed house here, so that is where the decision making comes in.  On top of that I have so many pictures (much more hanging space here than in a 1 bed apartment!) and will have to get rid of most of those.  Oooh,  some decisions, are so hard!!!

Hi Angela,  wow you really have it all under control!   I wish you the very best of luck with the completion of the house sale. Are you shipping your stuff out when you get you 600 visa? I was under the impression we could only ship once we had our 143 visa grant so I  was very pleased to read you could ship on a 600 visa. Don't really want to wait another 18 months before we can start enjoying life in Aus but it's all in the lap of the gods. Good luck with sorting your pictures not an easy job........but it will be all worth it in the end!

Shelagh 

3 hours ago, AMP said:

Yes, we also loved the challenge of doing something different.  For us it was France for 11 years and that was fabulous, though it took some time getting totally to grips with the language and both adapting to and integrating into the totally different French culture!  We were in a non ex pat area where hardly anyone spoke English - at least we won't have that challenge to face when we finally move to Australia.  That said, I'm conscious that there has already been quite a lot of Ozzy vocabulary I have had to learn, and the culture is also quite different!

Good  luck with getting a buyer for your home, I presume you have already put it on the market? In terms of the eventual 143s you and I are on exactly the same time frame so we will be closely watching each other's progress and comparing notes!

Yes house has been on the market since the beginning of the year but not much moving in our area...still nice to have one more summer here anyway. As you say time lines are the same so we'll know each other quite well by the time we get visas. ..I'm hoping by the end of next year we should be settled in  Adelaide.  We have another Granddaughter due in November so I have my flights booked and something to look forward to. Leaving the old man here to keep the dog company!  Love reading all the posts from everyone. 

7 minutes ago, AMP said:

Well Nanajan, it looks as though I will be joining you and many others on the "holiday route" as I have now accepted an offer on my house so will also soon be homeless.  It's a bit scary, particularly whenever I consider the potential medical (who knows what could crop up in the time before I have to do the final stages for my 143).   I'm going to go out on a 600 tourist visa as soon as my house is sold and whilst waiting for my 143 to be processed which is likely to be another 18 months or so.  Trying to reason it all out, I'm reckoning like you that if something serious crops up in the interim then I will at least have spent as much time as I can with my family in Australia. Worst case scenario is that I will just have to come back and buy or rent another home in the UK.  Life is full of risks, and I reckon that all of us who are planning to move to Oz have to be in that risk taker category - otherwise we wouldn't even be considering leaving the comfort and security of what is currently "home"! 

Good luck to those of you who are nearly there.  I must admit that the forum has become more upbeat again lately since we have started to see a bit of movement again!

Congratulations on the house!  I hope everything goes through smoothly for you. As you so rightly say life is full of risks! Taking these risks is what keeps the excitement in our lives, if we don't take a risk every now and then we'd never do anything new. We sold up and moved to Spain 13 years ago and haven't regretted it for a minute, everyday has a new challenge with the language but we love it. Only going to Australia to be close to the Grandchildren and give the kids a bit of support.  So looking forward to the new challenge. ....just need to sell up here first! 

That's fantastic news after such a long time with no movement.  We are just 1 year behind you so we might be there my Christmas 2018!