millski88

On the job title thing - if it's not a big deal for the employer to change the job title then you could do it, but the aim of the sponsorship application is to prove the role is clearly relevant to the specific job classification (over any other classification), not that it has exactly the same title. It'd be unrealistic to expect every real world job title is the same as the relevant ANZSCO classification name (it'd be pretty weird!). You're applying for the specific classification of Electronic Instrument Trades worker. It's more an objective of making sure your new role and any relevant work experience closely aligns with what's outlined in that specific classification. Have you thoroughly reviewed the ANZCO classification? You should definitely be leaning on this and using it to shape the application where possible. https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/classifications/anzsco-australian-and-new-zealand-standard-classification-occupations/2021/browse-classification/3/34/342/3423#342314-electronic-instrument-trades-worker-general- Use this as a guide to make sure your job description (new job) and previous experience (if applicable) align with what they're looking to validate. Also make sure to check the parent classification (3423 Electronics Trades Workers) for the core outline and 'tasks' etc. Where possible and without bending the truth, use the same or similar language to describe what your role includes and your experience, and make sure to include information that covers the breadth of what's outlined in the classification (not just a few points that align). A useful exercise is to try putting yourself in the shoes of the case officer at the department (or practice with someone who doesn't know anything about your job or industry!)... If you were to pick up your new job description and the outline of your previous experience, alongside this ANZSCO classification, as someone who is potentially a complete layperson to the job or industry, then would these clearly (and easily!) match up for that person to have confidence in: 1. The new role advertised clearly fitting with what the government is looking for by including the classification on the skills list 2. You being clearly suitable to fulfil that role based on highly relevant work experience (if work experience is necessary)

Just my 2 cents. There seems to be little in the way of encouragement when it comes to this approach, which is understandable because these things are tough. I think it's worth hearing the positive experiences of others though, as if you're determined enough then it's far from impossible to do yourself (in my opinion). I did my 186 (both employer + applicant side) with the help and authority of someone from my HR department, without an agent. This included setting up the organisation's account with the department from scratch. To be honest I ended up doing most of the work in preparing the approach; checklists; examples of supporting documentation etc, but I was lucky to have someone at my work who was allowed the time to work on it as part of their job. I.e. not something 'on the side' of their job description, where you'll have to fight for the due time and attention to get it done to the right standard. If you have someone at your workplace who has the authority to access the relevant company paperwork; sign off as an account holder with the department (or can easily chase sign-off from the account holder); and can dedicate the necessary time and attention to understanding the process, then it's far from impossible to do without an agent, in my opinion. As a side note, rather than paying an agent to prepare or check off the whole application, you can always compile the 'unknowns' or question areas and have a call with an immigration lawyer. Whilst you're working through the apps, if something is unclear, flag it and move on to the next thing. Then when you're all done except for the 'unknowns' or question areas, pay for a 30-60 minute call with a lawyer, and let them know in advance it'll be a 'quick fire' question call and that you are very well prepared with your questions. You can get a LOT of information from an immigration lawyer in 30 mins if you're well prepared. This is something I did for an earlier de facto visa application. It feels like many moons ago now, but reach out if you need any support (/moral support!).

Obviously no word yet of when! https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2021/jun/15/uk-australia-trade-deal-what-does-it-mean-brexit

If you have a copy of your PR application to hand it's an absolute breeze. Plus, even if you didn't have all the info available for quick reference, there's no complexity like there can be with visas. It's pretty black and white if you meet the criteria!

Citizenship certificates arrived in the post just now that's from having our ceremony on Weds last week, so pretty quick turnaround!

It's a pain but yes, all the info you can give is recommended. If they are a long time ago and you have no emails, credit card/bank statements or photographs to help you work out the dates, then rough dates are better than nothing IMO. We'd already done it for PR, so it was easy to copy over for citizenship. Just checking are you needing 'lived' or 'visited' countries? double check the definition!

If no further information is required, the next step will be an appointment for your interview & test. No way of knowing exactly, but current processing times shown below. 'application to decision' is the first of the steps indicated in the table, but this takes in to account the test/interview and waiting for decision. All going well, a rough estimate would be anywhere from 3-12 months from application to test invite. Apologies there's no more accurate information or predication that can really be provided. Refer: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/citizenship/citizenship-processing-times

It actually wasn’t even intentional I did think the smart top half only would be fitting for the time we’re in!

After a 7 year immigration journey, this isn't exactly how i'd imagined my citizenship ceremony. But alas, it's done... we're dual citizens of Australia and the UK! Thanks to everyone for all the help over the years, i hope i've been able to help others too throughout the 457 & 186 processes. It's been great to be a part of the forum through all the stress and elation! All the best to those still waiting, your time will come really soon! Disclaimer: photo was taken after our ceremony for comedy effect, no recordings were taken during the ceremony itself!

Doesn't appear in mine no. I wouldn't expect a ceremony invite to though, virtual or not.

Oh well spotted! will do

It’s been a long road! I just think back to the times leading up to getting the 457 application in, where I had only a few weeks left on a 417! Then similar times moving over to 186, where I had no idea if I was going to be eligible with the changes in law coming in. Now all distant memories thankfully, but not without a fair helping of stress at the time!

Virtual ceremony confirmed! Next Wednesday 3rd June, 1.20pm

Are you moving far? There's not many options for sitting the test, unless you are moving interstate there wouldn't likely be a difference in where you sit it. Regardless of where, if you have moved you do need to update your address in your application in immi account. You need to actually go in to the citizenship application within immi account and use 'Update details' there on the left hand side. Just updating your 'account' details in immi account doesn't cut it, as i learned! If you're worried about where your test will be, i'd call immigration and ask.

Applied in Moreland, then moved to Darebin mid-application. Darebin Council don't do ceremonies, so if it'd have been face to face i was expecting a DOHA ceremony invite.

We both replied to request them together yes.

We got our expression of interest emails for virtual ceremonies today! Both me and my partner. I was approved 29th October, partner approved 25th October. Emails from Victoria Ceremonies Team.

Advice is always to wait the 90% timeframe as published on DoHA's website before considering any further action. This is currently 7 months from approval to ceremony, so with your approval date this'll be 12th July. It sucks, but the 90% timeframe could very well extend further, given that the processing of ceremonies will have slowed right down during covid-19.

I get the feeling many didn't have 'compelling reasons'

I came over at 24 on a WHV and now 32 with citizenship approved. It’s not impossible! But admittedly it was probably easier back then in 2013-14, before the work sponsored routes were tightened up!

I really think you're sweating the small stuff here. I'm sure it's fine to wear whatever you want given the circumstances, it's not as if anyone is going to witness it or be taking photos of you or anything.

Awesome! Yeah it’d be interesting to know if you’d previously had a ceremony cancelled or if you were waiting for one.

haha yeah that'd be sweet. Only... maybe after COVID-19 lol

Update on virtual ceremonies (from the one person i've seen online to post about their experience) Currently only Canberra office performing online ceremonies, with randomly selected applicants (likely picked from those who already had a ceremony scheduled and cancelled) Starting Monday next week, Melbourne DoHA office joins in the initial batches, followed by other state's offices After this (not sure of exact timeframe), local councils will be briefed on the process and will also start hosting virtual ceremonies Apparently took 6 minutes today for this person to complete theirs and ask lots of questions. EDIT: Just confirmed, case officer said the local councils will resume on their lists once they're up and running, rather than a national pool. But a national team will continue picking up slack across all councils too.