Marilyn

On 05/05/2020 at 19:54, Rosiejaq said:

There’s also Coronavirus to add to the equation and the rapid slow down there’s been on processing and how long this will continue 

 

Are you in Australia now?

On 16/08/2020 at 12:01, bobo123 said:

Hi Everyone,

Apologies if i am posting this under a wrong thread but have been trying to find a correct one.

Not yet applied for a visa and is after some information. My parent are 75 years of age at this point.

I have been trying to find more and more info but it seems most info is on the skilled and partner visas.

Few questions to ask;

- What is the difference between 143 and 173, both subclass are towards the permanent then why split in two stages ?

- How is the cost split between when applying for any of those? do you have to pay all the amount at the start ?

- After applying for any of the above can I apply for long term 870  parent family visit visa?

- What are the chances for 43 years old unmarried female dependent (fully financially dependent)

Would appreciate your comments and suggestion.

Thanks in advance.

Hi - please see my timeline as I applied for 173 - the only reason was because at that time it was a waitlist of 18 to 24 months (not true I waited 4 years) and in addition I didn't have all my funds for a 143 but did for 173 at that time....in hindsight it was the best option for me - the timeline was around the same timing like the 143 applications at my time in fact a few months quicker - the advantage is that I am able to apply for the conversion to 143 whilst being onshore so I have been able to start my new life - get a job, medicare on the temp visa. I have 2 years to convert but I chose to do it asap only being here 10 months - the only disadvantage is that it cost $4,260 (£2,434) more, but for me it was worth it. 

20 hours ago, Gadgetfreak28 said:

I had to do the exact same thing in July. I was able to upload all documents online through MyGov but they need to see you in person in order to "Activate your profile". Once you do that, the system records this identification and lets you submit the application straightaway. 

 

Just managed to get someone on the phone who was very helpful and did the verification over the phone by uploading all the documents she submitted and said they are not encouraging anyone to come into their offices at this time so it is accepted. Whew what a relief!

14 hours ago, SusieRoo said:

Just out of interest, have there ever been situations in the past where medicals and police checks have needed to be re-done?  

Hi - Yes I was requested to do an Australian National Police Certificate as part of additional documents required (173 to 143) even though I have not been in Australia a year yet. 

Yes online she has uploaded all the documents as requested, they have confirmed acceptance but it does mention having to go in to verify her ID hoping due to COVID restrictions she won't need to actually go in - we are in Sydney

My daughter has just submitted the application for AOS and they ask that she needs to go into her closest Centrelink to verify her documents and ID. Is anyone at that point now as we not too keen on going into a Centrelink during these times and in addition they give a number to call 132 850 but it doesnt even ring....Any advice would be greatly appreciated

My daughter has just submitted the application for AOS and they ask that she needs to go into her closest Centrelink to verify her documents and ID. Is anyone at that point now as we not too keen on going into a Centrelink during these times and in addition they give a number to call 132 850 but it doesnt even ring....Any advice would be greatly appreciated

Received a request for AOS already - it only took a month from 143 submission. I was also asked to apply for Australian National Police Check as an additional document although I haven't been in the country for more than 12 months. It is easy enough online. Hope you all well and your own personal applications are progressing.

Hi back in the queue again and hoping it goes faster than the 173 wait. Anyone applied 173 to 143 in the last 2 months so I can judge timeline during Covid? Not everyone has signature timeline visible.

Hi everyone - I am back here as I have submitted my 143 now (see below signature for timeline) Initially I was so bummed that I did this route of 173 to 143 but upon reflection I am so glad I did as I was able to spend this conversion time it in Australia with my family. I have been here for 10 months and feel so at home. I have already found an amazing job just perfect for me working reception at a dentist, 8 min bus ride from home and 3 days a week. I have slotted in very well with the lifestyle here and in the home environment. Everyone has made me feel so welcome and every single day I count my blessing. To those of you - waiting 4 years to get my visa was hard - the last few months from getting request for docs to granting of visa was even harder but hang in there it will be so worth it in the end. In addition I will also be so grateful to those that did this journey with me your support and inspiration really helped me through this journey.  I will be popping back in now as I am active in this group again so that we can continue to support each other.  

3 hours ago, VLong said:

Hi everyone , i has been granted onshore visa 143 for me and my mom today. Hope it is good news for anyone same case with us.

How long did it take from lodging 143 to grant day as I need to do that too very soon and wanted to know the timeline

Hi, everyone hope you are all well, those already in Australia and those pending. I have been here already for 7 months and I just love it. Already have an amazing part time job "just down the road" and been through a drought when I arrived, fires, floods and now a pandemic. It may be a sign but I am ignoring it.

I wonder if anyone has had the experience I have been having some disputes with Medicare offices - When I arrived I registered as and as I am on 173 (Tempt) I was given a blue card. I haven't used it but don't envisage any problems. On the letter with the card it says I need to get hospital cover with private health insurance which I am happy to do BUT I have to obtain a Lifetime Health Cover Letter from Medicare. Their letter states "Newly arrived Australian resident who are over the age of 31 or over (that's me) will not have to pay LHC loading if hospital cover is purchased within 12 months of registering with Medicare" So that's what I am doing but got told today due to the visa I am on they unable to give me this letter - I got some quotes and due to my age I have to pay Lifetime cover loading of nearly $80 more!.

Anyone have any advice or been through the same (173 visa's only)? TIA

16 hours ago, Kathss56 said:

@palaceboy1 are you also onshore at the moment? 

Hi Kathss56 so great to see that you have got so far in the process. I was wondering about you and popped. Been in AUS 6 months already can you believe it. Best of luck to you 

2 hours ago, Rosiejaq said:

Thanks @LindaH27  Luckily the grandchildren don’t understand what’s going on so it’s not affecting them too much...but daughter is stressed out as well!

Hi I keep coming in to check on your progress and saddened to see it has not progressed. Hang in there I promise you it’s going to be worth it x

Just returned from Centrelink in Brookvale Sydney to register for Medicare it went very well was there for 45 minutes. Remember to take passport and visa grant letter. 

Hi All past and present - I just wanted to say how grateful and appreciative I am for the encouragement and a "shoulder to cry on" for the past 2 years on this forum. Without your support I don't know how I would have got through these times doing this on my own.

I would like to just advise those still waiting for their visa - be patient your time will come, maybe not as quickly as you may wish but we all just have to stand in line. Remember you have been given this amazing opportunity, not a luxury bestowed on many so be grateful and patient and continue living life to the fullest.

I will be back as I will need to convert to 143 very soon.

Take care xx

17 hours ago, LindaH27 said:

@Marilyn you’re heading for  Sydney aren’t you so this gives you you all the info! 

https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/transfer-overseas-driver-licence

Yes heading to Sydney thank you for this

Hi all - I have a question please for those that are already living the dream and on 173 - I have a UK drivers license and know that I can drive with it for 3 months but then what happens then and what can I do until I have converted my 173 to 143?

TIA

1 Week of work left then up, up and away......

31 minutes ago, Bear2015 said:

Finally, Visa Granted. Received the 2nd Vac request yesterday, And at around 3PM Perth time today we received the grant notification.... SOOOOO HAPPY......

The other  173s got their Visas granted much earlier but we had a bit of an issue : End of July we were contacted by Immi , since our CO decided to go that extra mile and request Police checks again; this time  from Birth . This  took another 3 weeks. 

Anyway, at last after such a long  wait , I can finally have my parents to stay forever. 

Good luck to all of you  for speedy Visa Grants. 

 

I am so so happy for you - we have done this long and stressful journey together so it is great to see your parents have finally got their grants. Many congratulations and see you for 143 applications ...ugh

@Sadge Congratulations - how great was it booking that one way ticket - to me that was the best thing ever! (well 2nd best to getting visa granted)

Links are very helpful thank you

@LindaH27  Without putting a damper on the mood - It used to move very quickly before the AOS was moved to Centrelink - the wait comes with the AOS it was 18 - 20 weeks (not sure what it is currently) - They also give you 70 days to submit your documents - I am on 173 and it took 4 months for them to grant me my visa from date of submitting docs & medical. I think this is great that they moving faster than the norm and hope it continues as I will be submitting my 143 next month.

@Greece how can you miss my timeline? 

On 10/08/2019 at 04:02, vicky bajwa said:

Hii to all members

Dear any idea how much they are taking time to visa grant after submitting 2nd VAC.?

I have paid on 7 August 2019 by bpay. Since then nothing from IMmi. Any idea please?

Hi my daughter paid via BPAY at 11:00 and by 15:00 that same day the email with the grant was sent to me