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On 31/12/2012 at 11:45, Guest Ptp113 said:

 

Why does a pom wake up one day and think Perth is the place to move to? It's not somewhere most Aussies could be bribed into moving to, but poms think otherwise without seeing it. Somebody in WA has done a great marketing job in Blighty that's for sure!

Yeah, I don’t get the attraction of Perth lol

On 02/01/2013 at 00:55, egrek said:

Anywhere and everywhere you can have boss and colleague troubles. But true - not as easy to just leave. Though I have found people in Oz more likely to keep to themselves. Most Aussies stay in the same place and so have their friends from school they keep in touch with. They don't need new friends. So meeting Aussies can be a mission in itself - maybe foreigners and expats all seem to meet each other. Not saying you can't meet Aussies, just it seems to be a minority of the people we meet!

 

 

Funny, as an Aussie, I have encountered the same issue over here. Both my British hubby and I are very friendly and outgoing people. So it’s not all Aussies or all Brits. I think it’s more the area and the personalities. I’m currently in the South of England. Some of our dearest friends live up North. 

7 hours ago, Maroonie82 said:

Our 309/100 was granted today!!! Woohoo!!

We initially submitted on 26/02/19, first RFI was 11/12/19, then the second RFI was 10/01/20 and finally granted 04/02/20.

Now the planning begins! Any recommendations on companies to support with getting dogs over to Aus??

Congratulations! I’m going to use Pet Air because it’s run by vets and has got a lot of good reviews. 

I did my husband’s but slipped up on not realising I as a sponsor needed to also have my UK and OZ police checks, which are now fine, thanks to this forum. I have also contacted the global service center when stuck on something. I found the sponsor visa, pretty straight forward for me, saying that as an Aussie with English husband. I could easily understand what was asked and what they required. Standard government forms. I think for people where English is not their first language or they have a complicated case where they live in different countries and other issues, they are better off with an agent for sure. Also, family visas and work might be better off through an agent.

You could create the account (I’m pretty sure, I didn’t pay until after I completed and submitted the form ) and go through what you’re asked, so you can see if you can do it on your own. The sponsored partner will be asked about employment history, get sent for a medical, both of you have to submit police checks. You need to provide evidence the relationship is real;  photos, shared accounts or responsibilities, emails etc, it’s just a matter of gathering it all together and uploading it. Some people submit tons of evidence. I just upload what I felt was a reasonable amount, enough, I certainly didn’t go overboard. Again it depends on the individual circumstances, how much they have to prove to the department, especially with the tricky cases.

36 minutes ago, HomewardBound said:

Email with attachment was where we saw it first.  Then when logged in to immi account it shows up as a new message when you click on messages.

Wow, no wonder you’re excited! Good luck

4 hours ago, HomewardBound said:

Have been lurking on this thread for some time but given recent news it seems appropriate to now share.

Applied for 309/100 on 25 November 2019

RFI 01 February 2020 for Medical Examinations.  Booked in for early next week.

So we're only 2 months in and they're already requesting medicals.  We've been married for many years and back in 2011 were granted a 309/100 but never activated the visa.  Long story but I wonder if the previous history is enabling us to queue jump...

So that was a letter request or on the dashboard? 

1 hour ago, Aussiebird said:

OMG!!!  We have just received the golden email, 309/100 have both been granted!!

8 month wait.

No agent or RFI

DOL: 24 May 2019.

So relieved now!!!

Good luck to those who are still waiting,they are coming through now from London!!

 

Xxx

Congratulations!!!!

Hi,

Sydney Suburb Profiles 

https://www.sitchu.com.au/sydney/living/

https://goodmigrations.com/city-guides/sydney/

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Sydney_suburbs

Once you narrow down your list, enter the suburb name into these sites 

https://www.microburbs.com.au/NSW/Sydney/City/City-of-Sydney/Sydney

demographics of each suburb with safety, internet etc 

https://www.homely.com.au/search/suburbs-in-sydney-greater-new-south-wales

Suburb reviews

Hope this helps !

Quick google search and older articles come up about deaths of those types of breeds. 

2017

https://www.dailymercury.com.au/news/how-many-arrive-alive-grieving-pet-owner-wants-fli/3188051/

2014

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11207530

“A North Shore veterinarian, who did not want to be named, said it was not uncommon for dogs to die during transit.”

I think the bottom line is if you own one of those breeds and you must transport it interstate (and this is going to be be an unpopular opinion) drive it. Even if it takes you a couple of days, at least your dog is still going to be alive at the other end. Let’s face, with those breeds, you’re playing russian roulette flying them. That’s why a lot of airlines refuse to fly them. 

19 hours ago, TBD said:

309 granted on 31 January.

Applied 25 May 2019 - 8 months and one week.

"Front loaded" initially; police checks (self and sponsor) uploaded in June '19; updated details in August '19 and mid-January '20; medical done in late August '19.  No RFI.

First entry by 31 January 2021. Planning to be in Australia this month anyway so no problem with that.

Congratulations! All the best.

11 hours ago, Marisawright said:

Where in Australia are you?   I've lived in Sydney and Melbourne for over 35 years and rarely experienced a power cut.  In fact, they had to switch off the power briefly in our building for some reason recently and I realised I didn't even possess candles. 

Yeah, rarely experienced them when I lived in Sydney. However, where I live now in a semi-rural area in the UK. Every time there is a bit of wind.... lol

Tappers,  can your son finish his schooling via correspondence? Also, with pets you are going to need to get your pets rabies vaccines (last 3 years- though sometimes they might need a booster ) and then you need to wait 8 months before they can be approved for travel. So try and get that done around the same time as your visa application. I don’t think you will regret Australia. Good luck with it all!

Wow, immigration is certainly working hard to get through so many visas. March, April, May, June visas have been granted this month. Well done to the department! 

At the rate they are being processed, who thinks they will get some August ones in there in February?   I’m really hoping they will find my husband’s easy to process. 

On 30/01/2020 at 15:35, aliss said:

Hi All,

I got an RFI today for mine and sponsor's criminal checks plus history of relationship declarations. I've already applied for one criminal check so awaiting a reply. Glad to see so many movements recently  Hopefully not a long wait now..

A lot of people seem to get it right at the end before the approval. So how exciting!  

On 30/01/2020 at 14:12, Erin Boxall said:

Hi Everyone 

we received our 309 visa today  however no 100 visa which was odd as we qualify for it being defacto for over 3 years with evidence such as leases together. My agent said they sometimes make this mistake and will contact the department.. so fingers crossed for the 100 soon. 

Applied: 309/100 onshore 29th April 2019 (agent)

Submitted Medical and Acro 2 months later with out being asked 

No RFI

Visa granted: 28th January 2020 (9 months)

It appears most English partner visas are taking 9 months. My advice would be to not overload them with photos and more evidence every few months as it takes longer to go through. We only uploaded flight info when we traveled to each other. 

Good Luck everyone thanks for all the advice and keeping me sane X 

Congratulations! You lucky duck

On 30/01/2020 at 18:22, Bepperz said:

309 granted today! 

Applied 25th April 2019 and front loaded the application. No RFIs.

Granted 30th Jan 2020.

 

I was worried as I was on an 820 (onshore partner visa) previously that I withdrew as I broke up with my ex. I was refused 2 tourist visas to go to my partners sisters wedding in Australia this time last year, but no contact was made by immigration about this.

Congratulations! How awesome!  

Congratulations Scoop!! Exciting times ahead!

18 hours ago, sbrowne9 said:

Finally....still in shock, but we recieved our grant pretty much immediately after leaving the country....

I can't believe how incredibly lucky I am to get a decision in 7 months, and the empathetic part of me makes me feel guilty and sorry for those of you with applications submitted much before mine. However I also can't help but feel like I was due a little visa luck after two refused sponsorship visas (neither of which were a fault with my application, but the sponsoring businesses), and 3 years of application processing...trust me, I know everyone's pain.

DOL: 21 June 2019

RFI Medical and police check: 13 December 2019

Submitted: 6 Jan 2020

RFI to leave: 16 Jan 2020

Grant: 23 Jan 2020

@Ayrlogan they send you an RFI to give you 28 days to leave the country; you need to send them your flight details, and confirm the day before that they have recieved your information. I recieved my grant within hours of touching down in NZ.

I wish everyone the very best of luck with your applications, and hope they come through soon!!

Congratulations!!!! Wow, June, only two months before me! That’s awesome!

14 hours ago, Ayrlogan said:

Thanks @sbrowne9 for the info - we got our letter last night!!!! My partner is flying out in a few days to get his grant

The forum has been great so thanks to everyone - it was a real support to follow this each week. We too feel bad for those who applied before us, but hopefully you are up next! Maybe your application was thicker and is taking longer to go through  (although it would be hard to be thicker than allllll the info we sent ).

Let me know who is taking over the google sheet so I can make you owner - best of luck everyone!

Congratulations!!!!!!

3 hours ago, Michelle Williams said:

Visa granted for Michelle Williams and Slackbladder.  Had an account each.

Applied 25th April 

Granted just now!

Congratulations!!!!

1 hour ago, MrFancyMan said:

I applied on 24th April 2019. 100 visa was granted this morning. No RFIs. Front loaded police certificates and health check.

Congratulations !!!!

4 hours ago, estrella1 said:

All the agent said is that it's an online sponsor side of the application. Just wondering if anyone has done it as I haven't heard of it before.

Hi,

I forget the offical title of the form but when you log into your account under where the documents are uploaded, under sponsor section it should be there, when you click on the headings and a pop box with description appears. There should be the sponsor form link for you to print out and fill out. It’s basically saying you agree to financially look after your spouse for the two years or whatever the waiting time is, before they can get government assistance.

That’s awesome news, Sunseeker 20. Congratulations! 

5 hours ago, Aussiebird said:

Getting very frustrated waiting for visa grant!!!!!!!! DOL: 24/5/2019.

 

I see on here that applications lodged in May have had visa granted this month so keeping fingers crossed. 

 

With no RFI so far or any contact, I'm hoping it will be a straightforward grant (or at least a case officer is going through the application!!

 

This waiting is doing my head in!!

 

 

 

Me too and I’m in August but that May application gave me hope, it’s climbing up there. 

5 hours ago, lizaflann said:

Never thought this day would come! 
Husbands visa came through today.

Filed 5th April 2019.

Front loaded.

Currently in Australia on a tourist visa and will need to pop out for a week to then get it to trigger it apparently. This visa forum has been amazing and so reassuring :)

thank you all for keeping us all sane.

All the best for everyone

 

Congratulations!!! That’s awesome we have an April! Enjoy your new life in OZ! 

4 hours ago, Sync said:

Hi, just thought I'd introduce myself and say thanks to everyone who posts. I've shared your ups and downs on your various journeys and wanted to share my progress.

I'm the Brit. I've been married for 5 years with no kids. 

DOL: 2nd April 2019

Fully front-loaded with medical and police checks done at the same time (we read the automatic message saying we should get them done).

RFI: Today! (we hadn't attached a copy of my wife's birth certificate) - They wanted proof of French nationality by descent. 

Here's hoping that it doesn't take long to review now I've uploaded it!

Oh wow, another April! Congratulations!!! I’m sure it will be fast. 

Everyday I check for more people getting approved, it keeps me going. So greatful to everyone letting us know what months they’re getting through.

4 hours ago, Cabbageface said:

Just got an RFI! Kicking myself as it was the sponsor document I hadn’t yet submitted! 

Have submitted now, but relieved to see the application has been looked at. We front loaded all and have not used an agent. 

Submitted: 25th March

RFI: Jan 21

 

Congratulations! I’m sure once you submit it, you will get good news. 

Congratulations JoeMcC !!!! April is a fantastic time to be leaving, you will be able to take your kids to the Royal Easter show!

Hi, 

I haven’t used an agent either. 

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/form-listing/forms/888.pdf

“For the 888

If you are not an Australian citizen or permanent resident and you reside outside Australia, your statement cannot be considered a statutory declaration under Australian law, even if it is made using this form or the template provided by the Attorney-General’s Department. However, under policy, your statement should be witnessed or certified according to the legal practices of the country in which you make the statement. Failing that, it should be witnessed by a person whose occupation or qualification is comparable to those listed above. This person should sign, date and specify their occupation at the bottom of the statement.”

I personally can’t advise any further on that as I didn’t fill that form out. I gave them the names of a couple of our friends and their contact details. I think that might have been on the main form as I wasn’t going to do witness statements etc. I had lots of photos and emails to prove we are legit. 

I uploaded the police certificate right away and there was a request on the dashboard to make a medical appointment. However when I called immigration about a different question and mentioned I uploaded those things, I was asked did I get a letter requesting it as they only last 12 months. I don’t know what others have done. I applied in August 19 and in the process of applying for my security certificates (I didn’t realise) and will be uploading them, in the next few weeks. So I don’t think you need to get them done right at the start, though I think it’s best to get them submitted at least before the end. I have noticed when people get a RFI they are then waiting 3 or 4 weeks for the grant letter. For me, I want to avoid the RFI and not delay the grant, even though it’s just a few weeks. 

This forum is so helpful, and I also call immigration with a questions:

If you are calling from the Americas or Europe please call our Global Service Centre (GSC) located in Australia on +61 2 6196  0196, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm local time in your country. 

Hopefully others will chime in with what they have done.

20 hours ago, LobsterMobster said:

We shipped two dogs over on the direct Heathrow - Melbourne Qantas flight in late November, arranged through Golden Arrow. One of the dogs was elderly (13 1/2) and long-haired. We had no problems with either dog. 

20 hours ago, calNgary said:

We shipped a Bulldog cross puppy from Sydney to Brisbane with them a few years ago and pup arrived fine, no worries or complaints. 

Cal x

Thank you both for your experinces. Good to hear. 

On 15/01/2020 at 09:39, Ken said:

The saddest news for pet owners is that Qantas may overreact to this bad publicity by deciding to stop carrying pets (after all they can't be blamed for any pet deaths if they no longer carry them). Hopefully they merely correct their procedures to line up with what they should have been doing in the first place - but I can certainly see them taking the risk averse course.

Or hopefully they will revise the training their handlers have.