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Hello all. I am new here and this is my first post. I have been doing some research on my case and found it hard to get any positive answers. I am hoping to receive honest and sincere answers so I can be aware of what problems I may face. I'd appreciate your answers and comments. I am just going to give you an outline of the problems I am facing. I. substantial criminal record A. total of 8 arrests - 6 were possession of paraphernalia - 2 felony convictions B. served 1 year on a 4 year sentence II. Deported for the charges above These arrested were all drug related. No violent crimes or of that nature. I was an addict for a long time and just couldn't get off it. But now it's been 10 years since I have used any kind of drugs. And my last arrest was in 2002 on a violation of probation and got sentenced to state prison. After serving my time I was deported from the US on Nov. of 2003. I lived there for nearly 25 years, since I was a baby. Immigration didn't consider me as an american citizen because I was not born there and I didn't apply for citizenship. What I am hoping for is that DIAC considers the transition I have made in my life. 8 years ago I didn't have anything but a small luggage and the clothes on my back in a foreign land (S. Korea), and didn't even know how to speak the language. Now I have learned the language, got a descent job, own a 3 bedroom house, a car and a family with 2 kids. My criminal record will become an issue for me but I hope that they can consider the changes I have made. What do you think my chances are? Anyone with a similar case? result? Thanks

Hi Im looking into getting a visa for Australia, as my skills are currently in great demand and im sure i could get a job offer (I work in Advanced NDT/Welding Inspection) However i got a Drink Drive ban aged 22, a Drunken Disorderly aged 24 ... then when i was 32 i got a racially aggravated public order conviction (involved an argument in a bank over bank charges, judge said there was no racial aspect other then the bloke was a lovely Muslim), and finally a section 4 public order offence aged 34 (im now 36). The problem is the last conviction in that i was innocent and unbelievably got found guilty as it involved my word against 2 coppers as one of them punched me several times in the face whilst handcuffed so i refused to plead guilty to a lesses charge which would have got me a fine, i then refused to do community service so i got a 6 week jail sentence. Now my record is all for stupid little things but has anyone with a similar record got a visa or been refused a visa, ive called a couple of numbers of companies who arrange visas but the people on the phone have said youll find out when you apply ... which is fairly obvious. If anyone has insight id be grateful. PS I only want to work in OZ my job is a 3 week on week off rotation where i will live in SEA, which is the best visa to live this way.

Hi I'm new to the forums and would like some advice please. My defacto partner's company has offered him an engineering job in New South Wales. The boss has told him they're looking to get the ball rolling with the 457 visas straight after Christmas. We have a massive problem in that I have a sustantial criminal record with multiple convictions which includes a prison sentence of 15 months (served 7 1/2 months). I have not been in any sort of trouble for 15 years and have since turned my life around. I work, have been to uni and we have two little girls. I am well aware that I can't make this application without the help of an immigration lawyer, but I would really like to choose the very best one for the job. I have only one shot at this and need to get it right. On scanning these forums and the internet over the last couple of days, three names have stood out - Richard Gregan, Alan Collett and George Lombard. I have seen Alan Collett reccommend Richard Gregan on a similar thread so decided to ring him first. Unfortunately, he is out of the office until January. Next I rang GoMatilda and asked for Alan Collet, but he is out of the office for two days. I explained my prediciment to the lady there who was very helpful and suggested the best person for my case would be an agent named 'Sarah White' who resides in Australia. I'm a bit worried though as I can't find much info on her. With the other three agents there's a wealth of information and perhaps more importantly, lots of reccommendations out there. So what do I do? Do I wait for Richard Gregan to come back, go ahead with Sarah White or contact George Lombard? Any advice would be very much appreciated. Thank you. Claire.

I recently submitted our prospective marriage visa application and in just a few days, I was charged the £1000 which helped confirm that my application had been received. Today, I received the first email from our assigned Case Office who has requested some extra information and the medical check etc. One of their requests for information, though, has started my alarm bells ringing very loudly indeed and I now fear that the application may be in jeopardy. In 2003, I received a drink-driving charge complete with a heavy-handed custodial sentence of which just 8 weeks were served and the requirement to resit my driving test after three years. Since then, I have visited Australia on a number of occasions (and re-passed my driving test) but had not declared any criminal convictions on the landing card. I genuinely have no idea why I would have decided to do this - I've always been very open about this conviction as I feel it serves to remind people the seriousness of the offence - but, having read through a number of forum entries here, it would appear that this is going to have an extremely negative effect on the application process. The offense was declared on the 47SP application form and I included the ACPO report in with my initial application as, again, I am open about this conviction and new it would be required. My thinking in not declaring on the landing card must have been that I thought that things only need to be disclosed within a given period or it could be that I've just not paid enough attention when completing it - either way, though, this information is incorrect. Has anyone any experience of this (more than just the minor, old offenses often often posted about on here) - good or bad - or any advice on how I should proceed. My application was prepared and submitted by myself but I'm wondering if I should now seek legal advice? My Australian partner has now returned back to Australia and we were in the hope that my visa would be completed quickly so that I can rejoin her soon. Of course, we are now gravely worried about the situation.

Hi, Bit of a dodgy question, my husband had alot of problems when he was younger, his mother threw him out at the age of 9 and inevitabley he got into the wrong crowd. They fed him and let him sleep in their cars etc, but in return it turned out that he had to do 'favours' for them. He hasn't got a record for violence or anything, just was made drive without a license (was made to take someone somewhere), he hasn't done anything since I've met him, married him and had kids (he didn't need to), the thing he was convicted of was back in 1997. Will this stop him from being allowed into the country? If so, how long would we need to wait? Thanks for any advice, this is my main concern and is stressing me out!

What is deeemed a substantial criminal record, ive just ordered my police cert now and worrying a bit. Ive read the statement from the immigration fact sheet and I do not have any of these stated:- A person is deemed to have a substantial criminal record if they have been: sentenced to either death or life imprisonment sentenced to a term of imprisonment for 12 months or more sentenced to two or more terms of imprisonment (whether on one or more occasions), where the total of those terms is two years or more acquitted of an offence on the grounds of either unsoundness of mind or insanity and, as a result, the person has been detained in a facility or institution. but I do have a handful of minor offences including driving offences so I wondered if anyone knows if its the amount of offences or is it just whats stated above?? Has anyone hd any experience of going through the process and failing on this or has anyone had a checkered past and been granted a visa. PM me obviously as I dont want to cause embarrsment, Hope some one knows of something Thanks Sean

My employer wants to send me out to oz in a couple of months to visit our office in Melbourne. I'm pretty nervous about getting a visa as 16 years ago I was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment for possession with intent to supply a class A drug. I can obtain numerous charter references but not sure if this would affect the decision to grant me a visa? Any info you can offer is very welcome

Just thought i'd share this with you all........our 457 visa application was lodged on Thursday and was approved and granted on Tuesday ( 5 days ) can't believe it......we were told 4-6 weeks.......has anyone else experienced this wuick turnaround ? my head is spinning even more now ! roll on Feb 2012

The UK has sold the most poppys ever in remembrance of our fallen soldiers :notworthy: I have never seen so many people wearing the poppy this year and it was a fantastic effort for former soldiers in their 80s and 90s today at the Cenotaph standing tall and proud:notworthy:

Record broken today .....29.9c ......Gravesend

According to figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australia's trade surplus surged in August as exports of coal and other minerals increased despite concerns of a global slowdown. Shipments from Australia grew 8% from the previous month, while imports rose 3%, the ABS said. That resulted in a trade surplus of 3.1bn Australian dollars ($2.9bn; £1.9bn), the second-largest on record. The data comes amid concerns that fears of a slowdown may hurt demand for Australia's mineral exports. "Export volumes are really kicking along and that will be a big fillip for the economy in the quarter," said Brian Redican of Macquarie. Analysts said the fact that a huge amount of Australia's mineral shipments head to Asian economies has been a big factor in ensuring that its export sector sustains its momentum, despite global slowdown concerns. They said that as economies like India and China see more people move from rural to urban centres, the demand for minerals will continue to rise. "Both these countries have more than 1 billion people, and that is a big factor", said David Lennox of Fat Prophets As these countries undergo rapid urbanisation, they will also need to boost their power generation capacity in order to meet the increased demand for electricity. "That process is not dependent on what happens in the US or European economies," Mr Lennox said. He added that given these factors, exports of Australian minerals to the region will continue to grow.

It is sssoo hot :shocked: Saturday's glorious sunshine has meant three consecutive record-beating days. On Friday, Cambridge set a new record temperature for the hottest ever 30 September with 29.2C, beating the 27.8C set in Maidenhead, Berkshire, in 1908. And on Thursday Kew Gardens in west London set another record with 28.8C – the highest ever 29 September temperature, beating the mark of 27.8C set in York in 1985.

[WRAP]http://www.pomsinoz.com/images/Holiday.png[/WRAP]The strength of the Australian Dollar over the past few months has enabled a record number of Australians to travel overseas, according to the Expedia NAB Travellers Foreign Currency Rankings. Although the strength of the Aussie dollar has been tempered in the past couple of weeks, the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show overseas departures are close to record highs and had increased by 10 per cent in the seven months to July, compared with the same period last year. Marketing manager of Expedia, Amee Evans said Australian travellers were taking advantage of the strong dollar. "It's a very exciting time to be an Aussie travelling overseas because our currency is at near-record highs against, not just the US Dollar, but many of the world's major and minor currencies," she said. The Expedia NAB travellers' Foreign Currency rankings compared the Australian Dollar against the world's currencies over a 12-month period and the results revealed the 10 best value destinations for Australian travellers. BEST VALUE DESTINATIONS At number one for best value was Turkey, where the Australian Dollar has rose 22% against the Turkish Lira. Also high on the list for best value were the Tanzanian Shilling and the Argentine Peso which rose by 18% and 14% respectively. Australians wanting a tropical break have done well with Asia featuring strongly in the results. Vietnam and Thailand ranked third and fifth on the list while the Australian dollar grew by 16% against the Vietnamese Dong, 12% against the Thai Baht and 11% against the Hong Kong Dollar. The lowest gain for South East Asia was in Singapore where the Australian Dollar grew by just 3%. As a result of the strong dollar expedia searches for travel in Thailand were up by 73% and searches for travel in Vietnam have rose by 66%. The Australian Dollar had risen 10 per cent against the US Dollar in the last 12 months and although a continual favourite for Australian travellers it has only just scraped in to the top 10 list for best value. Despite not being the best for value a 44% increase has occurred for bookings to the USA. The most popular destinations were Honolulu, New York and Los Angeles. The report showed the Australian Dollar appreciating by 8% against the British Pound and 4% against the Euro but bookings through Expedia.com.au continued to rise for popular destinations London, Rome and Paris. In the past 12 months the Australian Dollar has lost 5% against the Swiss Franc and 2% against the New Zealand Dollar. Currency Strategist at National Australia Bank Emma Lawson said the resources boom and high commodity prices had benefit for the Australian Dollar. "The Australian Dollar has outperformed in the year as it benefits from the ongoing resource boom and high commodity prices. More recently it has been a little more volatile but we expect it to remain relatively strong across a broad range of currencies due to Australia's AAA status, and continued support from the resources sector," she said.

I really need some advice. Can some one please help. I would really love to move to Australia, and am trying desperately to get my partner to agree to such a move. However, there may be an issue regarding his past criminal hindering our chances. I am a qualified social worker and my partner is a qualified plumber and gas fitter,so between us we have enough points to pass the the skilled migration application. However, my partner has what the Australian authority's would call an extensive criminal record. My partners record was some twenty years ago when he was a teenager. Since coming out of prison 20 years ago he has turned his life around, taken himself to college, got himself a profession and remained a good citizen. We met 10 years ago. We have settled down and had a child together and he has mellowed over the years. He is very remorseful for the things he did as a teenager and knows that it has, and will affect his chances in life. Hence the question. Is it worth taking a chance and risk losing thousands of pounds making a joint application to emigrate, knowing we may get a refusal, or is it worth taking the risk? :confused::confused: Any advice would greatly be appreciated.

Hi all, I'm new to the forum and have come here for help. I'm an australian citizen living in the U.K. My husband was granted a permenant resident visa in 2007, since then he's been arrested and charged for criminal damage and common assault. He's awaiting sentancing. will he be able to return ans stay in australia with these charges? thanks in advance.

I sent off my nursing registration today, have been doing more research into the move to OZ. How do I go about getting my police check done that is suitable and accepted by australian government? Also what about the health checks? is it worth me doing all of this before I receive my registration... me is thinking ahead :goofy: thank you

The stated criteria for the character test is that you are ineligible for admission to Australia if you have been sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 12 months or more. My question is, does a suspended jail sentence count?

Hi people , I have a quick question about my working holiday visa . I was granted my visa back in February and plan to leave for Oz in January . Since I have been granted my visa I have got a criminal record , I wasn't sent to prison I was given a community order . Will this effect my visa and should I let anyone know about my record ? Would be grateful for any help ! Lee

Morning all I am applying for a partner visa and have all my forms etc ready to go. All i need to do is my Criminal Record Check, do i need to send that with it or do i wait and see if they ask me to send one? Any help would be Fab :-)

Hi,this is my first post...i have been reading for a while though. My question is i have been offered a job with 121 visa but it looks like i could get prosecuted for benefit fraud....a complete mistake on my part, failed to inform them when i got a wage increase.i have spoken to a solisitor and they have said that even though its a mistake, ignorance is no defence.he said i will probebly be prosecuted and get a fine. What will happen with the job???can i still work as a nurse in Oz with this conviction or should i just give up now???? Thanks.

Hi all, I have a police certificate from last year which has cam back as showing "No Live Trace" from what I understand this means that they do have some sort of information on you however it has been spent, Now, I hav absolutely no idea what it could be but would like to be able to explain it. Thanks

I am new to Poms in Oz and was wondering if someone out there would be able to help me? I am disgraced to say I have been fined for shoplifting in the year 2000 (no excuses I know, but it was a extremely low point in my life) I committed this offence in England and I live in Scotland. My partner, our son and I are looking to come over to Perth on a 176 visa and I am so worried that this prevent us from doing so.:cry: Would this be on my Police ACRO check? Would this mean I would not be allowed into Oz or to apply for permenant residency?:cry: (We will be absolutely devistated if we cant)

Hi I have a current CRB check that was issued in december 2009, i have no convictions. I am in the process of applying for my partner visa to migrate to Australia. I was wondering if anyone could tell me if they will accept my CRB even tho it was issued in 2009? Or will i need to get a new one? Also what level of check they will want? Many thanks :cool:

got our case officer and doing our meds i have a criminal record from 1998 our agent said not to worry but it is always at the back of your mind didnt do any jail time but community service it was serious assualt any one else got in with the same charge:frown:

Im planning on flying out to australia later this year.. but its just occured to me that a criminal record i was stupid enough to get 20 years ago might actually scupper my plans.. it wasnt anything major i was charged with aiding and abetting a burglary (how embarrassing) i recieved a £500 fine... could this prevent me from getting a visa.. i believe the one i want is called an ETA visa as i will only be staying 3 weeks.... im going out of my mind with worry.... can anybody advise me on this matter... i was told by a mate to phone the australian embassy to tell them, but im far too embarrassed to talk openly about it... sorry i didnt introduce myself... im clare and new to these forums...