sedgecl Posted January 3, 2010 Share Posted January 3, 2010 Hi Sedgecl, You're in exactly the right place ! Welcome to the thread. I'll put you in the next update. Caroline Thank you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest The "legdes" Posted January 3, 2010 Share Posted January 3, 2010 Latest Update Happy New Year - Lets hope we're all in Oz by the end of 2010 !!! What a New Year Party we could have then. Well not long since my last update but we have some new comers, some updates from oldies and some questions and facts etc so I thought I’d do one anyway. No grants since our last update but hey its been Christmas ! Some Questions for people: Gforce2001 - Taylors08 -Kellyandgazpj- xxxx77777 - Are we upto date with you are you still checking this thread? Still now news guys - you must be geting fed up the wait ? MEET UP It was great to see Paddy and family at the monthly meet up. We’ve made some good friends from there. If you land though and the next meet seems ages off PM me and I’ll give you my mobile number so we can fix something else up. Flying Out /Landing 9 of us have arrived. Not sure where we all are staying/living. I know 2 or 3 of us are in Hallett Cove, some in Port Nourlanga and some further North near Henley Beach. If you don’t mind guys can you update us with where you are..it could help to keep in touch and to make friends ? Dawny – arrived Sept 09 ?? MelR – 8/9 to Singapore, 5 nights stay, arrived in Adelaide 16/9, Living in Hallett Cove Obedoh - 20/9...arrived 22/9 Ledges – arrived 21/9 (Singapore Airlines,16/9 Heathrow, 3nights in Sing), Living in Hallett Cove Paddy – arrived Oct 2009, Staying in Fulham Gardens XShazX – arrived 26th Nov from Glasgow Damo – due to arrive Feb 2010 JimmyT – arrived 24/11 Sowters – Due to arrive 28/1/10 Rob and Mel – arrived 6/11/09 Tigers08 – arrived 29/9/09 Briggs – Due to arrive 1st Feb 2010 Dan – Due to arrive Feb 2010 Chidge10 – Due to arrive April 2010 L1sa – Due to land 2010 TraceyT – Due to arrive 29/6/10 Some info about Singapore airport You can leave luggage there so it may be useful to pack a separate case for you stop over. There are lockers where you can charge mobiles, laptops etc etc. There are also chairs which you can lie down on in the airport (no charge), you can hire hotel rooms by the hour at the airport ……anyone else have any more hints and tips ?? One specific question : Does anyone know what happens when you are not doing a stop over at Singapore but change planes and have a shortish stay ? Do your bags get automatically transferred from one plane to the other or do you have to get them from a carousel and recheck them in again ? Analysis: We currently have 38 subscribers to this thread. Of those 3 are waiting to hear from SA. The remaining 33 apps have been granted SS which really is great news. SA govt are sooo good ! 13 visas in total have been granted that’s roughly 40% of all our apps to DIAC. 20 apps are currently with DIAC. ColourKey: VISA GRANTED (I’ve changed the colour on request from Dan…is this better ??) CO allocated Waiting for a CO Waiting for SA May have dropped off this thread. Removed if no updates or posts in 3 months SS Apps Impatient – SS lodged 28/8/09. Any update yet Impatient ? Sedgecl (The Mather clan) TRA Sent 19/10/09 Apprroved 3/12/09 SS SA Online App 10/12/09 Kaola09 TRA approved 9/12/09, lodged SA SS and documents met on 31/12/09. Name ____Visa, SA DATE, FL, DIAC LODGE, 2 mth, DIAC CO, VISA date/Days Obedoh (Jackie and Duncan) ....CO 24/10/08, Med 11/08, Grant 6/4/09. Flew out 20/9/09 Rhodieboy ...475 ..SS granted 29/1/09, DIAC Lodged 05/02/09 no progress in 6.5 months (according to DIAC targets should have had a CO 15/4 !!) COME ON DIAC ! CO 29/7 ,Meds done 24/8…waiting again THE SOWTERS SS app 27/03….SS granted 15/05…..DIAC 9Form1100) sent 10/06……awaiting CO, meds booked for 26/8. (according to DIAC targets should have a CO 20/8) Visa granted 21/9. Fly 28/1/10 Chidge10- 176 ..24/4...(FL)..................24/6.......CO 25/5 visa granted 2/7/09 Mel R - ...................28/4.......................28/6.......CO 14/5...Visa 19/5 (21 days), arrived Sept 09. JackyL..........................29/4..................29/6......CO 14/5 (16 days).. 3 months ago…hopefully JackyL may have their visa by now..any update anyone ??? Tigers08 - ..................30/4.........(FL)....30/6... CO 13/5....VISA 15/5 (15 days). Arrived in Oz 29/9. Dawny - 176 ...........30/4.......................30/6...CO 27/5 .. Visa grant 2/7 (37 days from co allocation - included meds being done etc, 62 days since ss) Ledges- 176 ......4/5 ...(07/07, FL&met)....4/7.... DIAC rec'd SS 5/5 no progress for 54 days then straight to grant on 1/7. Flying out 16/9. GForce2001.......14/5..............................14/7.... no progress in 3 months (according to DIAC service target limits should have had a co by 27/7) Any update Gforce2001 ???? L1sa .................15/5.............................15/7..... CO 27/5 (12 days)..31 days ago grant 10/7 ( 58 days from SS). Flying out permanently 2010 Briggs - 475.......15/5....not FL .............15/7.. CO 20/5 (6 days).... visa granted, flying out Feb 2010. Taylors08....176...15/5.........................15/7....CO 26/5 (11 days)..3 months ago –anyone have an update on this ? Paddy..................18/5..........................18/7...CO 27/5 (9 days)... 29 days ago visa grant 1/7 (43 days from ss) passports returned 10/7. house sold 7/8. Flew out 18/10/09. Merlino.475........SA 18/5..(Did Not Front Loaded Meds/PCs) when SS was sent to DIAC, Visa App Lodged with DIAC 23/06/09.....DIACs initial SS 2 months up on 23/8...no progress in 42 days (according to DIAC service target limits should have a co by 23/8 - 2months plus 10 days from SS sent to DIAC) Updated 28/7. CO ALLOCATED ON 24 AUG Kelly&gazpj........21/5...........................21/7....CO 1/6 (10 days).. anyone know about These guys ?? XShazx ..176......22/5...........................22/7...CO 8/6 ( 18 days)....25 days ago...VISA GRANTED 23/7. Arrived in Adelaide 24/11 xxxx77777..175-6..28/5.........................28/7...no progress – anyone have an update ?? (according to DIAC service target limits should have a co by 10/8) Damo ......Paper app....29/5.......(not fl).......29/7... SS accepted by DIAC 1/6 CO 28/7 (2 months). Meds 7/8. (according to DIAC service target limits should have a co by 11/8), Visa granted 4/9/09. Flying out in Feb 2010 VickyMel Applied for Vict SS July 09, approved Oct 09, Non CSL, waiting JUSTIN JIANG – lodged 12/7/09, SS 2/9/09….WAITING FOR CO Ponnuvarun 176 …….SA app 16/7………………SA approved 28/7…….awaiting CO TraceyT SS app 23/7/09, ss granted 4/8/09, CO 17/8, meds 18/9, pc 5/9, visa granted 11/12/09 Needingtogo...SA 22/7…………….SA approved 4/8……CO 18/8 (14 days from SA approval) well within the DIAC service targets. Meds 6/9. Dan77 - Lodged 12/7....SA recd docs 27/7.....SA Approved 05/08 (10 days)...CO 1/9, meds 4/9/09, visa granted 16/12/09. Jason brickie - SS 29/7 ...rec'd SA 6/8....awaiting CO Maggieandrich - ..meds July 09...Visa app to DIAC 2/9. Awaiting CO Ozi8will – SS applied for 13/8 docs rec’d 31/8, Rob and Mel – 175 lodged 9/8/09, Meds 12/8, SS 8/9, CO 9/9, Visa Granted 7/9/09. Fly out 6/11/09. June Pixie – SS lodged 18/8, granted 8/9. CO 20/9. ISBC1976 – ss lodged 14/9/09, granted 11/11, awaiting CO. Teresa01 – SA ss lodged 09/09/09, granted 06/10. TopTurner SA SS granted 6/10 Shirazeram – SA SS lodged 9/09, approved Nov 09, Keith&Ju – SA SS lodged 6/11 Some Things Some of Us have learned Since Arriving (New ones First – to kill any boredom !): UK Bank Accounts If you are leaving a UK bank account open there’s a form you need to fill in and hand into your bank….I’ll find out what number etc and update when I do. I think this helps with the tax situation in Oz. Anyone else know it ?? Ambulance Cover – You will have to pay for ambulances so everyone I’ve met, Pomms and Ozzies have ambulance cover. Apparently its only about $60 for the whole family and is provided by St John’s Ambulance …I think you can do it online…I’m going to try today..so will let you know . Medical Ins – Anyone taken any additional private cover out in addition to Medicare ? I need to do this in the next few days so any hints/tips would be great. Vaccinations Get your small kids vaccinations up to date and bring proof with you as you can claim the equivalent of a type of Child Benefit to help with child care (about 50% back which at around $50 per day is quite a lot) …but they won’t pay it if your vacs aren’t complete and they will need proof. SS and Immigration - if you don’t use the meet and greet you need to pop into 55 Currie Street (right in the middle of Adelaide) with your passport and fill in a form….even if you’ve already gone through immi, got your drivers licence, tax ref, employment and are paying tax etc etc. Only the principal applicant needs to go though so not too bad and it only takes 10 mins. CAR PARKING – display tickets on the passenger side or you’ll get a fine. We got one but rang in, faxed a copy of our parking ticket so they could see we’d paid and thankfully they waived it. Be warned apparently they take photos to support what they see. SPEED CAMERAs – watch out when you arrive especially around the airport, the limits change and you can easily get caught out…some of our friends did. CARS We wish people had told us to consider bringing our people carrier...we're pretty sure that it would have saved us thousands of dollars. Second hand cars keep there value really well over here. - You also have to pay stamp duty and registration fees when you but a car, so keep this in mind. We too wish we had brought our people carrier. Sold ours for peanuts and worth 3 to 4 times more here TRADES : Plasterers, tilers, brickies, hairdressers etc etc(as well as the expected plumbers and sparkies) need to be licenced...in addition to TRA etc Brickies The MBA in Adlelaide CBD are really helpful re getting your licenses. Mechanical/production engineers don't though. MOBILES Its probably worth buying an unlocked handset from Singapore or even the UK. Our friends did and got it for about half price as a result...we wish we had too now - doh. On arrival you can only register for pay as you go for the first month, we think a good package is the one provided by "Lebara" a new company with very reasonable international charges...limited handsets though so shop in Singapore ! Totally agree - I am using my UK phone with a Telstra sim in - works fine, Yes unlocked both our phones before we came and using Telstra, they do deals depending on the amount purchased MEDICARE - you need a perm address and your passports, fill in one form for the whole family. You can use a C/O address (a friend/relative etc)We used the holiday rental address for this TAX REF Registration - can be done online PETROL - this is bizzare and I don't quite believe it..but its true. Petrol is a lot dearer on Thurs, Fri and I think Mondays and poss Tues...there are cheap petrol days through out the state..its worth asking a local...it goes up by about 15 -20p per litre ??!! We didn't find out until we'd already filled up with $84 worth - doh! If you shop in Woolworths on the end of each till receipt you will get a 4 cents off a litre if you but your petrol in a Caltex / Woolworths garage. you will also get offers for petrol on your woolies reward card. Petrol sooooo cheap!!!!! Clothes: Wish we had brought more childrens clothes in different sizes with us and adult ones come to that, not very good choice, poor quality, expensive what I have seen so far. Car Seats - wish we had brought them with us. Everyone said UK ones not legal here, so got rid of 3 nearly brand new ones. Asked for car seats for the hire car and they gave us a booster seat and a gracco type car seat, same as in UK. After looking in other peoples cars at childrens seats, a lot seem to be the same. Really don't know what to believe regarding this. Think to be legal the full car seats need a rear strap which fits to an anchor point fitted to the car. Boosters though …well they must be alright - how can they not be ??? Seems boosters are OK if you don’t just use a lap seat belt…but check it out for yourselves. Car Batteries – If you have any probs with a car battery the RAA will replace and fit them for you and provide a 2yr warrantee which an Ozzie friend of ours has used so recommends it. On a good note too. we have found good prices for wine and have just bought a load of electricals from the Good Guys warehouse and feel that the price we paid was very good. Finances, pensions etc - you have 6 months to do something about pensions, shares etc before your growth in funds is taxable (FIF Tax). You can transfer some pension funds into Oz ones and so not get taxed. The Oz tax year is July to June. You have to employ an accountant to do your tax return each year. Inland Revenue - if you have your P45 you can inform them of your departure and claim any tax rebates before you leave. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
briggs Posted January 4, 2010 Share Posted January 4, 2010 Hi, Me and my partner are due to touch down in Adelaide on the 1st Feb 2010. We have applied for both meet and greet and OAA Services, that SA provides. We applied for this 4 weeks ago, but have not heard anything back. What are the chances of getting this accommodation? We are just looking for a 1 bedroom apartment, close to, or in the cbd area. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
koala09 Posted January 4, 2010 Share Posted January 4, 2010 Thank you for adding us to the list fingers crossed you can move us up soon. K Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest The Sowters Posted January 4, 2010 Share Posted January 4, 2010 Briggs, Hi, we applied for the On Arrival stuff back in End September and have just been given the go-ahead and are awaiting the address we'll be staying at. We fly 28th, landing 30th. All seems to be fitting in OK. 4 weeks seems a long time for no communication from them as they have been prompt with all applications and enquirys we've had. I'd give them a nudge if I were you, this seems to be a general rule of thumb for immigration stuff, Good luck Mark, Tan n Em Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest katypritchard Posted January 4, 2010 Share Posted January 4, 2010 :-( I don't know whether to just give up now!! we applied for our state sponsorship, got it, applied for the visa, it's been acknowledged, they have never acknowledge receipt of the supporting documents deposit numerous emails so I sent them again and uploaded them, still nothing....a little fed up to say the least. I know with the econonomic slow down there is a problem with the visa's but an acknowledgement just so you know you are on the right track can't be that hard can it???? :-( Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dan77 Posted January 5, 2010 Share Posted January 5, 2010 Hi All, An update from my side...I am coming to Aus in 1st week of March'10 probably on 3rd March. Hoping to meet some of u there... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sedgecl Posted January 8, 2010 Share Posted January 8, 2010 Hi Our State Sponsership for SA was approved today. Can you please up date my details please. It only took 4 weeks....Can't believe it came through so quick. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JHN5 Posted January 8, 2010 Share Posted January 8, 2010 I've pasted in our timeframe below. Our timeframe: 2 adults, 3 children (11,10,8) Vettasses Dec 08 Applied for SA SS Apr 09 received Jun 09 IELTS Jun 09 Visa Applied for Jul 09 C Officer appointed Aug 09 Meds/PC Sep 09 Visa Granted Dec 09 Aiming to move at the end of the school year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest The "legdes" Posted January 8, 2010 Share Posted January 8, 2010 Hi Sedgecl, That's fantastic news....you're definatley one step closer now ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest The "legdes" Posted January 8, 2010 Share Posted January 8, 2010 Hi Katy and everyone else who's feeling like this (probably all of you if you are anything like we were), Hang in there , just try and keep faith that you will get here in the end. If you can really believe you'll get here it will make all the waiting go so much easier. Its even worth all the hastles and stress in the end...we were on the beach yesterday afternoon (again)enjoying 40C ...I was floating around looking back to shore thinking we used to save up all year for 14 days of this ! Caroline :-( I don't know whether to just give up now!! we applied for our state sponsorship, got it, applied for the visa, it's been acknowledged, they have never acknowledge receipt of the supporting documents deposit numerous emails so I sent them again and uploaded them, still nothing....a little fed up to say the least. I know with the econonomic slow down there is a problem with the visa's but an acknowledgement just so you know you are on the right track can't be that hard can it???? :-( Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paddy Posted January 9, 2010 Share Posted January 9, 2010 Hi all just a quicky just returned home from a bbq at the ledges house in Hallett Cove with new friends and what I deemed the perfect Aussie day, good company, good food and drink, good weather the only thing missing was a pool and thats on order what more can you ask for this is why we are all here, come and join the party all the best to everyone waiting it is definitly worth the wait ( thanks Alan & Caroline see you in the week) cheers Paddy, Michelle, Molly, Poppy and aussie bump:jiggy: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest dream Posted January 9, 2010 Share Posted January 9, 2010 hi JHN5 sir, same timelines with me as well.but what is ur visa subclass? which team of CO was allocated for you/ can u pl tell occupation and country u have applied? i m so worried since i have sent everything n just waitin for the visa thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
briggs Posted January 12, 2010 Share Posted January 12, 2010 Hi, Me (29) and my husband (28) will be migrating to Adelaide, we are due to arrive on the 1st Feb 2010, and we would like to meet you guys. When and where is the next meet up? Can't wait!!! x Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
koala09 Posted January 25, 2010 Share Posted January 25, 2010 Hi All, Just to let you know we were granted our state sponsorship today. Thats only 25 days, we were really shocked at how quick it was processed. Lets hope the visa's are as quick ey..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest The "legdes" Posted January 25, 2010 Share Posted January 25, 2010 Fantastic news....well done you ! You'll be here before you know it ! Caroline Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest The "legdes" Posted January 25, 2010 Share Posted January 25, 2010 Briggs, Can't wait to meet you .The next monthly meet will be the first Sunday in Feb...this Sunday !! (OMG). Print the directions off before you leave the UK if you can just incase you end up internetless. I'll also PM you my mob and home phone. Ring me. Caroline Caroline Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest The "legdes" Posted January 26, 2010 Share Posted January 26, 2010 Hi Sowters, Not long now ..WOOP WOOOP !!!....do get in touch when you arrive or if you need anything. Caroline Briggs, Hi, we applied for the On Arrival stuff back in End September and have just been given the go-ahead and are awaiting the address we'll be staying at. We fly 28th, landing 30th. All seems to be fitting in OK. 4 weeks seems a long time for no communication from them as they have been prompt with all applications and enquirys we've had. I'd give them a nudge if I were you, this seems to be a general rule of thumb for immigration stuff, Good luck Mark, Tan n Em Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest The "legdes" Posted January 26, 2010 Share Posted January 26, 2010 Well guys it won’t be long before you’re all out here. Once the stress and pressure is off …and its not you waiting, its really easy to see how things move along at a regular pace. I know that it doesn’t seem like that when you are in the queue…but just look at those people who this time last year had been waiting for 9 months plus (including us) and are now here….or about to be. Sedgecl and Kaola09 have been granted their state sponsorship…excellent news. Congratulations guys ! We’ve had no visa grants since our last update but hey its been Christmas etc ….this happened last year….what’s the bets there’ll be a rush of grants in March and July ? Some Questions for people: Dream…can we have a few of your details please…application dates etc etc. MEET UP It was great to see Paddy and family at the monthly meet up. We’ve made some good friends from there. If you land though and the next meet seems ages off PM me and I’ll give you my mobile number so we can fix something else up. Next meet is this Sunday 31/1….same time same place…check out the POMSINADELAIDE site for details…it’s a sticky thread in the socializing forum. We have people from that site coming who aren’t on this thread…so more new people to make contact with Flying Out /Landing 9 of us have already arrived (I’ve put them in green). The next few weeks are busy ones for arrivals with Damo, Sowters and Briggs all coming. Isn’t that just great ! Can’t wait to meet you guys…be sure to get in touch. I’m still not sure where we all are staying/living. I know 2 or 3 of us are in Hallett Cove, some in Port Nouralanga and some further North near Henley Beach. If you don’t mind guys can you PM me with where you are and your contact details – I’ll not share them without your permission. It would help us to keep in touch when we arrange ad hoc get togethers and would help new arrivals. Dawny – arrived Sept 09 MelR – 8/9 to Singapore, 5 nights stay, arrived in Adelaide 16/9, Living in Hallett Cove Obedoh - 20/9...arrived 22/9…but I think they are now back in the UK. Ledges – arrived 21/9 (Singapore Airlines,16/9 Heathrow, 3nights in Sing), Living in Hallett Cove Paddy – arrived Oct 2009, Staying in Fulham Gardens XShazX – arrived 26th Nov from Glasgow, living in Nouralanga JimmyT – arrived 24/11 Rob and Mel – arrived 6/11/09 Tigers08 – arrived 29/9/09 Damo – due to arrive Feb 2010 Sowters – Due to arrive 28/1/10 Briggs – Due to arrive 1st Feb 2010 Dan77 – Due to arrive 3/3/2010 Chidge10 – Due to arrive April 2010 L1sa – Due to land 2010 TraceyT – Due to arrive 29/6/10 Some info about Singapore airport You can leave luggage there so it may be useful to pack a separate case for you stop over. There are lockers where you can charge mobiles, laptops etc etc. There are also chairs which you can lie down on in the airport (no charge), you can hire hotel rooms by the hour at the airport ……anyone else have any more hints and tips ?? One specific question : Does anyone know what happens when you are not doing a stop over at Singapore but change planes and have a shortish stay ? Do your bags get automatically transferred from one plane to the other or do you have to get them from a carousel and recheck them in again ? Analysis: We currently have 40 subscribers to this thread. Of those 1 is waiting to hear from SA..2 have heard since my last update. SA seem to be continuing to turn applications around quickly…good on yer SA ! The remaining 39 apps have been granted SS which really is great news. SA govt are sooo good ! 16 visas in total have been granted that’s roughly 40% of all our apps to DIAC. 23 apps are currently with DIAC. If you know you have a case officer can you let me know. ColourKey: VISA GRANTED (I’ve changed the colour on request from Dan…is this better ??) CO allocated Waiting for a CO Waiting for SA May have dropped off this thread. SS Apps Impatient – SS lodged 28/8/09. Any update yet Impatient ? Name ____Visa, SA DATE, FL, DIAC LODGE, 2 mth, DIAC CO, VISA date/Days Obedoh (Jackie and Duncan) ....CO 24/10/08, Med 11/08, Grant 6/4/09. Flew out 20/9/09 Rhodieboy ...475 ..SS granted 29/1/09, DIAC Lodged 05/02/09 no progress in 6.5 months (according to DIAC targets should have had a CO 15/4 !!) COME ON DIAC ! CO 29/7 ,Meds done 24/8…waiting again THE SOWTERS SS app 27/03….SS granted 15/05…..DIAC 9Form1100) sent 10/06……awaiting CO, meds booked for 26/8. (according to DIAC targets should have a CO 20/8) Visa granted 21/9. Fly 28/1/10 Chidge10- 176 ..24/4...(FL)..................24/6.......CO 25/5 visa granted 2/7/09 Mel R - ...................28/4.......................28/6.......CO 14/5...Visa 19/5 (21 days), arrived Sept 09. JackyL..........................29/4..................29/6......CO 14/5 (16 days).. 3 months ago…hopefully JackyL may have their visa by now..any update anyone ??? Tigers08 - ..................30/4.........(FL)....30/6... CO 13/5....VISA 15/5 (15 days). Arrived in Oz 29/9. Dawny - 176 ...........30/4.......................30/6...CO 27/5 .. Visa grant 2/7 (37 days from co allocation - included meds being done etc, 62 days since ss) Ledges- 176 ......4/5 ...(07/07, FL&met)....4/7.... DIAC rec'd SS 5/5 no progress for 54 days then straight to grant on 1/7. Flying out 16/9. GForce2001.......14/5..............................14/7.... no progress in 3 months (according to DIAC service target limits should have had a co by 27/7) Any update Gforce2001 ???? L1sa .................15/5.............................15/7..... CO 27/5 (12 days)..31 days ago grant 10/7 ( 58 days from SS). Flying out permanently 2010 Briggs - 475.......15/5....not FL .............15/7.. CO 20/5 (6 days).... visa granted, flying out Feb 2010. Taylors08....176...15/5.........................15/7....CO 26/5 (11 days)..3 months ago –anyone have an update on this ? Paddy..................18/5..........................18/7...CO 27/5 (9 days)... 29 days ago visa grant 1/7 (43 days from ss) passports returned 10/7. house sold 7/8. Flew out 18/10/09. Merlino.475........SA 18/5..(Did Not Front Loaded Meds/PCs) when SS was sent to DIAC, Visa App Lodged with DIAC 23/06/09.....DIACs initial SS 2 months up on 23/8...no progress in 42 days (according to DIAC service target limits should have a co by 23/8 - 2months plus 10 days from SS sent to DIAC) Updated 28/7. CO ALLOCATED ON 24 AUG Kelly&gazpj........21/5...........................21/7....CO 1/6 (10 days).. anyone know about These guys ?? I think they may have arrived and be in Hallett Cove ?? XShazx ..176......22/5...........................22/7...CO 8/6 ( 18 days)....25 days ago...VISA GRANTED 23/7. Arrived in Adelaide 24/11 xxxx77777..175-6..28/5.........................28/7...no progress – anyone have an update ?? (according to DIAC service target limits should have a co by 10/8) Damo ......Paper app....29/5.......(not fl).......29/7... SS accepted by DIAC 1/6 CO 28/7 (2 months). Meds 7/8. (according to DIAC service target limits should have a co by 11/8), Visa granted 4/9/09. Flying out in Feb 2010 VickyMel Applied for Vict SS July 09, approved Oct 09, Non CSL, waiting JUSTIN JIANG – lodged 12/7/09, SS 2/9/09….WAITING FOR CO Ponnuvarun 176 …….SA app 16/7………………SA approved 28/7…….awaiting CO TraceyT SS app 23/7/09, ss granted 4/8/09, CO 17/8, meds 18/9, pc 5/9, visa granted 11/12/09 Needingtogo...SA 22/7…………….SA approved 4/8……CO 18/8 (14 days from SA approval) well within the DIAC service targets. Meds 6/9. Dan77 - Lodged 12/7....SA recd docs 27/7.....SA Approved 05/08 (10 days)...CO 1/9, meds 4/9/09, visa granted 16/12/09. JHN5 - Vettasses Dec 08, Applied for SA SS Apr 09 received Jun 09, IELTS Jun 09, Visa Applied for Jul 09, C Officer appointed Aug 09, Meds/PC Sep 09, Visa Granted Dec 09….Aiming to move at the end of the school year. Dream - ???? Jason brickie - SS 29/7 ...rec'd SA 6/8....awaiting CO Maggieandrich - ..meds July 09...Visa app to DIAC 2/9. Awaiting CO Ozi8will – SS applied for 13/8 docs rec’d 31/8, Rob and Mel – 175 lodged 9/8/09, Meds 12/8, SS 8/9, CO 9/9, Visa Granted 7/9/09. Fly out 6/11/09. June Pixie – SS lodged 18/8, granted 8/9. CO 20/9. ISBC1976 – ss lodged 14/9/09, granted 11/11, awaiting CO. Teresa01 – SA ss lodged 09/09/09, granted 06/10. TopTurner SA SS granted 6/10 Shirazeram – SA SS lodged 9/09, approved Nov 09, Sedgecl (The Mather clan) TRA Sent 19/10/09 Approved 3/12/09 SS SA Online App 10/12/09, approved 8/1/10, DIAC lodged 11/1 Kaola09 TRA approved 9/12/09, lodged SA SS and documents met on 31/12/09, ss approved 25/1 Keith&Ju – SA SS lodged 6/11 Some Things Some of Us have learned Since Arriving (New ones First – to kill any boredom !): UK Bank Accounts If you are leaving a UK bank account open there’s a form you need to fill in and hand into your bank….I’ll find out what number etc and update when I do. I think this helps with the tax situation in Oz. Anyone else know it ?? Ambulance Cover – You will have to pay for ambulances so everyone I’ve met, Pomms and Ozzies have ambulance cover. Apparently its only about $60 for the whole family and is provided by St John’s Ambulance …I think you can do it online…I’m going to try today..so will let you know . Medical Ins – Anyone taken any additional private cover out in addition to Medicare ? I need to do this in the next few days so any hints/tips would be great. Vaccinations Get your small kids vaccinations up to date and bring proof with you as you can claim the equivalent of a type of Child Benefit to help with child care (about 50% back which at around $50 per day is quite a lot) …but they won’t pay it if your vacs aren’t complete and they will need proof. SS and Immigration - if you don’t use the meet and greet you need to pop into 55 Currie Street (right in the middle of Adelaide) with your passport and fill in a form….even if you’ve already gone through immi, got your drivers licence, tax ref, employment and are paying tax etc etc. Only the principal applicant needs to go though so not too bad and it only takes 10 mins. CAR PARKING – display tickets on the passenger side or you’ll get a fine. We got one but rang in, faxed a copy of our parking ticket so they could see we’d paid and thankfully they waived it. Be warned apparently they take photos to support what they see. SPEED CAMERAs – watch out when you arrive especially around the airport, the limits change and you can easily get caught out…some of our friends did. CARS We wish people had told us to consider bringing our people carrier...we're pretty sure that it would have saved us thousands of dollars. Second hand cars keep there value really well over here. - You also have to pay stamp duty and registration fees when you but a car, so keep this in mind. We too wish we had brought our people carrier. Sold ours for peanuts and worth 3 to 4 times more here TRADES : Plasterers, tilers, brickies, hairdressers etc etc(as well as the expected plumbers and sparkies) need to be licenced...in addition to TRA etc Brickies The MBA in Adlelaide CBD are really helpful re getting your licenses. Mechanical/production engineers don't though. MOBILES Its probably worth buying an unlocked handset from Singapore or even the UK. Our friends did and got it for about half price as a result...we wish we had too now - doh. On arrival you can only register for pay as you go for the first month, we think a good package is the one provided by "Lebara" a new company with very reasonable international charges...limited handsets though so shop in Singapore ! Totally agree - I am using my UK phone with a Telstra sim in - works fine, Yes unlocked both our phones before we came and using Telstra, they do deals depending on the amount purchased MEDICARE - you need a perm address and your passports, fill in one form for the whole family. You can use a C/O address (a friend/relative etc)We used the holiday rental address for this TAX REF Registration - can be done online PETROL - this is bizzare and I don't quite believe it..but its true. Petrol is a lot dearer on Thurs, Fri and I think Mondays and poss Tues...there are cheap petrol days through out the state..its worth asking a local...it goes up by about 15 -20p per litre ??!! We didn't find out until we'd already filled up with $84 worth - doh! If you shop in Woolworths on the end of each till receipt you will get a 4 cents off a litre if you but your petrol in a Caltex / Woolworths garage. you will also get offers for petrol on your woolies reward card. Petrol sooooo cheap!!!!! Clothes: Wish we had brought more childrens clothes in different sizes with us and adult ones come to that, not very good choice, poor quality, expensive what I have seen so far. Car Seats - wish we had brought them with us. Everyone said UK ones not legal here, so got rid of 3 nearly brand new ones. Asked for car seats for the hire car and they gave us a booster seat and a gracco type car seat, same as in UK. After looking in other peoples cars at childrens seats, a lot seem to be the same. Really don't know what to believe regarding this. Think to be legal the full car seats need a rear strap which fits to an anchor point fitted to the car. Boosters though …well they must be alright - how can they not be ??? Seems boosters are OK if you don’t just use a lap seat belt…but check it out for yourselves. Car Batteries – If you have any probs with a car battery the RAA will replace and fit them for you and provide a 2yr warrantee which an Ozzie friend of ours has used so recommends it. On a good note too. we have found good prices for wine and have just bought a load of electricals from the Good Guys warehouse and feel that the price we paid was very good. Finances, pensions etc - you have 6 months to do something about pensions, shares etc before your growth in funds is taxable (FIF Tax). You can transfer some pension funds into Oz ones and so not get taxed. The Oz tax year is July to June. You have to employ an accountant to do your tax return each year. Inland Revenue - if you have your P45 you can inform them of your departure and claim any tax rebates before you leave. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest The "legdes" Posted January 27, 2010 Share Posted January 27, 2010 Sowters, Can you give me a ring...I know you're about to leave but I have an important message for you. Caroline Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Mel.R Posted January 27, 2010 Share Posted January 27, 2010 I have added a few notes again in pink!!!!! Some Things Some of Us have learned Since Arriving (New ones First – to kill any boredom !): UK Bank Accounts If you are leaving a UK bank account open there’s a form you need to fill in and hand into your bank….I’ll find out what number etc and update when I do. I think this helps with the tax situation in Oz. Anyone else know it ?? Ambulance Cover – You will have to pay for ambulances so everyone I’ve met, Pomms and Ozzies have ambulance cover. Apparently its only about $60 for the whole family and is provided by St John’s Ambulance …I think you can do it online…I’m going to try today..so will let you know . Medical Ins – Anyone taken any additional private cover out in addition to Medicare ? I need to do this in the next few days so any hints/tips would be great. We have our medical insurance and ambo cover together with Mutual Community. For the 4 of us it works out to $75 per month, this is including the rebate from medicare that you get if you have private cover. Also if you get Medicare you are entitled to a dental voucher for teenagers for their dental care. I didn't know this and a voucher turned up in the mail today for up to a value of $157 to be used during 2010!!! Vaccinations Get your small kids vaccinations up to date and bring proof with you as you can claim the equivalent of a type of Child Benefit to help with child care (about 50% back which at around $50 per day is quite a lot) …but they won’t pay it if your vacs aren’t complete and they will need proof. SS and Immigration - if you don’t use the meet and greet you need to pop into 55 Currie Street (right in the middle of Adelaide) with your passport and fill in a form….even if you’ve already gone through immi, got your drivers licence, tax ref, employment and are paying tax etc etc. Only the principal applicant needs to go though so not too bad and it only takes 10 mins. CAR PARKING – display tickets on the passenger side or you’ll get a fine. We got one but rang in, faxed a copy of our parking ticket so they could see we’d paid and thankfully they waived it. Be warned apparently they take photos to support what they see. SPEED CAMERAs – watch out when you arrive especially around the airport, the limits change and you can easily get caught out…some of our friends did. CARS We wish people had told us to consider bringing our people carrier...we're pretty sure that it would have saved us thousands of dollars. Second hand cars keep there value really well over here. - You also have to pay stamp duty and registration fees when you but a car, so keep this in mind. We too wish we had brought our people carrier. Sold ours for peanuts and worth 3 to 4 times more here TRADES : Plasterers, tilers, brickies, hairdressers etc etc(as well as the expected plumbers and sparkies) need to be licenced...in addition to TRA etc Brickies The MBA in Adlelaide CBD are really helpful re getting your licenses. Mechanical/production engineers don't though. MOBILES Its probably worth buying an unlocked handset from Singapore or even the UK. Our friends did and got it for about half price as a result...we wish we had too now - doh. On arrival you can only register for pay as you go for the first month, we think a good package is the one provided by "Lebara" a new company with very reasonable international charges...limited handsets though so shop in Singapore ! Totally agree - I am using my UK phone with a Telstra sim in - works fine, Yes unlocked both our phones before we came and using Telstra, they do deals depending on the amount purchased MEDICARE - you need a perm address and your passports, fill in one form for the whole family. You can use a C/O address (a friend/relative etc)We used the holiday rental address for this TAX REF Registration - can be done online PETROL - this is bizzare and I don't quite believe it..but its true. Petrol is a lot dearer on Thurs, Fri and I think Mondays and poss Tues...there are cheap petrol days through out the state..its worth asking a local...it goes up by about 15 -20p per litre ??!! We didn't find out until we'd already filled up with $84 worth - doh! If you shop in Woolworths on the end of each till receipt you will get a 4 cents off a litre if you but your petrol in a Caltex / Woolworths garage. you will also get offers for petrol on your woolies reward card. Petrol sooooo cheap!!!!! Clothes: Wish we had brought more childrens clothes in different sizes with us and adult ones come to that, not very good choice, poor quality, expensive what I have seen so far. Car Seats - wish we had brought them with us. Everyone said UK ones not legal here, so got rid of 3 nearly brand new ones. Asked for car seats for the hire car and they gave us a booster seat and a gracco type car seat, same as in UK. After looking in other peoples cars at childrens seats, a lot seem to be the same. Really don't know what to believe regarding this. Think to be legal the full car seats need a rear strap which fits to an anchor point fitted to the car. Boosters though …well they must be alright - how can they not be ??? Seems boosters are OK if you don’t just use a lap seat belt…but check it out for yourselves. Car Batteries – If you have any probs with a car battery the RAA will replace and fit them for you and provide a 2yr warrantee which an Ozzie friend of ours has used so recommends it. On a good note too. we have found good prices for wine and have just bought a load of electricals from the Good Guys warehouse and feel that the price we paid was very good. Finances, pensions etc - you have 6 months to do something about pensions, shares etc before your growth in funds is taxable (FIF Tax). You can transfer some pension funds into Oz ones and so not get taxed. The Oz tax year is July to June. You have to employ an accountant to do your tax return each year. Inland Revenue - if you have your P45 you can inform them of your departure and claim any tax rebates before you leave. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest The "legdes" Posted February 2, 2010 Share Posted February 2, 2010 Well it was lovely to see everyone at the meet on Sunday...its was rather windy though...but warm so the kids and the men still went in the sea ! Thanks to everyone who turned up. Same place this Sunday for anyone who can make it. Congratulations to the Sowters who landed 2 days ago and have done so much already (tax efs etc etc) you wouldn't believe it ! It'll be great to see you on Sunday....you can always sleep while the kids play if you're jet lagged ...we won't mind the snoring ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
koala09 Posted February 4, 2010 Share Posted February 4, 2010 Hi all, Just wanted to let you know that our visa's have been lodged today, woohoo we are finally in the queue and waiting too. I just wonder how long it will take. We were originally hopeing to be in oz around sept as my son will be starting comp, and was hoping he wouldnt have so much change to deal with, never mind though fingers crossed it won't take as long as 2012 ey. k xxx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest The "legdes" Posted February 15, 2010 Share Posted February 15, 2010 Hi Guys, We had the best response to our regular meetup ever....54 people turned up ! They just kept coming and coming..it was amazing. It was great to meet everyone. There may even be more at the one on March 7th! We've made some great friends from the meetings and is really good to be able to help the real newies too. Don't forget to come when you arrive we'll love to see you there. Caroline Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rob and mel Posted February 15, 2010 Share Posted February 15, 2010 Just thought i would say the que for getting the visa granted does seem to go very quickly. Caroline (Mrs Legdes)... Just thought i would say a big thank you for the meeting on the beach and to all the new arrivals its well worth a visit. Its a good way to make new friends and to meet up with old friends and put faces to names of people you chat to on here. If we dont see you before put us on the list for March 7th. Rob Mel Fin and Pip Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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