SusieRoo 650 Posted April 13, 2018 4 minutes ago, whataday said: Yes Tina agreed. Seems they are very tough on that and not negotiable at all I reckon the current processing system at PVC needs to be approved/ changed. It is not practical at all. I understand it is a previledge to have an invitation email to get docs prepared in advance however PVC also needs to have a flexiable procedure/solution to those who got all docs completed early than others as long as it is still accep within a reasonable timeframe. Apparently they seem to hold a few completed applications until all up to 36 months. Such a ridiculous arrangement. I don’t know what the real theory/rules behind the scenes but what I know at present that there are a few applications lodged beyond 20/4/2015 have been settled. Why they still keep saying “currently we are assessing applications lodged up to 20/4/2015”. Come on! Am I a child? Just be honest to list the actual processing date hey roomies Sorry for my frustration and being grumpy have a nice weekend cheers peter I can understand your frustration but spare a thought for Ray and Geri with a lodgement date of 23/4/15. They have not yet even had a call to prepare documents or medicals or AoS. 2 173 Visa lodged - March 2016 Documents submitted / medicals completed – May 2020 2nd VAC payment - October 2020 173 Visa granted - October 2020 143 Visa lodged - October 2020 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
suelear 68 Posted April 13, 2018 On 12/04/2018 at 11:53, HarrisL16 said: Hi so pleased for you, this process is stressful enough without what you have had to deal with. Wish you lots of luck with the final stage ? Great news after such a long wait. Good luck, keep us posted. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ray and Geri 124 Posted April 13, 2018 9 hours ago, Catlady2014 said: Yes, they give a reduced rate of just over a cent, e.g. the rate I got the other day was 1.8290, when the mid-market rate stood at 1.8410. That was on a £20,000 transfer, so not a big amount. I just did the calculation on Transferwise website and found that at the current rate of 1.8306, I would have got a hundred dollars or so less from Transferwise than I got from my dealer at the lower rate of $1.8290. I think this is because Transferwise takes its cut out of the sterling amount before converting, leaving a smaller amount of sterling to be converted. But surely if the market rate was 1.8306 you wouldn't have got 1.829 for your transfer you would have got 1.8186 to the pound ( market rate - .012 cents ).......= $36,372. The same deal with transferwise minus the upfront charge of £90.59p would have got you $36,446.... ( £20000 - £90.59p= £19909.41 x $1.8306 = $36,446.165 ). Now that's only $74 ish.... but change up £200,000 or even £500,000 and it starts to mount up. Anyway you gotta go with what you are happy and comfortable with haven't you and not look back because you just know that after you have changed up a few thousand pounds at a $1.83 the rate will rise to $1.84........ we just cannot win can we. 2 CPV 143 lodgement date 23/4/2015 acknowledgement date 1/5/2015 Bound for Geelong area Victoria.... soon I hope. AT LONG LAST....3 years and 1 day after lodgement..... email to provide documents received 24th April 2018....Form 80s submitted 24th April.....Medicals done 25th April.....Police certificate submitted 27th April...... Daughter has interview for AoS Wednesday 2nd May 2018. AoS Granted.....22nd May 2019 2nd Vac request....28th May 2019 Visa Granted.....29th May 2019 Fly to Oz......7th July...... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mrs Depp 122 Posted April 13, 2018 Just a thought but when we got granted our visa (skilled) back in 2012. I vaguely remember some people on PIO saying their medicals had been referred. Some because of something that they had declared and some for no reason whatsoever but as you could lodge the application online it was easier to find out as I'm sure it stated 'referred' under the Medical section. (Ours were straight forward so maybe someone on here might be able to confirm this) One lady was waiting over 3 months before she had her visa granted. So I'm wondering whether some 2nd VAC payments are not being requested and/or are taking longer for this reason because the Dept. just doesn't communicate anything! And maybe this is the reason why it looks like people are queue jumping but they're not. Living the dream, Sunshine Coast Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Alan Collett 3,249 Posted April 14, 2018 16 hours ago, thomas1965 said: Did you lodge online or paper form? might be useful info for others. Another thought is that with the change in income requirements on Apr 1, centrelink might've started processing the applications on a last-in-first-out basis, so they can easily decline the applications that don't meet the income requirement. If I received an AoS request today and had an issue meeting the new income requirement I would be delaying progressing it - there is no certainty the change initiated in the Social Security portfolio will survive. Media attention is now focusing on the issue, and there is hope of a disallowance motion: https://www.9news.com.au/national/2018/04/13/16/20/income-threshold-up-for-migrant-families https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/apr/13/australia-doubles-financial-requirement-for-families-of-new-migrants The Opposition ALP is onto it - this is an extract from a communication sent from a Labor Senator for Qld (not to me, I hasten to add), which I have seen: Thank you for writing to me about your serious concern with the Liberal Government’s changes to Assurances of Support. This is of concern for many people and I have received many emails. I have spoken with Jenny Macklin, Labor’s Shadow Minister for Social Services, and she has given me the following information to pass on to you. Labor is very concerned that the conservative Government has tried to sneak this change through the Parliament without any debate. We understand that these changes are significant, and will have a real impact on whether or not families are able to be reunited in Australia. In many cases, people who have paid fees to make applications to give Assurances, on the basis that they have previously been eligible, will no longer be eligible under these new rules. It is not acceptable that the Minister would attempt to hide behind parliamentary processes to avoid the proper scrutiny of his new rules. This is just the latest attempt by the Turnbull Government to make life harder for multicultural communities around Australia. Last year, Malcolm Turnbull introduced legislation to make it harder for older, new Australians to qualify for the Age Pension. Currently, new Australians are eligible to receive the Age Pension after they have been a permanent resident for ten years. However, if Mr Turnbull gets his way, new Australians will not be able to receive the Age Pension until after they have been a permanent resident for fifteen years. Labor has opposed this cruel and unfair change to Age Pension eligibility. The Liberal’s policy fails to understand the value that new Australians bring to our community through their involvement with local organisations and the informal support that they provide to other family members. Best regards. 11 1 Managing Director, Go Matilda Visas - www.gomatilda.com Registered Migration Agent Number 0102534; Registered Tax Agent (Australia) Chartered Accountant (UK, and Australia) T - 023 81 66 11 55 (UK) or 03 9935 2929 (Australia) E - alan.collett@gomatilda.com and acollett@bdhtax.com Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thomas1965 42 Posted April 14, 2018 7 hours ago, Alan Collett said: If I received an AoS request today and had an issue meeting the new income requirement I would be delaying progressing it - there is no certainty the change initiated in the Social Security portfolio will survive. On the flip side, you might be assessed against the Apr 2019 criteria ... Which means a 15k bond. CPV lodged 25-June-2015 AoS/Medical/Police Clearance invitation received 3-Apr-2018 AoS application lodged online 6-April-2018, Phone interview 7-April-2018, Bond lodgement request 10-April-2018 (mygov inbox on 12/4/2017). Bond lodged and paperwork submitted 16/4/2017 Aos acceptance letter 14/5/2017 (although it wasn't in mygov inbox until 16/5/2017) 2nd VAC request 4/12/2018 Visa Approval ??? Entry Date ??? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Alan Collett 3,249 Posted April 14, 2018 1 minute ago, thomas1965 said: On the flip side, you might be assessed against the Apr 2019 criteria ... Which means a 15k bond. I'm not suggesting deferring the AoS by some 12 months ... rather that I'd be waiting for a month or so to see whether this instrument survives in its present form. Best regards. 2 Managing Director, Go Matilda Visas - www.gomatilda.com Registered Migration Agent Number 0102534; Registered Tax Agent (Australia) Chartered Accountant (UK, and Australia) T - 023 81 66 11 55 (UK) or 03 9935 2929 (Australia) E - alan.collett@gomatilda.com and acollett@bdhtax.com Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HarrisL16 162 Posted April 14, 2018 Just to let everyone know flew to Bali yesterday and our 143 Visa was granted before we landed. Can't believe it ,seems a bit surreal. So celebrating with wine beer and cocktails. Good luck to everyone whose in the waiting room and hope your visas will be granted soon, we are lucky just under 36months. Thank you poms in Oz have learnt so much about the process from this site☺?? 13 143 lodged 28/4/15 acknowledged 30/4/15 further docs. Requested 28/11/17. medicals and UK/AUS police checks completed. AOS forms lodged at Centrelink 6/12/17 AOS paid 5/3/17 letter taken to Centrelink and sent to DIBP 6/3/17. Request for 2nd Vac . Flight booked for Bali to meet 600 visa requirements. 2nd vac paid 3/4/18 Visa granted 13/4/18 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Alan Collett 3,249 Posted April 14, 2018 7 minutes ago, HarrisL16 said: Just to let everyone know flew to Bali yesterday and our 143 Visa was granted before we landed. Can't believe it ,seems a bit surreal. So celebrating with wine beer and cocktails. Good luck to everyone whose in the waiting room and hope your visas will be granted soon, we are lucky just under 36months. Thank you poms in Oz have learnt so much about the process from this site☺?? Many congrats! Best regards. 1 Managing Director, Go Matilda Visas - www.gomatilda.com Registered Migration Agent Number 0102534; Registered Tax Agent (Australia) Chartered Accountant (UK, and Australia) T - 023 81 66 11 55 (UK) or 03 9935 2929 (Australia) E - alan.collett@gomatilda.com and acollett@bdhtax.com Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
whataday 66 Posted April 14, 2018 3 minutes ago, HarrisL16 said: Just to let everyone know flew to Bali yesterday and our 143 Visa was granted before we landed. Can't believe it ,seems a bit surreal. So celebrating with wine beer and cocktails. Good luck to everyone whose in the waiting room and hope your visas will be granted soon, we are lucky just under 36months. Thank you poms in Oz have learnt so much about the process from this site☺?? Congrats to you HarrisL16, what a great thing to celebrate! Well done I noticed that your application was lodged on 28/4/2015 but official was still assessing up to 20/4/2015. How would it happen? No offence to you. It is my current frustration and concern. It seems a few applications lodged beyond 20/4/2015 have been granted also all of those were onshore at the time of 2nd payment request. I don’t understand how Immi processes the applications? Still in timely manner though? It appears that this is not the case at all VISA 143 Lodgement Date : 24/04/2015 Medicals completed : 12/2017 Police check completed: 12/2017 Form 80 submitted: 12/2017 AOS acceptance letter: 16/01/2018 2nd VAC requested: 18/5/2018 Visa granted:23/5/2018 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lesleyh 10 Posted April 14, 2018 Thank you so much Alan , your information on the Aos has given me hope, your a good friend on the poms site.:-) 5 143 lodged 19/6/15 Acknowledged 26/6/15 Aos/medical/police check No invitation yet.. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
whataday 66 Posted April 14, 2018 20 hours ago, SusieRoo said: I can understand your frustration but spare a thought for Ray and Geri with a lodgement date of 23/4/15. They have not yet even had a call to prepare documents or medicals or AoS. Hi SusieRoo thanks for your message and understanding. I do understand there are still a quite number of applications around 20/4/2015 struggling to get AOS completed due to various reasons. I have been waiting for almost 3 years up and don’t mind waiting a few more days. My point is that the reality/truth about processing date is actually not up to date! Every time I got reply from PVC team strongly claiming the current offical date was 20/4/2015! If so, why there are a few applications beyond 20/4/2015 have been granted? I am getting disappointed about how immi actually processes applications. Is that true immi processes all of applications in timely manner? Or applotions onshore have a priority? 1 VISA 143 Lodgement Date : 24/04/2015 Medicals completed : 12/2017 Police check completed: 12/2017 Form 80 submitted: 12/2017 AOS acceptance letter: 16/01/2018 2nd VAC requested: 18/5/2018 Visa granted:23/5/2018 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LindaH27 570 Posted April 14, 2018 Just wondering about delays etc. Are there really countries that Australia considers to be “unsafe” for visa purposes? I read on another forum that some thought that delays are because applicants are from countries that are not considered to be “safe” therefore they may need further/deeper/longer assessment? 1 143 lodged 21 June 2017 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
whataday 66 Posted April 14, 2018 2 minutes ago, LindaH27 said: Just wondering about delays etc. Are there really countries that Australia considers to be “unsafe” for visa purposes? I read on another forum that some thought that delays are because applicants are from countries that are not considered to be “safe” therefore they may need further/deeper/longer assessment? Who knows? there are always some reason regarding assesssment delay etc VISA 143 Lodgement Date : 24/04/2015 Medicals completed : 12/2017 Police check completed: 12/2017 Form 80 submitted: 12/2017 AOS acceptance letter: 16/01/2018 2nd VAC requested: 18/5/2018 Visa granted:23/5/2018 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kathss56 892 Posted April 14, 2018 32 minutes ago, HarrisL16 said: Just to let everyone know flew to Bali yesterday and our 143 Visa was granted before we landed. Can't believe it ,seems a bit surreal. So celebrating with wine beer and cocktails. Good luck to everyone whose in the waiting room and hope your visas will be granted soon, we are lucky just under 36months. Thank you poms in Oz have learnt so much about the process from this site☺?? So happy for you. ENJOY!! 143 lodged 17 March 2016. Perth bound 5 Feb 20 request for further info.11 Feb - Medical /Form 80. 17 Feb -AoS submitted. 27 Feb -Police checks. 4 Mar -BG requested. 6 Mar - bond cert to Centrelink.13 Mar AoS approved 12 NOV 20 -2ND VAC REQUEST ! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SusieRoo 650 Posted April 14, 2018 48 minutes ago, HarrisL16 said: Just to let everyone know flew to Bali yesterday and our 143 Visa was granted before we landed. Can't believe it ,seems a bit surreal. So celebrating with wine beer and cocktails. Good luck to everyone whose in the waiting room and hope your visas will be granted soon, we are lucky just under 36months. Thank you poms in Oz have learnt so much about the process from this site☺?? Congratulations! Beer and cocktails in Bali sounds like the perfect end to your three year ordeal. 1 173 Visa lodged - March 2016 Documents submitted / medicals completed – May 2020 2nd VAC payment - October 2020 173 Visa granted - October 2020 143 Visa lodged - October 2020 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SusieRoo 650 Posted April 14, 2018 29 minutes ago, whataday said: Hi SusieRoo thanks for your message and understanding. I do understand there are still a quite number of applications around 20/4/2015 struggling to get AOS completed due to various reasons. I have been waiting for almost 3 years up and don’t mind waiting a few more days. My point is that the reality/truth about processing date is actually not up to date! Every time I got reply from PVC team strongly claiming the current offical date was 20/4/2015! If so, why there are a few applications beyond 20/4/2015 have been granted? I am getting disappointed about how immi actually processes applications. Is that true immi processes all of applications in timely manner? Or applotions onshore have a priority? Thank you for the message. I can't imagine how frustrating it must be to have endured this process for three years and now be so close. Just hang on in there and I'm sure you will have your visas very soon. 1 173 Visa lodged - March 2016 Documents submitted / medicals completed – May 2020 2nd VAC payment - October 2020 173 Visa granted - October 2020 143 Visa lodged - October 2020 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NickyNook 613 Posted April 14, 2018 1 hour ago, LindaH27 said: Just wondering about delays etc. Are there really countries that Australia considers to be “unsafe” for visa purposes? I read on another forum that some thought that delays are because applicants are from countries that are not considered to be “safe” therefore they may need further/deeper/longer assessment? Of course. That's what 'High Risk' countries are - there are loads of them that are considered a high risk for visa processing. Plenty of reasons for it - flaky untrustworthy record-keeping, high levels of corruption, endemic document forgery etc. When you can't trust any paperwork that originates from a particular country it makes it much harder to verify everything. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Catlady2014 583 Posted April 14, 2018 1 hour ago, HarrisL16 said: Just to let everyone know flew to Bali yesterday and our 143 Visa was granted before we landed. Can't believe it ,seems a bit surreal. So celebrating with wine beer and cocktails. Good luck to everyone whose in the waiting room and hope your visas will be granted soon, we are lucky just under 36months. Thank you poms in Oz have learnt so much about the process from this site☺?? Woohoo! ??? CPV 1.10.2014, 1st VAC 31.10.2014, Receipt 31.10.2014, Acknowledged 28.2.15 Form 80 - 26.1.2017, Police check 4.2.2017, Medical 21.2.17 (with DIBP 24.2.17) AoS commenced 17.2.17, approved 19.4.17, bond lodged 28.4.17, acceptance 9.5.2017 2nd VAC requested 19.9.2017. Visa granted 28.9.17 Brisbane area. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Catlady2014 583 Posted April 14, 2018 1 hour ago, whataday said: Hi SusieRoo thanks for your message and understanding. I do understand there are still a quite number of applications around 20/4/2015 struggling to get AOS completed due to various reasons. I have been waiting for almost 3 years up and don’t mind waiting a few more days. My point is that the reality/truth about processing date is actually not up to date! Every time I got reply from PVC team strongly claiming the current offical date was 20/4/2015! If so, why there are a few applications beyond 20/4/2015 have been granted? I am getting disappointed about how immi actually processes applications. Is that true immi processes all of applications in timely manner? Or applotions onshore have a priority? For "processing", substitute "assessing". Every application has to be assessed on its merits and particular circumstances. Some are probably straightforward, others more complicated. So for example, a straightforward application lodged on 20/4/2015 can be investigated easily and a decision made quickly and result in a quick request for the second vac, whereas a complicated application lodged on 20/4/2015 can take a lot longer to investigate and therefore the decision may be delayed, and consequently the request for the second vac will be much later. Please don't shoot the messenger, I am simply trying to play devil's advocate here. See my own timeline, my application was straightforward but it still took 36 months. But I don't think you can assume that applications are taken out of turn. Factor in the situation where a CO takes on a case and then goes on holiday for two weeks, so a delay occurs. Or one CO may work more slowly or take more care than another. These are just examples, I don't have any insight into the processes but I can see where differences might occur. It is very frustrating as I know only too well. 2 CPV 1.10.2014, 1st VAC 31.10.2014, Receipt 31.10.2014, Acknowledged 28.2.15 Form 80 - 26.1.2017, Police check 4.2.2017, Medical 21.2.17 (with DIBP 24.2.17) AoS commenced 17.2.17, approved 19.4.17, bond lodged 28.4.17, acceptance 9.5.2017 2nd VAC requested 19.9.2017. Visa granted 28.9.17 Brisbane area. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NanaJan 256 Posted April 14, 2018 2 hours ago, HarrisL16 said: Just to let everyone know flew to Bali yesterday and our 143 Visa was granted before we landed. Can't believe it ,seems a bit surreal. So celebrating with wine beer and cocktails. Good luck to everyone whose in the waiting room and hope your visas will be granted soon, we are lucky just under 36months. Thank you poms in Oz have learnt so much about the process from this site☺?? Congratulations. Have a fantastic time in Bali and be careful crossing the roads!! ?? 1 143 Visa application lodged & acknowledged 1st December 2014. Invitation to supply further documents received 4th July 2017. AoS submitted to Centrelink 6th July. Police Certificates and Forms 80 handed in to our agent 12th July. Medicals done 12th July. Bond lodged mid-August. Assurance of Support accepted and uploaded to Immi 30th August. 2nd VAC request received 8th September. VISAS GRANTED 18th September whilst on holiday in Bali.... Back to Oz on 20th September as official residents Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
whataday 66 Posted April 14, 2018 6 minutes ago, Catlady2014 said: For "processing", substitute "assessing". Every application has to be assessed on its merits and particular circumstances. Some are probably straightforward, others more complicated. So for example, a straightforward application lodged on 20/4/2015 can be investigated easily and a decision made quickly and result in a quick request for the second vac, whereas a complicated application lodged on 20/4/2015 can take a lot longer to investigate and therefore the decision may be delayed, and consequently the request for the second vac will be much later. Please don't shoot the messenger, I am simply trying to play devil's advocate here. See my own timeline, my application was straightforward but it still took 36 months. But I don't think you can assume that applications are taken out of turn. Factor in the situation where a CO takes on a case and then goes on holiday for two weeks, so a delay occurs. Or one CO may work more slowly or take more care than another. These are just examples, I don't have any insight into the processes but I can see where differences might occur. It is very frustrating as I know only too well. Hi Catlady2014 thanks for your message. Fortunately, my case has been confirmed by one of COs/admin staffs? back in January this year. In his email he suggested that it should be assessed by the CO very quickly because all docs look good to him and just wait until up to 24/4/2015. My understanding/thought was that my mother’ application should be straightforward and should be picked up very quickly. Well you can see, I have not got 2nd VAC request yet even though other straightforward applications have been granted already. You could be right, perhaps the CO is on leave. Anyway I have to face the reality don’t I? kind regards peter 2 VISA 143 Lodgement Date : 24/04/2015 Medicals completed : 12/2017 Police check completed: 12/2017 Form 80 submitted: 12/2017 AOS acceptance letter: 16/01/2018 2nd VAC requested: 18/5/2018 Visa granted:23/5/2018 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sub7er 34 Posted April 15, 2018 Hi, Does anyone know if the new AOS rules introduced from 1 April 2018 would apply to existing parent visa 143 applicant ? I am a bit concerned as we have been waiting for more then 2 years now and we are very close to be assigned a case officer and there is a good possibility we might be declined as my main sponsor per annum income will fall short of the new requirements. Any feedback will be highly appreciated Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nyorksgrannie 230 Posted April 15, 2018 9 minutes ago, sub7er said: Hi, Does anyone know if the new AOS rules introduced from 1 April 2018 would apply to existing parent visa 143 applicant ? I am a bit concerned as we have been waiting for more then 2 years now and we are very close to be assigned a case officer and there is a good possibility we might be declined as my main sponsor per annum income will fall short of the new requirements. Any feedback will be highly appreciated Yes, but if you read back a few pages you will see there is a lot of discussion on this, see in particular Alan Colletts comments, he is a very helpful agent who contributes on here. 1 CPV 143 lodgement 09.04.15, Acknowledged 11.05.15, tax invoice/receipt 17.05.15 AOS document submitted Centrelink 20.10.17, medicals 24.10.17, Forms 80 submitted 31.10.17 UK & Aus police penal clearances submitted 03.11.17 AOS letter from Centrelink received 08/12/17 Commonwealth bank appt. & payment of AOS 09/12/17 Docs taken to Centrelink 11/12/17 AOS acceptance letter received 22/12/17 Final payment requested 12/03/18 Visa granted 04/04/2018 ! Heading for NSW central coast area Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ammy143 99 Posted April 15, 2018 Do we need still AOS requirement if we first apply 173 subclass then 143 subclass aftrr aproval of 173 173 applied - 28 th nov 2015 request for pcc, medicals , form 80 6thfeb2019 submitted to pvc march 29 2019 further documentation request- 25th july2019 submitted to pvc team - 29 Aug 2019 2nd vac request- 22 jan 2020 visa granted 30’jan 2020 143 applied - acknwlgd 27 march 2020 AOS REQ. - 21 april 2020 Aos applied - 24 april 2020 bond req. - 18 may & paid on same day, uploaded on web. 26 June 2020 - 2nd vac request & paid on 29 june 2020 30 june 2020- visa granted Share this post Link to post Share on other sites