Guest nev_n_angie Posted May 23, 2007 Share Posted May 23, 2007 Hi All! We are moving across to Australia 3rd September this year and it’s been a long and confusing (at times) process! One thing that I became slightly disheartened with was the lack of understanding of the whole process – no ‘Agent’ – and, as we have taken a different route t most on the forums, not that many of us to ask at different stages. I have decided that I would post a ‘rough’ guide to our process so far – I do know that different Services have slightly different methods, but this is just a benchmark of our experience: December 05 – Made Initial Contact via email to contact in Canberra. 2006 – Hubby away most of the year on Ship. This slowed things down for us, as contact was limited. July 2006 – received RPL pack from Aussie Navy. Pretty much like an NVQ type format with loads of sections to complete and compare qualifications and experience with certs and reports over whole naval career. It took a week or so of scanning, photocopying and cross-referencing to complete. We went on Holiday for some of July and August, but managed to get it off in the post at the end of August 06. My advice would be, as daunting as it may seem, complete it as comprehensively as possible. This will give them the opportunity to see what’s been achieved and, I think, helps in the decision making process for Rank etc on any future offer. We also managed to get the email of the ‘poster/appointer’ who is responsible for Hubby’s Branch. We scanned the whole Application and emailed it to him complete with supporting documents. October 06 – DCO contacted us by phone to ask the relevant questions – Children? Special Needs? Reasons for wanting to move across? Family leaving behind? All pretty straight forward and not daunting at all. Nov 06 – Hubby opened Bank Account with Commonwealth Bank December 06 – Conditions of Service Letter received via email. Hubby is Lt Logs here in RN and managed to keep rank and seniority for Aussie Navy. Signed and returned. It was over the Christmas period though, which meant that it delayed things a little. I was unsure what to do at this point in time as I didn’t know that next stage. Contact in Canberra applies to Immigration for a Labour Agreement. Not too sure how long this normally takes, but Christmas and New Year were factors with ours. Sold House!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Jan 16 07 – Applied for Police Checks. £10 per person – call Local Police Station and ask for Data Protection dept. Once through, explain reasons for needing the check and they send you application forms. These take up to 40 days to return and need to be valid for application – i.e. less than 12 months old on entering Australia. Hubby has to provide another one to take across with us that is less than 3 months old for extra security purposes. This may not apply to everyone though. Feb 2 07 – Received Labour Agreement via email. Gives details of pay and contract etc. Also has relevant reference numbers that apply to your application. Completed the following Visa Application Forms: 47ES – need 2 passport photos for each person on the application and also supporting docs. I think it would have been easier and saved time for the whole process if I had looked at this form earlier in the application. It gives a good head start to what you’ll need to get – Birth Certs – Marriage/Divorce Certs/ Permission from Absent Parent for kids under 18 etc etc All supporting docs have to be signed and witnessed as true by solicitor or JP. 26 & 160 – Meds and Chest X-Ray Forms. Again, one photo for each applicant and one form for each applicant. Keep receipts for everything! It can be claimed back when you get there! Even Photos – ours came to around £20 and it really does start to add up! 1221 – not always advised to complete – BUT fill it in anyway!!! Nothing worse than getting it requested when you’re further down the line to delay things. 80 – Pretty much the same as 1221, but complete it as it ‘may’ be requested at a later date, again, delaying things. It’s to be completed by everyone in application over 16. Feb 3 07 – Received Police Checks! Feb 12 07 – Ordered Full Birth Certs on line. Had small ones, but they need to have both Parents’ names on them. Feb 13 07 – Meds and Chest X-Rays done. Feb 20th – Meds sent by Panel Doctor via Royal Mail International Signed For. Made contact with Australian High Commission – gave address details etc – received comprehensive pack for Travel, Removals and DHA etc. LOADS MORE FORMS!!!!!!!!!! Started to complete and make provisional arrangements for travel across and hotels etc. All of which is confirmed once Visa is granted and posting order had been issued. 28 Feb 07 – Visa Application sent with all supporting documents – copied everything prior to sending (just in case!) 12 March 07 – Meds received at LCU, Sydney – processed and sent to Immigration. 14 March 07 – Received Visa Application acknowledgement from Immigration – Fees deducted and receipt sent. 10 April 07 – Allied Pickfords pre uplift inspection. 27 April 07 – received email from Case Officer. 30 April 07 – Received email requesting form 80 per applicant over 16. (Refer to previous comment of sending it with initial application). We completed forms there and then, scanned them and emailed them straight back to CO. 1 May 07 – Received Visa grant letter via email! 2 May 07 – sent copy of Visa grant to Australian High Commission and Canberra to get the ball rolling! We have chosen NOT to send passports off to AHC to get the pretty stickers put in as we can do this when we go to London on the day we fly – they will do it there and then for us. The story continues with masses of extra paperwork, inventories etc. We have been allocated a DHA Property and hubby has made contact with new boss. In between all of the above, we have also booked the doggie in for her flights and vet checks. The ADF pay around $600 for the dog’s fees (even though the actual cost looks as though it’s in the region of £2,500!) As long winded as it is, it seems to be worth it at this stage! They have shortened the process and taken measures to make it run far more efficiently, so hopefully, depending on the stage you are at, it will come quicker for you! Apologies if you’re bored now, or sleeping, or worse! I just thought it would be good to share my timeline and to let anyone who is interested about the cock ups we made and the head starts we could have achieved if we’d known the process! Very best of luck to all!!!!!!!!!!!! Angie :biggrin: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seaangel Posted May 23, 2007 Share Posted May 23, 2007 Good timeline! Very helpful for all those coming over, which seems to be a lot! Would just say one thing about the passports. On the day we went to the High Commission to enlist, there was a power cut. Apparently not the first time! There was some doubt about whether we would be flying at all that but the AHC staff managed to get the forms faxed over etc to the hotel we were staying at. One thing they did ask was did we all have our visa stickers in our passports, which we all did. If not, we would have had to wait until the power was back on in their offices and would not be able to fly until we had them. I am sure this will not happen with you, but just wanted to let you know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anderson Posted May 23, 2007 Share Posted May 23, 2007 This is a great thread and i know just how you feel It was the form 80 and 1221 that held up our visa. It took the CO 3 mths to email us and ask for them. Plus if you haved live overseas in the last 10 years you also have to have a police check from there. it took us 5 mths to get one from Saudi glad we did that back in Dec. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Bundles Posted May 23, 2007 Share Posted May 23, 2007 Hi all - my first post so please be gentle. I too have just been through the process of transferring to the ADF and luckily approval from immigration was given this morning so full steam ahead !!!! (no matlow pun intended) The whole process from making initial enquiries to now has taken us about 2 years; but as I was only discharge last month from the Army I sort of planned it so that I could complete my 22. As far as the police checks were concerned I sent my RMP police record and a PCC from South Wales Police - which only took 2.5 weeks. As I served in Brunei for 2 years Immigration did request police reports from there too. Now if any of you have been to Brunei you will know that they are not the most speediest of people on this earth and I was set to wait at least another 3 -4 months for a reply just from them. However, after a swift email to my CO saying that I would have thought that the RMP report would be acceptable as it covered my whole military career he waived the Brunei check. I received the Labour Agreement back in February but with resettlement and hols etc I didn't send the Visa application off until 03 Mar 07. Our time line: May 05 - Initial contact made with ADF via email Jul 05 - CV, quals and application send to ADF Aug 05 - Receipt acknowledgefor ADF Apr 06 - Called forward for an interview in London with family Apr 06 - Recieved informal letter of acceptance pending specialist report on knee Aug 06 -Knee report complete Dec 06 - Specialist report accepted and formal letter of intent agreed Jan 07 - Labour Agreement applied for by ADF Feb 07 - Labour Agreement received 03 Mar Visa Application sent with Police Checks 09 Mar Visa Acknowledged 18 Apr CO assigned 18 Apr Request for forms 80, 1221, Meds and **Brunei Police Check** 19 Apr Police Check binned 2 May Meds and Xrays complete 22 May Visa granted 22 May (pm) Off to get drunk 25 Jun - Removals booked 09 Jul - Bye Bye UK Hope this isnt too boring for you but hopefully the police part may help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anderson Posted May 23, 2007 Share Posted May 23, 2007 Seem quite a few people joinging the ADF and going out soon were you of to? We started all this back in Dec 06 Never heard nothing till March 07 then again notinh till Aug 07 just as hubby was about to finish his 22. We went to London in Oct. Hope to be in Brisbane end of July. Just waiting on Posting Order Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Tasadin Posted May 23, 2007 Share Posted May 23, 2007 Very useful post Angie - thanks! and thanks for the useful info you passed onto the wife the other day, it made her feel alot better to know there is someone doing the same as us. I was hoping to get the go ahead with everything from Chris today but another delay :sad: . Waiting on a bit of legal advice their end to then send off the the LA to whoever for approval still at the start of the process and like your hubby I'm keeping my stripes too - was a relief:jiggy: . Let us know how you get on in the next few months! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Marie and Paul Posted May 29, 2007 Share Posted May 29, 2007 Bundles When were you in Brunei??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anderson Posted May 30, 2007 Share Posted May 30, 2007 Recieved PO so its all go. Comfirmed flights and removel this morning so its time to fill in more forms,and get the house sorted. Gooodbye to the UK on the 23rd July Hello OZ 27th July Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest breezy Posted May 31, 2007 Share Posted May 31, 2007 Juts thought I'd let you all know that we have had a CO allocated. Our timeline: Initial email: 17 Jul 06 Initial response: 17 Jul 06 Interview at HC: 26 Sep 06 Letter of Offer: 19 Dec 06 Police Checks received: 15 Jan 07 Medicals completed: 23 Apr 07 Labour Agreement received: 7 May 07 Visa Application sent: 11 May 07 Case Officer allocated: 30 May 07 Lasst day in RAF: 13 Jan 08 Expected sign on date at HC: 14 Jan 08 As you can see we front-loaded our police checks and medicals, at risk, but it seems to have paid off. I know we are in no particular rush, but its nice to know that it is out of the way. Breezy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest thistles and gum trees Posted May 31, 2007 Share Posted May 31, 2007 HELLO HAPPY PEOPLE.............. We sent our visa application with ALL the forms that Angie told us to on Friday 4th May. We received an email this morning 31st May saying as of May 28th our visa has been granted!!!!!!!! Yeh......... Less than 4 weeks all in. Yippee doooda.. Thanks for all your help PIO. Expect to be leaving here in Cyprus on 21st October (Trooper - yeuck!) and doing London 22nd then heading down to Melbourne on the 23rd by way of Langkawi Island (Sheraton). Posted to RAAF East Sale. Must do an ADF catch up when in Oz. Lots of love and thanks again for your help. Away to have a family day out at the beach in Protaras with very big grins!! All the best, The Macphersons xxxxx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anderson Posted May 31, 2007 Share Posted May 31, 2007 Congratulations:arghh: all the best in OZ Bet your head is spinning:spinny: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest shipmate Posted May 31, 2007 Share Posted May 31, 2007 thanks very usefull Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Bundles Posted May 31, 2007 Share Posted May 31, 2007 Bundles When were you in Brunei??? Sent you a PM Marie and Paul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest breezy Posted June 7, 2007 Share Posted June 7, 2007 Just to let you all know that DIAC came back to me on 6 Jun and asked for Form 1221 as Angie had said they would do, so I strongly suggest that even if it is not on the list that the ADF give you, you should just send it anyway. Checked emails this morning and the Visas are all approved - good work DIAC!! :jiggy: Breezy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest nev_n_angie Posted June 7, 2007 Share Posted June 7, 2007 Congrats Breezy!!!!!!!!!!! Good luck with the rest of the paperwork - Removals/Travel/DHA/Customs - Never a dull moment!!! Angie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest The "Biscuits" Posted June 7, 2007 Share Posted June 7, 2007 Is form 1221 required for all visa's? It seems very similar to the from 80? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest nev_n_angie Posted June 7, 2007 Share Posted June 7, 2007 It's alot of repetition unfortunately! We sent 1221 off with the application - then we were asked for form 80 just before the Visas were issued. I think it's a safe bet to include it - that way you've covered everything!!! Not everyone gets asked for both, but I would recommend both are sent! Angie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest shipmate Posted June 7, 2007 Share Posted June 7, 2007 Sorry new to it all what or who are Diac and how long does it take to get the Medicals back i am stillwaiting for the form to be sent to me Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest nev_n_angie Posted June 7, 2007 Share Posted June 7, 2007 Hi Shipmate - which form are you waiting for?? DIAC are Immigration - Hw far along the process are you?? Are these meds for Immigration, or meds for ADF? Angie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest shipmate Posted June 7, 2007 Share Posted June 7, 2007 have been acepted by ADF waiting for the them to send me the forms for Immigration. The forms sound fun by what you are all saying. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest nev_n_angie Posted June 7, 2007 Share Posted June 7, 2007 You have had your conditions of service offer letter then and Labour Agreement??? Download the forms from Immigration website - all the forms you will need are on my first post in this thread - they are all PDF format - print them off and get them started - all the details you'll need for 47es application is on your Labour agreement. You are done with Canberra Chris/Penny for a little while - now's the time to deal with the 'lovely' people at immigration!!!! PM me if you need for info! Angie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest breezy Posted June 7, 2007 Share Posted June 7, 2007 For the extra 10 mins it takes to complete a 1221 you should send it as well as the 80 because as Angie has said they will ask for it! Breezy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest shipmate Posted June 11, 2007 Share Posted June 11, 2007 Thanks all info greatly received Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ponym110 Posted June 19, 2008 Share Posted June 19, 2008 :jiggy:Whoop Whoop!! Visa arrived via e-mail this morning. Massive thanks to all on this thread, your advice and comments were of great use in preparing our application. Only 15 days from it arriving in Canbera to reciving the e-mail. Now we've just got to fill in the forms for removals and housing. We fly to Singapore then Melbourne in November with Qantas. Any advice from those in the Melbourne area about accomodation gratefully recieved, how far from Crib point should we be thinking about ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Ady and David Posted June 19, 2008 Share Posted June 19, 2008 Well = I've been on this site since Nov last year and this is the first time I've seen this thread - Excellent Posts - We had our Family Meds last Friday so we are awaiting the Visa any Day really. I am heading to Watson in Sydney. If any Matelots have any questions give me a shout I'll gladly help. I leave the Mob 11 Aug after 22.5 Years. Joining the Ozzies as a Petty Officer had to drop a rank - not bad really I have all the rates of pay on PDF format too. David (KENNY) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.