We’ve received an invitation to apply for our Australian visa, at last!
We began our journey to migrate to Australia in July 2013. It took five months to complete the skills assessment and for Husband to pass his English test before our agent could submit our Expression of Interest. We’ve been in the pool waiting for our invitation to apply since late December (so about four weeks). We went into the pool with 60 points (the minimum you need to be invited to apply), and it seems that most of the applicants in there had the same number of points as us. Had we got a higher score, we’d have been picked up in the first draw of the month. However, we’ve had to wait until the second draw of the year instead. I’m not good at waiting, so it’s felt like a very long month.
I don’t think we could have done things any quicker than we have – working with an agent has meant we’ve been a step ahead with the paperwork, and being married to a hoarder meant we had every bit of paperwork to hand ready and waiting (thank goodness we weren’t going there based on my skills as it would have taken me months to collect all of the evidence!)
Our agent is putting our visa application in this week, and the next step is to wait to be allocated a case officer. We’ll need to get medicals and police checks done, and then potentially our visa could be granted in as little as two to three months from now.
We’re desperately trying to sell things we don’t need as well as renovate our house ready to sell it as soon as our visa is (hopefully!) granted. The next three months will be mayhem! If we stand any chance of getting to Australia before our boys start school in September, we’ve got to seriously get a move on.
Keep everything crossed that everything goes smoothly for us. I can’t believe it’s finally happening! xx
The new school year starts in January after their 6 week summer holidays.
The summer in Australia is Dec/Jan/Feb.
Exactly, so ideally we want to get over there before our boys have to start school in the UK in September. I’d hate them to have to start school here and then emigrate a few months later and start a new school all over again in January in Australia. Moving is going to be emotional enough for them as it is. Fingers crossed our house sells quickly and smoothly so we can move towards the end of our summer here. The earlier we can get out there, the better as it gives us more time to find jobs and look at areas and schools. x
I have 3 granddaughter’s in Brisbane, they have been there two and half years. It was hard when they first got there in the October as the youngest had just started school here in England but then could not start school until the following January.
It did delay her settling in and she was very homesick – she was so bored no nursery/school or friends. The older 2 settled in well but their Infant/primary schools are a lot larger than ours and possibly a year behind.
Visited last year but not looking forward to next visit as the flight is so long, They are all visiting this year and bringing the new baby with them, but so much money to come for a 3 week visit. I think it took them 2+ years to get their Visa’s and 2 skills tests. Good Luck if that’s where you see a future for you and your family.
Thanks. We know it’s going to be hard and I’m sure we’ll all get homesick. The long flights are going to be tough on the kids too and on our parents when they hopefully come out to visit us. It’s going to be a real adventure though and we’re really looking forward to it. It’s lovely that your granddaughters all have each other out there as support. xxx
Great news Karen – how exciting!! crossing my fingers everything moves quickly for you xx
Thanks! It’s going to be a very busy few months getting the house ready and selling lots of our things, but I guess well be able to rest when we get there and enjoy the beach! x
How exciting! You must be very excited things are moving along! Good luck with the rest of the administrative side of things… Mel
Thanks! There is so much do to but it’s all very exciting. xx