I couldn't see this in FAQ's but might have missed it.

How long does the application process take? From filling in the first form to acceptance?

Cheers

How long is a piece of string?Springs to mind.From what I gather everbodys applications take different times due to different circumstances.I.E.how quick will the medical appointments be?Police clearances how chequered is the histories of the applicants etc.

I came to Aus on a spouse visa that took about 14 weeks.somebody else that I know of with a similar background to myself theirs took 6 weeks.I think it depends on how good they are feeling in Aus house at the time as well.

Oh right - I thought it was more like years rather than weeks.

Many thanks for that.

Does it help with the application if you've been to Oz on holiday first?

Oh yes! They love it if you've been on holiday to Oz. If you spent over $2000 AUD whilst there, your application gets fast tracked, so keep your receipts

Sorry I dont mean this to sound like Im having a go...but are you being serious...?

Do they care if you've been there before..

Don't get me wrong please Spouse visas may take weeks(I married an Aussie in the U.K.)Other visas such as skilled ones could take a couple of years,you maybe best to speak to a migration consultant there has been a couple recommended on here somewhere.I am by no means an expert on here just speaking from my own personal experience,so don't take my word for it.

I'll do that Chris, I'm really thinking about this seriously so I suppose it wont do any harm to get something started if I have to wait a while.

The other bit about keeping receipts, it was a while ago that I went and didn't keep receipts. I wish I'd known about that then.

Hi Lippy,
Think you can take the receipts comment with the proverbial pinch of salt (unless you are on a spouse visa and they prove you were there together!).
tell us what visa you are hoping to get, and someone here is bound to be on the same one and can give you a realistic timeline.

Lippy
Ignore This About reciepts etc.
It is an obvious wind up.
By a 'first time' poster as well

G

lol...obvious wind up - wasn't obvious to me ha ha

some people hey!!

Don't worry everyone is entitled to a blonde day now n then!!!


Love Boomie
xx

Depend's on what visa your going for !

need to be more specific !

all the best plum

A work visa I would guess, we are both professionals in our own fields.

I am a Kiwi so came in with an 'electronic visa'. My UK-born wife came as a subclass off of my visa, and this apparently simple process still took around 18 months. (Longer than normal due to a medical test showing up something the Australian authorities wanted double-checking).

Robbie

are there any benefits of using an agency? some people here have mentioned them