British Expats - New user

Hello to all

First post to this site, although have browsed for a couple of months now. For me, as with a few others its pay back time. I have gained valuable info here, although didn't find the site until after application had been sent. I guess my reasons for not posting sooner were based around concerns as to who looks in and cos this is so important was fearful of rejection in any way.

Anyway, we (wife and kids 12, 8 and 6) now have a visa stickers in our passports, (checked again this morning, still there!!) our details are below, (have also updated on timeline web page)

Assessed by TRA June 01- Electronic Equipment Tradesperson
Applied London July 01
Acknowledgement Aug 01
Request for medicals/police checks Mar 02
Submitted medicals/police checks May 02
Received notification of visa grant June 02
Visas stuck in June 10th 02

I have seen people who applied before me still waiting, however, my only explanation as to why I have been processed is that my occupation appeared in the fasttrack note on the London AHC website as to those jobs that were IT related, Although not processed as quickly as the ACS bods, I was assessed by the TRA as my role was on this list and I was probably at the "bottom" of the fasttracks.

I have lots of info to share, some of which I hope is useful to all the posters here.

We have emigrated before, to Perth, back in 1988, came back after 2 and a half years, really regretted not taking out citizenship, would have been a lot easier this time. Had an fantastic time there, our son was born in Subiaco and we got a bit homesick so decided to return. We thought this time around, this could go against us as these visas are sooo precious, and we guessed that AHC may take the opinion that hey we gave you one last time and you came back why should we consider you again. Willing to share what I know of Perth with you guys, although it will have changed a lot in 10 years.

We had a big obstacle to overcome re the medicals. This was always in the back of our minds right through the process. Our daughter, she is nearly 8 and has had juvenile arthritis since she was nearly 2. We provided her medical history and reports to the panel doc. Her condition is well controlled with drugs and I guess this is the key that AHC look for here when considering to rant or not ie; well controlled/managed, not expensive to treat. Anyway she sailed through. A bit ironic in that it was my wife who had the problems, doc wanted to know why she was on pills to control her monthlys. Basically we went away saw a consultant provided some specialist reports to demonstrate that it wasn't serious. Got stressed out though, thinking what if something is seriously wrong, because by taking the pills all you're doing is controlling the effect and not looking at the cause.

Surprisingly, we haven't been requested to do a medical undertaking. Also interestingly when we received the visa letter stating that we were successful, it wasn't as I understand it a pre grant ie send us change of circumstances. it was come and get 'em.

From our experience, I can honestly say that having a network of friends/contacts when you arrive, is one of the key things that will help you in the early days, once the euphoria of arriving has worn off. So we're looking to make contact with as many as you as possible before/after we arrive in Perth (Jan 03).

To all those still waiting, keep the faith, stay positive, it WILL happen

Finch