Jamesy

Off to validate our visas, leaving Sunday. Can anyone tell me what the process is when you get to the airport, do you have to go to immigration?

Thanks

bondipom

You go to immigration along with all the tourists and pommie refos.

WBB

you just go through in the usual way and enjoy your holiday.

Jamesy

Thanks, so they don't stamp it to confirm the validation then? Or is it just the bog standard arrival stamp?

Was expecting digital sign with population number to increase by 3...

(only kidding!)

WBB

they should just stamp it as normal, no fanfare no welcome to australia.

bondipom

Same stamp as everyone else.

migrantoz

You do have to fill in a card and tick a box that states you are migrating permanently even though you are only visiting this time. As far as immigration are concerned you are a new immigrant. You also have to fill them in for the kids.
We found it a bit strange saying that when we were really just on holiday.
They do scan you passport electronically and stamp it. The scanning presumably means big brother is aware whether you are in the country or not.

We were asked why we were emigrating by the immigration person stamping it but it didn't feel like an interrogation. More like just polite chat, he even came over after and helped us load our suitcases onto the trolleys.