Hi y'all!

I am trying to work out the best way to play my visa application and could really use some advice.

Basically I am going to be in deepest/darkest Africa (would you believe) for the first 3 months of 2005. I will not be contactable. Would it be best to apply for the skilled designated area visa as soon as possible in the hope that I get the request for med and police checks well before the end of this year, or would you think it better to wait until just before I go to apply (and then hope they don't contact me while I am still away)? I would hire a migration agent but can't really afford one.

Has anyone been asked for the meds/police checks in less than 4 months from the time there first application was acknowledged?

Cheers for all helpful pointers!

Jamie

Hi there
As far as I'm aware 139's (designated area) are being processed fairly quickly in 3-6 months. Don't think they tend to take much more than that so if you applied now by rights you should have an idea. We applied on 139 in Jan and had our request for meds in Feb. Best of luck.

Hi baronj

sort out your assessing body and get that going asap.

Once that is back, apply STNI and have the meds and police check done to go in as one complete pack, front end loading the application.

That should get thing moving!!!

Bye
Mark

thanks guys; one more idea though - do you think I should be informing DIMIA that i'll be uncontactable for 3/4 months or would this jeopardize my application? Would they be flexible on the dates for the medical if i asked them nicely (assuming I take the med after i come back (i.e. around this time next year)?