Hi, hoping for a bit of advice please

We're planning to move to Adelaide under the SIR visa scheme. We've obtained sponsorship from the SA state government but have yet to lodge our visa application with DIMIA - reason being we won't realistically be able to move until mid-2008 and the DIMIA website indicates that visas are processed in as little as 7 months.

Is this an accurate processing time or does it take longer in reality?

My concern is that the 3 year visa starts from date of issue (is this correct?) and so if we apply too soon and can't leave until mid-08 then we'll lose the best part of a year from the visa.

At the same time we're keen to get the visa "in the bag" before they change the rules again!

Any advice gratefully received.

regards,
Greg

The visa is validated upon first entry into Australia. We arrived on a SIR visa on 28/9/05, and are in Qld. We used a migration agent and had a few problems obtaining the visa, the whole process for us took 10 months. It just depends on your individual circumstances. Good luck whatever you decide.

BB

We arrived on SIR 3/09/06 and starts when you arrive. If you apply just now, dimia give you a date when to arrive by. If you go beyond that date then I don't no the answer. You would be better on the immigration forum where you will recieve better and more informed replies
from JAJ. He could even move your post for you if hes listening. Good luck

BB, Where are you in Qld. We're in Mackay. Can you not apply for PR if you've been working for a year. I thought after a years work you could apply even though you are meant to be in a regional area for 2 years. Don't know if it would be granted but maybee worth a try and when you apply you are then eligible for medicare

On a SIR visa you have to wait 2 years, sorry.

Unless you can find an employer to nominate you under the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme and you lodge an application under the offshore RSMS category ...

Best regards.

Hi A,
WE are in sunny Bundaberg, and as JAJ and Alan state we have to wait the two years to appy for PR. We arde fortunate though as we have completed all the requirements of this VISA and are now just waiting for the two year period to complete. How is Mackay? Heard there is a housing shortage up there due to the mines. We would love to tour right up to Cairns area, but are too busy working at the moment.
Cheers

BB

Quite so, but this only applies if you go RSMS instead of SIR. Which is advisable wherever possible.

The three year validity period of a SIR visa starts when it is granted

Hi Greg

We were sponsored by the Great southern (in WA) in March of 2005 and we were granted our visas in September 2006, so yes it seems quite accurate. I agree about getting your visa accepted before the rules change. That's how we ended up going for the SIR because when we first applied we could go wherever we wanted to, then the rules changed! Still, I'm not complaining as looking back it's turned out right for us. We live in Albany which is about 250 miles south of Perth.

Good luck, Sandra

We are going to Adelaide on SIR and the three year period starts when you validate, not when the visa is granted. You must also validate within 1 year from the date of your medicals / police checks (which ever is the earliest).
Paul

Actually Jeremy it seems that the 3 year validity period of the SIR visa starts from the date the visa is validated upon actual first entry to Australia ...

I thought the validity period of a 495 visa was as you have stated. However, there appears to have been some confusion on the part of the ASPC but 3 years from actual initial entry now seems to be the "party line" from the Department ... see here for some background:
http://z2.invisionfree.com/Adelaideb...howtopic=23723

Best regards.

hi greg,
i am new to this forum. I need inforamtion abt SIR Visa. how you got approved SIR Visa . Please share your experience ,so that everyone can know about getting SIR Visa sponsor including me.
thanks in advance

That is a very broad question.

I suggest you start at the immi.gov.au website (do a search for "SIR visa" at that website) ... the first step is for you to consider whether you have an occupation that is:

1. Skilled, and

2. Likely to lead to a sponsorship from a State or Territory Government.

Consider also the other basic requirements of general skilled migration, including the need for a positive skills assessment classification, English language competencies at the required level, and whether you can secure the required level of points for an SIR visa.

A bit more research is needed on your part I think ...

Best regards.

Hi BB, Mackay has a severe rental shortage and rents are going through the roof. Horror stories of people living in tents and garages etc. We won't be leaving here within 2 years and O/H is working full time so don't envisage any probs on that score. (Don't know abt homesickness on my part) Bundy rum and ginger beer. Mackay is a nice town and ppl very friendly. Its slightly cooler than most of the north. People have come here for work and commute to the mines hence housing shortage but O/H is boilermaker so plenty of work.