I know someone who got permanent residency despite having a record for GBH. Hope this gives you some reassurance.

Thanks, yes thats quite reassuring. Do you know if he had any other convictions aswell? or was it just that on its own

I don't know of any other convictions. I remember on that programme 'get a new life down under' that the husband of one of the women in it had convictions or something and if I remember correctly he had discrepancies regarding ID or something. I think unless you are a murderer or rapist or have been associated with terrorists there shouldn't be any problem getting a visa.

yes you will need to get character refs...

Yes i got about ten a few of my mates lied and said i was a decent bloke . One mate is a C I D officer so that helped and the rest just had good jobs and said that i had changed and how responsible i was etc, etc. I had 4 different convictions and yet here we are living and loving the Gold coast. Good luck hope it all works out for you .

thanks, that makes us feel better

how long have you been on the gold coast? is it really good? we are looking to go somewhere Brisbane way. How long did it take for your main application to come back? we are just at TRA stage at the moment.

my hubby has a drink driving conviction from when he was 18 (19 years ago) he has done a statutory declaration to say he regrets what he did and has never done anything like that since and won't do in future.....will he also need character references????

cheers Jackie x

It wouldnt hurt to get one or two from other people as well,saves time mucking about if they want some and you havent sent them,and they come back to you to ask for them. That could add a month or 2 by the time paperwork and post is sorted.