ClareW

Once a visa is granted and validated, how soon before you actually have to migrate? could we spend a month or so there and then come back for even a year or two before the big move?

Don't particularly want to do it this way - just covering all the bases.....!

kiwichild

I think this may depend on the visa you have been issued (don't take that as gospel tho). I have heard for instance that a 457 visa is only valid for one year from date of issue.

Maybe this link might help or else contact the Australian High Commision in London.

http://www.immi.gov.au/e_visa/index.htm

Hope that helps

ClareW

Thanks. Am applying for a Spouse visa.

JAJ

It does depend on the visa concerned. A 457 visa can be valid for up to 4 years - but you have to move quickly as you are expected to work for your employer.

Normally permanent visas are valid for 5 years from grant, but you need to move within 3 as they expect you to clock up 2 years in Australia in this time. Otherwise you'll face hassles.

Spouse visa - it depends on whether you get the permanent visa straight away or not.
On the temporary visa there can be complexities if you don't move quickly, but no-one will worry about a month or two's delay.

The link is only about which visas can be applied for electronically so it's not clear how it helps at all.

As for contacting the Australian High Commission in London, the first challenge is going to be getting a real person to speak to you, the second challenge is whether the advice given will be correct or not.

Jeremy

ClareW

Thanks for this. The mists are slowly clearing......!