Pommy Dan

Ceremonies are generally held at local council 'town halls'.

My local council publishes the dates of upcoming ceremonies on it's website.

Maybe check your local council website for those. At least you'll know how often the ceremonies are held.

utojo

My local council and neighbour's council also don't have a date mentioned on council calender for the ceremony.

I think I just need to wait...wait... and wait.

PS: in my case from application online submitted till approval letter only took 1 month more or less.

johnnye

Hey Daunted,

congrats on your approval.

I phoned the DIAC help line today and found out that they have assigned me a ceremony on Jul 14th, they did this 2 days ago. They said to call back at the end of next week if I had not received the letter. I know for a fact my council has a ceremony on that date - I checked a few weeks ago.

daunted

Congrats Johnye - our shires next ceremony date is in October so that will hopefully be our time - nothing happens quickly hey x

Pommy Dan

Had my test and interview in Melbourne yesterday. Passed the test with a 95% score, got one wrong - they don't tell you which one.
A relatively painless process, was in and out in 30 minutes.
Now I await their final decision.

Nimra

Dan,
would you plz write what did they ask u in interview? n how long it took from application lodgment to test date?
thanks
nim

Pommy Dan

Interview was bAsically going through a few details on my form. How long have I known the person who countersigned my photo and am I sure I've not been in trouble with the police.

She verified the original documents of those that I submitted with the application (passport, birth certificate, utility bill and driving license) and took fresh copies. She showed my my file on the screen and took a photo of me.

I got the impression that if I hadn't struck up conversation, she wouldn't have.

I sent my paper application on 2 June I think ,then test was on 24 June so a 3 week lead time there.

Between another 2 and 6 weeks to make a decision, then it is up to your local council ceremony schedule.

Nimra

Thanks Dan for your detailed reply, wish u good luck.

Dorothy

You can also ring your concil and ask if it's not published on their website.

johnnye

So, finally got the ceremony invitation letter through today.

Applied 22 March
Test 18 Apr
Approved 29 Apr
Ceremony 14 Jul

daunted

Great news mate - so I will be expecting my party invitation in the post!

johnnye

If you weren't the other side of the country you could come to the ceremony.

utojo

Hi all,

I have received the ceremony invitation letter last weekend. Yipeee...

Timeline:
Online application: 8 May 11
Interview and test at Perth DIAC: 23 May 11
Approval letter: 1 June 11
Ceremony: 10 Aug 11

zimbo70

Hi,

Please could someone let me know when you go for the test do just have to take original papers or do have to get them copied and certified. Doing mine on the 14th in Cairns. Also are the questions same as the practice ones? Thanks

utojo

Hi, you should bring all the original papers which listed in your checklist when applied online or when submitted by scanned before. In there, they will verify and copied if necessary.

Yes, the questions are similar but not the same. Do read the book and you will be fine.